Dental Assisting
Are you ready to start a rewarding career in the dental industry? Our Dental Assisting Program in Arizona is designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge for anyone aspiring to become a professional dental assistant. With 180 required externship hours, students gain real-world experience working in dental practices across Arizona, preparing for various roles in the dental field.
This comprehensive program will train you to assist dental professionals with:
- Dental examinations and patient care
- Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments
- Performing coronal polishing procedures
- Taking and processing X-rays
- Taking impressions of teeth
By the end of the program, students will be equipped with the skills needed to seek industry-recognized certifications like the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety Certification and the Coronal Polish Certificate, increasing their qualifications and employability.
CAREER PATHWAYS*
The Dental Assisting Program prepares you for diverse career opportunities in Arizona. Whether you're interested in hands-on clinical work or administrative support, there are numerous roles to explore, such as:
Dental Assistant
Orthodontic Assistant
Dental Hygiene Assistant
Dental Infection Control Technician
Dental Aesthetics Assistant
Why Become a Dental Assistant?
Our Dental Assisting Program is specifically tailored for students in Arizona, with externships that place you in local dental practices. You’ll receive practical training and experience that reflects the real-world demands of Arizona’s dental industry.
Upon completing the program, you will be well-equipped to take on certifications that are highly valued by employers in Arizona, such as:
- Radiation Health and Safety Certification (DANB)
- Coronal Polish Certification
Our mission is to provide you with the necessary education and hands-on experience to thrive in Arizona's competitive dental job market.
*Learn more about the healthcare sector growth and the labor market in the state of Arizona. Check market statistics including job growth for dental assisting in Arizona.
FUNDING RESOURCES
The Dental Assisting program is a Federal Student Aid eligible program. Students should complete their FAFSA with our Federal School Code: 042472. This program is also approved by the Arizona State Approving Agency for GI Bill® Education Benefits.
Privacy Policy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
PROGRAM LENGTH
780 clock hours
SCHEDULE
Northwest Campus:
Monday - Thursday, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Southwest Campus:
Monday - Thursday, 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM
START DATE
Northwest Campus: September 2026
Southwest Campus: February 2027
LOCATION
West-MEC Northwest Campus
13201 W. Grand Avenue
Surprise, AZ 85374
Campus Directions
West-MEC Southwest Campus
500 N Verrado Way
Buckeye, AZ 85326
Campus Directions
TUITION & FEES
Application Fee: $50.00
Program of Study: $11,185.00
Cost of Attendance
RESOURCES
Steps to Apply
Adult Programs Catalog & Student Handbook
Annual Security Report
CALENDAR
Southwest Campus - Evening Calendar
Northwest Campus - Evening Calendar
SOCIAL MEDIA
Adult Education Facebook
Adult Education Twitter
Adult Education LinkedIn
CONTACT US
623.738.0046
adulted@west-mec.edu

