Make someone smile with a career as a certified dental assistant.

Provide dental care, work with dentists, and use advanced equipment. 

Dental assistants are highly skilled professionals who work closely with dentists to provide patient care, take X-rays, maintain records, and schedule appointments. We provide quality training and hands-on lab experiences using state-of-the-art dental equipment.

Get Prepared for a National Certification

This comprehensive four-month, three-part program presents Introduction to Dental Assisting, Radiology, and Dental Office Administration. Our sequence of courses prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification exam to become Certified Dental Assistants.

Job Outlook and Salaries

According to the Outlook Occupational Handbook, dental assistants make a national average of $46,540 annually (2023). The job growth is projected to increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations, and employers expect 54,900 job openings each year.

In Prince George's County, MD, dental assistants earn a median annual salary of $46,447 (Career Coach).

Program Information

Those interested in this program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Have a computer with internet access.
  • Complete the following CPR courses: American Heart Association BLS Health Provider or CPR-307 CPR for the Health Professional.
  • Ability to speak and understand American English.
  • Proof of Accuplacer minimum reading score of 237, proof of college credits, or a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher for recent high school graduates (within five years at a U.S. high school). (Official final transcripts must be sent to the Registration Office to be placed on the student's record.)

Scheduled Information Sessions

We offer free virtual information sessions for those interested in this program. Ask questions, learn more about program requirements, and get more details on certificates and certifications.

Meeting Details
Sessions are held every third Wednesday of the month from 2:45-3:15 p.m.

JOIN VIA ZOOM

Spring 2025 Courses

DEN-340-14602 Introduction to Dental Assisting, Part 1

Dates: 1/22/2025 - 3/24/2025 | Meets Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Center for Health Studies, Room 2103 (Largo campus)

DEN-341-14603 Introduction to Dental Assisting, Part 2 - Radiology

Prerequisite: DEN-340
Dates: 3/31/2025 - 5/12/2025 | Meets Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Center for Health Studies, Room 2103 (Largo campus)

DEN-342-14604 Dental Office Administration

Prerequisite: DEN-341
Dates: 5/19/2025 - 6/30/2025 | Meets Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Center for Health Studies, Room 2103 (Largo campus)

See also

Dental Assisting National Board

Maryland State Dental Association

Contact Us

301-546-0879 | wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu
patterrn@pgcc.edu

Want to learn more?
Visit our Allied Health and Nursing page.