Make someone smile with a career as a Certified Dental Assistant.

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 to prepare you for national certification.

This comprehensive six-month, four-part program prepares students to pass Dental Assisting Parts One and Two, Dental Office Administration, and the 50-hour Dental Internship for program completion. Our Dental Assisting Part II (radiology) and Enhanced Functions programs are approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.

Job Outlook

According to the Department of Labor, the employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 56,400 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. New workers start around $32,410.

Normal pay is $46,447 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $62,925.

Scheduled Information Sessions

Join us for a FREE Dental Assisting Orientation on the first Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m. (holidays may alter dates or times).

To receive the most current information, attendance is required immediately prior to class participation.

Sessions are conveniently conducted via Zoom: https://pgcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96074746688.  

Click here to access the Zoom event. If participating by telephone, please dial 1-301-715-8592 (Wash. DC); 1-929-205-6099 (NY) or 1-312-626-6799 (Chicago).

Session dates are as follows. Attendance to only one of these sessions is required. 
July 3, August 8, September 18, October 2, November 6, December 4, and January 8, 2024 (10-11 a.m.)

 

Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
  • Provide proof of high school diploma or GED.
  • Computer with internet access.
  • Provide proof of current health insurance.
  • Provide proof of COVID-19 immunizations.
  • Proof of Accuplacer Minimum Reading score of 237, or proof of college credits, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for recent graduates, or high SAT/ACT scores.
  • CPR (American Heart Association BLS Health Provider or CPR-307 CPR for the Health Professional).
  • Ability to speak and understand American English.
  • Textbooks (required):
    • Modern Dental Assisting Bundle (ISBN: 9780443308260). Available at the College Bookstore.
CastleBranch Information

Castle Branch Registration for Dental Internship

To view the CastleBranch requirements rubric, please click here. 

CastleBranch's video FAQ library covers various topics designed to answer students' most frequently asked questions, such as obtaining package codes and placing orders. You can also read their FAQs in a written format.

You will be prompted to create a CastleBranch myCB account. From within myCB, you will be able to view order results, management requirements, complete tasks, upload documents, and place additional orders.

For additional support, you can email CastleBranch's help desk at studentservices@castlebranch.com or contact their help line at 1-888-666-7788.

Required Courses
  • HES 690 - Introduction to Dental Assisting Part 1
  • HES 708 - Introduction to Dental Assisting Part 2
  • HES 727 - Dental Office Administration
  • HES 728 - Dental Assisting Internship(Optional)
Schedule

HES 702 - 03929 - Expanded Functions | 8/26 - 11/18 | 9am- 12:15pm | CHS 2103

Please contact Adrienne Crowell for specific information regarding fall course schedules at crowelam@pgcc.edu or wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu.

Workforce Certifications
Contact Information

To register, all prerequisites must be submitted five business days in advance. Contact the Program Coordinator for details.

Program Coordinator: Adrienne Crowell
Email: crowelam@pgcc.edu