The Online Dental Assistant Entry Level Program

Prepare for NELDA certification and take the next steps toward DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification with Eastern CPR's online Dental Assistant Training.

Dental Assistant Training Online

Our flexible, online Dental Assistant Program is designed to help you prepare to build the skills to start a new career.

Through our courses, you’ll build clinical and academic knowledge that aligns with industry-recognized certification exams like the National Entry-Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) component exams through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Your coursework will help prepare you to sit for the American Medical Technologist (AMT) Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification, allowing you to build a strong resume.

5 Reasons to Complete Your Dental Assistant Training With Eastern CPR Career Programs

Learn around your schedule.

Our program is self-paced so you can learn new skills around your schedule. You’ll have 12 months of full program access to complete your courses.

Flexible payment options.

You can pay for your program up front, or we also offer payment plans if needed.

Get certified.

The Dental Assistant Program can help you prepare for NELDA or AMT Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification, and is the first step on the pathway toward earning your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.

Focus on the Future

Becoming a dental assistant can be a very rewarding and stable career, offering consistent work hours and competitive pay.*

Love what you do.

Dental assistants make a difference! You can prepare for a rewarding job you love – all from home.

1. Start today.

Begin your training right now – no waiting.

2. Learn your way.

Complete your training on your own terms.

3. Get certification-ready.

With industry-relevant training and certification.

Ready to Dive In?

Find out more about program discounts and monthly payment plan options

by speaking to our expert Career Advisors today!

What You'll Learn

This program delivers on all fronts: skills-based training, in-depth knowledge, and comprehensive certification prep. Everything you need to start your dental assistant career.

Intro & Ethics

Get your bearings. Learn what dental assisting entails, including essential skills and strategies, certifications, and roles within the dental healthcare team.

Anatomy & Dentistry Principles

Learn all about the teeth and tissues, disease transmission, hygiene, and the procedures used to provide dental care.

Instrument Use & Care

Identify dental instruments and their uses, and learn how to clean and care for these tools.

Soft Skills

Discover the value of soft skills in the workplace and learn to develop them in real-world settings.

Dental Assistant Program FAQs

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants provide dentists with chairside support during exams and procedures; greet, seat, and situate patients; sterilize and prepare instruments; take dental impressions; manage office records; schedule and confirm appointments; advise patients on basic at-home oral care; and sometimes take X-rays.

What are dental assistants not allowed to do?

It varies by state, but most dental assistants cannot administer anesthesia or perform most direct-contact dental procedures. Your employer will clarify.

What do I need to do to get NELDA certified?

The National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) has 3 component exams: the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, the Infection Control Exam (ICE), and the Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP) exam. Your Eastern CPR Career Program's Dental Assistant Program will prepare you to sit for the full NELDA certification. Once you have completed all three of the NELDA component exams, you will need to meet the work experience requirement criteria of 300 hours, to meet the full NELDA certification.

What do I need to do to get my CDA certification?

Before you can sit for your DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate, you’ll need to:

🟦 Pass the RHS and ICE components of the NELDA exam

🟦 3,500 hours of work experience

🟦 Pass the General Chair Assisting exam

Your Eastern CPR Career Programs Dental Assistant program prepares you to sit for the three exam components of the NELDA certification and includes the coursework for your General Chair Assisting exam- which is required for CDA certification.

What do I need to do to get my RDA certification?

Our Dental Assistant Program helps you prepare for the AMT Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam both through your course curriculum and by helping you prepare for an entry level job as a dental assistant. To qualify to take the RDA exam, you’ll need to meet one of the following criteria:

🟦 Graduate from, or be scheduled to graduate from an accredited or approved dental program

🟦 Complete a military dental training dental program and have a minimum of 1 year of experience as a dental assistant.

🟦 Or have a minimum of three years (5,250 hours) experience working as a dental assistant.

Prepare for a New Career.

This online dental assistant program includes training designed by experts in the field, aligned to industry-recognized certification exams to help you better prepare to take the next steps toward a rewarding career in the dental industry.

$3,799.00 for full program access

Need a Hand With the Fee? We Got Your Back.

Payment Plans

We offer flexible and affordable payment plans for those who need it. When you schedule a consultation, a member of our Career Team will reach out to you and can provide more details about our payment plans.