5 Best Dental Assistant Schools in St. Louis, MO

Midwest Institute offers training and educates students in the medical field.

It provides 5 hands-on training and online healthcare programs tailored to some of the fastest-growing industries.

For more than 55 years, Midwest Institute has served as a private educational institution in the St. Louis community, establishing a reputable legacy in training medical professionals.

Its commitment to excellence extends over four decades, providing comprehensive education to medical students through both online platforms and traditional classrooms.

Midwest Institute graduates enjoy a high placement success rate, thriving in various healthcare careers.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Midwest Institute’s Dental Assistant training is a comprehensive program that equips students with the confidence and skills to succeed.

The state-of-the-art dental assistant classes go beyond conventional training.

It integrates cutting-edge equipment with a complete dental operatory, creating a virtual dental office that mirrors the work environment.

Students will engage in constant one-on-one interaction to grasp the distinction of equipment and stay updated on the latest techniques in the dynamic field of dentistry.

Here are the skills students will acquire throughout the program:

• Seating patients in the treatment area.
• Passing instruments to the dentist during procedures.
• Sterilizing and preparing instruments.
• Taking impressions of teeth.
• Polishing crowns.
• Taking and developing X-rays.
• Assisting with infection control standards.
• Ensuring patient comfort and preparation for treatments.
• Managing billing, payment, scheduling appointments, and more.

ABHES institutionally accredits the program. Graduates are eligible for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) Certification and Missouri’s “Basic Skills” examinations.

The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examination by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) is also available for all graduates.

Center For Advanced Dental Assisting (CADA) is one of the leading dental assisting schools in the St. Louis, MO area.

The school provides a rapid pathway into the dental field, offering abundant growth opportunities, attractive hours, and a vibrant workplace.

CADA’s program is affordable, offering an easy and enjoyable learning experience without a lengthy college degree.

Students will learn from like-minded doctors and professionals dedicated to their success.

It ensures students have the fundamental knowledge to thrive in a dynamic dental office.

About The Dental Assisting Program

CADA’s Dental Assisting is a 10-week program designed to equip graduates for success in their future roles.

This program provides students with the tools and knowledge necessary to impact any dental office immediately.

It focuses on the latest technology in digital dentistry, ensuring that students are well-versed in current practices.

Beyond technical skills, the program teaches essential job-seeking skills, including resume drafting and positioning strategies, to make you an ideal candidate for any dental office.

Here’s an affordable payment option for the program:

• 10-Week Payment Plan: 10 weekly payments of $359.50 (Registration cost: $355)
• 6-Month Payment Plan: 6 monthly payments of $649.16 (Registration cost: $355)
• One-Time Investment: Pay once at $3,650 (Save $600) or $3,950 with waived registration cost.

Upon completing the 10-week program, CADA supports placing you in the perfect dental office, marking the beginning of your rewarding dental career.

St. Louis Community College (STLCC) remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible opportunities for all despite an era of economic shift and rising higher education costs.

As the largest higher education institution in the region, STLCC has been a catalyst for change since 1962.

Its mission is more than academic enrichment; it helps uplift individuals, communities, and the city of St. Louis through transformative education.

STLCC provides diverse educational pathways, including associate degrees, certificates, college transfer programs, career development, and workforce training.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1966, STLCC’s commitment to excellence is reaffirmed through comprehensive evaluations.

Institutional accreditation and program-specific accreditations ensure the quality and value of your educational investment.

About The Dental Assisting Program

STLCC’s Dental Assisting Program is a 10-month, full-time program commencing every fall semester.

The program is a comprehensive education utilizing the latest procedures and technologies.

It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this dynamic field.

The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, providing students with a comprehensive and balanced education.

Some of the courses included in the curriculum are:

• Chairside Assisting: Operative Dentistry
• Preclinical Practice
• Dental Terminology
• Infection Control in Dentistry
• Fundamentals of Chairside Assisting
• Dental Radiology I & II
• Dental Office Procedures
• Dental Assisting Practicum
• Dental Systems Management
• Dental Lab Procedures
• Integrated Dental Sciences
• Preventive Dental Health
• Expanded Functions I-III
• Clinical Applications I & II

Upon completion, graduates can take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), a recognized certification.

St. Charles Community College (SCC) is a public two-year community college established in 1986 and formerly the Junior College District of St. Charles County, Mo.

It evolved into Missouri’s 11th community college district.

From its inception with around 400 students in 1987, SCC rapidly expanded, offering credit and non-credit programs tailored to community needs.

It provides diverse transfer opportunities, associate degrees, and certificate programs spanning the arts, business, sciences, and career-technical fields.

The school’s commitment is more than academic excellence; it enriches community engagement through workforce training, personal and professional development, and more.

SCC takes pride in its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

About The Dental Assisting Program

St. Charles Community College’s Dental Assisting Program is offered through the Health Occupations Department.

In just under four months, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills essential for success as a dental assistant.

It empowers students to secure a fulfilling job to support their families and enhance their financial stability.

The self-paced, online format allows students to complete coursework, including the externship.

The externship provides invaluable hands-on experience.

Collaborating with local dentists, Career Step ensures real-world, hands-on experience for students.

A 100-hour externship at partner facilities is a mandatory component of the program.

The program covers various topics, including:

• Dental Ethics
• Instrument Processing and Sterilization
• Preventative and General Dentistry
• Anesthesia and Pain Control
• Endodontics and Orthodontics
• Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
• Financial Management in the Dental Office and more.

Successful completion qualifies learners to sit for the American Medical Technologists (AMT) RDA exam.

It prepares them for the NELDA component exams (AMP, ICE, and RHS), facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce.

Dental Assisting West County (DAWC ) is an educational institution offering a dental assisting program.

Dr. Mark Ortinau leads it with over 40 years of experience in family dentistry.

He also participates in professional organizations like the Missouri Dental Association, American Dental Association, and Greater St. Louis Dental Society.

The school operates within a 2,800-square-foot dental office with seven well-equipped dental and treatment rooms.

The rooms are furnished with cutting-edge Adec dental units, periapical and panoramic X-ray units, a model trimmer, dental molds, tooth models, dental instruments, computers, and dental materials and supplies.

This cutting-edge equipment ensures students will be well-rounded learners.

Classe will be in the office reception room, comfortably accommodating up to 20 students.

About The Dental Assisting Program

DAWC’s Dental Assisting program is an intensive 10-week dental assisting training course that prepares students for a rewarding career in a dental office.

Seasoned dental professionals lead the classes in its state-of-the-art facilities.

It offers hands-on experiences with the latest equipment and contemporary teaching methods.

The program combines lectures (60%), hands-on training (30%), and lab work (10%),  to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

Here’s a glimpse of the program’s highlights:

• Introduction to Terminology and Equipment
• Comprehensive Dental Techniques Day
• Radiology Mastery Day
• Amalgam & Composite Skills Day
• Cements and Impressions Day
• Mid-Term Exam Day
• Crown & Bridge Techniques Day
• Office Management and Compliance Day
• Specialized Procedures Day
• Final Examination and Graduation Day

The program’s total cost is $3100, which covers tuition, lab materials, and books.

DAWC also offers financial assistance or extended financing via CareCredit Healthcare Finance.