YOUR CAREER STARTS HERE
Discover Our Dental Assistant Program in Little Rock
WHAT TO EXPECT
A Program Built Around Your Future
Choosing the right dental assistant program is about more than just learning new skills. It’s about finding an education that prepares you for what comes next. At Avid Dental Academy, every part of our 13-week hybrid program is designed to help you build the knowledge, experience, and professional foundation needed to begin a career in dental assisting.
Online Coursework
Throughout the program, students complete self-directed online coursework that builds the foundational knowledge needed for success in dental assisting. Lessons are designed to prepare students for clinical immersion by introducing the concepts, procedures, and terminology they’ll put into practice during hands-on training.
Clinical Immersion
Avid Dental Academy’s Clinical Immersion Model gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills inside Arkansas Family Dental, an active private practice. By learning alongside experienced dental professionals, students gain firsthand exposure to patient interactions and the day-to-day operations of a real clinical environment while strengthening the skills they’ll use throughout their careers.
Externship Experience
As students near the completion of the program, they participate in a supervised externship that brings together everything they’ve learned. This real-world experience reinforces the knowledge and practical skills developed throughout the program while helping students prepare for the transition into a professional dental assisting role.
Why choose us
Is This Program Right for You?
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a fresh start, Avid Dental Academy is designed for motivated individuals who are ready to learn and grow. If you’re excited about working in a healthcare environment and committed to building a future in dental assisting, this program could be right for you.
Recent High School Graduates
If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional four-year degree, Avid Dental Academy can help you begin your professional journey sooner. Our program prepares students with the knowledge and experience needed to start a career as a dental assistant in just 13 weeks.
Career Changers
It’s never too late to pursue a new direction. Whether you’re looking for a more rewarding career or a fresh opportunity in healthcare, our program helps you build the knowledge and skills you need to confidently transition into dental assisting.
No Previous Experience Required
No previous dental experience is required. Our program is designed to teach students from the ground up, providing the education, guidance, and experience needed to prepare for a career in dental assisting.
develop the foundational skills
What You'll Learn in Our Dental Assisting School in Arkansas
The knowledge and skills you gain today can shape the opportunities available to you tomorrow. At Avid Dental Academy, students learn the clinical skills and industry knowledge needed to prepare for a career in dental assisting.
Prepare for Life in a Dental Practice
Success in dental assisting also means understanding the people side of the profession. Communication, professionalism, and patient care are all essential to creating a positive experience for every patient.
Build the Skills Every Dental Assistant Needs
Students develop the clinical skills needed to assist dentists, support patients, and contribute to the day-to-day care provided in a modern dental practice.
Expand Your Experience
Clinical immersion at Arkansas Family Dental gives students exposure to a wider range of equipment, technology, and procedures, helping them better understand the realities of working in today’s dental practices.
BUILDING YOUR SUCCESS
Your 13-Week Journey
Program Length: 13 Weeks
Total Clock Hours: 131 Hours
- Lecture/Theory: 29 Hours
- Clinical Immersion: 52 Hours
- Externship Experience: 50 Hours
Beginning a new career is an exciting journey, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Here’s a look at how your time at Avid Dental Academy is structured from your first week through graduation.
Week One
Begin your journey with foundational online coursework while starting clinical immersion through infection control, operatory setup, instrument identification, and essential dental assisting skills.
Week 2-4
Continue building your knowledge through online coursework while strengthening your clinical skills through radiography, dental anatomy, impressions, and additional hands-on experiences.
Weeks 5-8
Expand your experience through restorative concepts, dental materials, prosthodontics, and continued clinical immersion within an active dental practice.
Weeks 9–11
Continue developing your skills while gaining exposure to additional clinical procedures, patient care concepts, career readiness, and CPR/BLS training.
Weeks 12-13
Complete final reviews, practical evaluations, theory exams, and your supervised externship, bringing together everything you’ve learned throughout the program before graduation.
CERTIFICATIONS
Graduate With More Than Experience
Completing the program is an important milestone, but it’s not the only achievement you’ll earn along the way. As you meet program requirements, you’ll earn industry-recognized certificates that reflect your training and help strengthen your qualifications for opportunities in dental assisting.
Dental Assisting Certificate of Completion
Upon successfully completing the program, students receive a Dental Assisting Certificate of Completion recognizing the education and training they have completed at Avid Dental Academy. This certificate demonstrates their commitment to learning the knowledge and clinical skills needed to begin a career in dental assisting.
Nitrous Oxide Certificate
Students also earn a Nitrous Oxide Certificate after completing the required training in nitrous oxide monitoring. This credential expands their understanding of patient care during nitrous oxide administration and adds valuable knowledge that may support opportunities in dental practices where this service is provided.
Radiography Certificate
Radiographs play an important role in diagnosing and planning dental treatment. Through the program, students complete the education required to earn their Radiography Certificate, preparing them to safely perform dental radiographic procedures in accordance with applicable requirements.
CPR & Basic Life Support Certification
Healthcare professionals should be prepared to respond when emergencies arise. Students complete CPR and Basic Life Support certification, gaining the knowledge and practical training needed to recognize emergencies, provide immediate assistance, and respond appropriately until additional medical help is available.
Disclaimer: The certificates awarded by Avid Dental Academy recognize successful completion of specific training components and do not constitute professional licensure or state registration.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Dental Assistant Program FAQs
The more you know about dental assisting, the easier it is to decide if it’s the right career path for you. Explore answers to some of the most common questions prospective students have before getting started.
Is there a high demand for dental assistants?
Yes. If you’re considering a career in dental assisting, it’s encouraging to know that the profession continues to see strong demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with about 52,900 job openings projected each year from 2024 to 2034. As more people prioritize their oral health, dental practices continue to rely on qualified dental assistants to help care for patients and support their teams.
Does every state require dental assistants to be licensed or registered?
No. Requirements for dental assistants vary from state to state. Some states require registration, licensure, or additional certifications for certain duties, while others have different requirements. If you plan to work outside of Arkansas, it’s always a good idea to review the regulations for the state where you hope to build your career.
What’s the difference between a dental assistant, dental hygienist, and a dentist?
Although they work together to care for patients, each role has a different focus. Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, prepare treatment rooms, and help patients feel comfortable throughout their visit. Dental hygienists specialize in preventive care, including cleanings and patient education, while dentists diagnose oral health conditions, create treatment plans, and perform dental procedures. Understanding these differences can help you choose the career path that’s right for you.
Is dental assisting physically demanding?
Dental assisting can be an active career. Dental assistants spend much of the day on their feet, move between treatment rooms, assist during procedures, and help prepare equipment and patients. But it’s not all about staying on the move. Building relationships with patients, staying organized, and communicating clearly with the dental team are just as important to providing excellent care.
What if I have previous dental education, training, or experience? Can I receive credit for it?
No. Every student completes the same program curriculum and required clock hours, regardless of previous dental education, training, or work experience. Because the program follows a structured learning progression, Avid Dental Academy does not offer advanced placement, challenge examinations, or credit transfers from other institutions. Every student follows the same path to graduation, ensuring a consistent educational experience.
ONE DECISION
Imagine What’s Possible
Choosing to invest in your education is an investment in your future. When you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in dental assisting, Avid Dental Academy is here to support you.