Become a Dental Assistant in Just 14 Weeks
Launch your career as a dental assistant with hands-on training inside a real dental practice. Learn from experienced professionals, build confidence with modern equipment, and prepare for certification so you can step into a dental office ready to succeed.
Starting a New Career Shouldn’t Feel Overwhelming
If you’re thinking about dental assisting, you may be wondering:
- “Will I get enough hands-on experience?”
- “Will this actually prepare me to work in a real dental office?”
- “What if I graduate and still don’t feel confident with patients or equipment?”
- “How do I know which exams I even need to pass in Oregon?”
Many programs focus heavily on textbooks and lectures, but very few give you real clinical practice in a modern dental office. Without that experience, you may end up feeling unprepared—struggling with basic procedures, uncomfortable with equipment, or unsure about certification steps.
It shouldn’t be this challenging to begin a stable, well-paying career. You shouldn’t have to choose between an expensive long-term program and a quick course that leaves you unsupported.
We Guide You Every Step of the Way
Starting a new career can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At the Oregon Dental Assisting Program, our instructors and dentists guide you every step of the way, offering hands-on mentorship and real-world training so you graduate confident, capable, and job-ready.
Your training takes place inside INSERT NEW PRACTICE NAME where a team of six experienced doctors across multiple specialties—including general, cosmetic, oral surgery, and sleep dentistry—help shape your education. This means you’re learning how a real dental office operates, not just how it works in theory.
Hands-On Experience With Modern Dental Technology
Unlike lecture-heavy programs, Oregon DAP focuses on learning by doing. From your first week, you’ll train in a fully equipped, high-tech clinic using the same tools dental assistants rely on every day, including:
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Digital imaging and 3D cone-beam CT
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CEREC same-day crown technology
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Intraoral scanning and Invisalign systems
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Modern sterilization and lab equipment
By the end of the program, you won’t just understand dental assisting—you’ll feel confident performing it in a real clinical setting.
Certification Prep and Career Support Built In
You’re never left to navigate exams or next steps on your own. The program is structured to prepare you for the certifications required in Oregon, including the DANB Radiation Health & Safety Exam, the Oregon Expanded Dental Assistant Exam, and the Oregon Basic Dental Assisting Exam.
With small class sizes and a supportive learning environment, instructors get to know you, your goals, and how to help you succeed. Many graduates go on to work at NEW PRACTICE NAME or other local dental offices because they leave the program skilled, confident, and clinic-ready.
We’ve designed this program to replace uncertainty with clarity, confidence, and real-world skill.
How It Works
Starting a new career doesn’t have to be complicated. Oregon DAP breaks the process down into three clear steps so you always know what to expect.
Apply Online
Start by completing our quick online application—no lengthy prerequisites or long waitlists. After you submit, our team contacts you to answer questions, discuss scheduling options, and guide you through the next steps so you feel confident and prepared before your training begins.
Train With Hands-On, Real-World Experience
Over 14 weeks, you’ll learn essential dental assisting skills inside an active dental practice. Small classes, supportive instructors, and step-by-step demonstrations ensure you understand every procedure. You’ll work with real equipment and gain practical experience that helps you feel prepared and capable from your very first day in a dental office.
Launch Your New Career
Once training is complete, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce with confidence. We provide resume guidance, interview practice, and career support to help you stand out to local employers. Many students secure dental assisting positions shortly after graduation thanks to the program’s strong reputation within the local dental community.
What You’ll Get
Choosing a dental assisting program is a big decision, and you deserve one that gives you real value—not just a certificate. Oregon DAP is designed to give students practical skills, personal support, and the tools needed to succeed long after graduation.
Hands-On Training
You won’t be learning from outdated textbooks or simulated equipment. Every class takes place inside an active dental office, allowing you to practice on the same tools, materials, and technology used by working professionals every day.
Personalized Support
We intentionally keep our class sizes small so instructors can give you real one-on-one guidance. Whether you need extra practice or help understanding a concept, you’ll always have someone available to walk you through it.
Modern, Up-to-Date Skills
You’ll train in chairside assisting, charting, digital X-rays, sterilization, lab work, impressions, communication, and basic front-office tasks. Graduates leave with well-rounded experience that makes them valuable hires from day one.
Professional Confidence
By working in real clinical spaces and practicing step-by-step procedures, students develop the confidence to walk into a dental office and immediately contribute. No guessing, no feeling unprepared.
Continued Career Support
Our team helps you build resumes, practice interviews, and connect with local dental offices that regularly hire from our program. Many students report securing positions quickly because practices trust the quality of our training.
Affordable & Accessible Path
Traditional programs can cost thousands more and take months longer. Oregon DAP offers a focused, 14-week alternative that’s affordable, efficient, and designed for people who want to start earning sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $10,000, with a 50% down payment required 2 weeks prior to the program start date. The remaining balance must be paid before graduation. There are no out of state tuition fees.
Tuition is all inclusive which covers textbooks, exam fees, supplies, materials, and anything needed during the program. Students will need to supply their own black or grey scrubs for the internship.
Payment plans are available and will be attached with your acceptance letter.
Do I need prior dental experience?
No — this 14 week program is designed for beginners and no previous dental experience is required.
What exams will I be prepared for?
You’ll be prepared to take the DANB Radiation Health & Safety Exam, the Oregon Expanded Dental Assistant Exam, and the Oregon Basic Dental Assisting Exam.
What is the workload / demand?
The program is designed so students can maintain a work life, school life, and personal life balance while completing this program.
Lecture is the first 7 weeks and is three days a week. The last 7 weeks is internship with 1 lecture day.
Can I use federal financial aid?
Unfortunately, no — the program’s duration makes it ineligible for government financial aid. But we partner with local credit unions (Oregon Community, SELCO, Northwest, Cascade) to offer financing.
What Are You Waiting For?
Every day you wait is a day you could be learning hands-on skills, preparing for certification, and stepping into a real dental office. Don’t let hesitation hold you back.
Apply today or request your program guide—start your career now.
