# The 5 Best Dental Assistant Programs in Provo, UT

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- Published: 2024-02-19
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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The field of dental assisting is growing rapidly across the United States. As dentistry continues to expand and incorporate advanced technologies, there is an increasing demand for trained dental assistants who can provide critical support to dentists in delivering high quality patient care.

The city of Provo in Utah has established itself as a leading hub for dental assistant education. Home to Brigham Young University and several reputable technical colleges, Provo offers aspiring dental assistants a wide range of program options to jumpstart their careers. Students can choose from accredited diploma and certificate programs that emphasize hands-on training and prepare graduates for roles in specialty practices such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of the top 5 dental assistant programs in Provo, UT. We discuss key details on curriculum, costs, career support services, and more to help you select the best fit for your goals and needs.

## Why Study Dental Assisting in Provo?

Provo is located in Utah County, approximately 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. It is an economically thriving region with a low cost of living and easy access to outdoor recreational activities. Provo also has a vibrant college-town culture centered around Brigham Young University.

For prospective dental assistants, Provo provides numerous advantages:

- **State-of-the-art educational facilities**: Provo’s dental assisting schools utilize modern equipment and technologies to simulate real clinical environments. This prepares students for on-the-job demands.
- **Practical, hands-on training**: Programs emphasize hands-on learning in labs and clinics with opportunities to apply skills under instructor supervision.
- **Strong industry partnerships**: Schools have established relationships with local dental practices to provide externship training and job placement.
- **Faculty with professional experience**: Instructors are seasoned professionals with years of industry experience who incorporate real-world perspectives into teaching.
- **Favorable job outlook**: Utah County is seeing above-average job growth for dental assistants compared to national rates.

Combining practical knowledge with strong career support makes Provo an ideal location to launch your dental assisting career.

## Overview of Top Programs

Here is an overview of 5 highly-ranked dental assistant programs in Provo, UT:

### 1. Utah Valley Dental Assisting

![Utah Valley Dental Assisting](https://33rdsquare.com/utah-valley-dental.jpg)

**Rating**: 5 stars

**Location**: Orem, 5 miles from Provo

Utah Valley Dental Assisting is a premier institution that has been training dental assistants for over 15 years. The school utilizes a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of clinical and administrative responsibilities.

Some key details:

- **Program Length**: 10 weeks
- **Schedule**: Full-time
- **Cost**: $3,499
- **Licensing Exam Pass Rate**: 96%
- **Job Placement Rate**: 93%

Students gain extensive hands-on training in labs furnished with up-to-date equipment. The program also includes 160 hours of externship experience in a dental office. Successful graduates earn a Dental Assisting certificate and Radiation Safety certificate.

Utah Valley Dental Assisting helps students with job placement through resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking events. The program has a proven track record of launching successful dental assisting careers.

**Contact**: 165 N 400 W St A2, Orem, UT 84057 | (801) 784-8832 | utahvalleyda.com

### 2. Ameritech College Dental Assisting

![Ameritech College](https://33rdsquare.com/ameritech-dental.jpg)

**Rating**: 4.8 stars

**Location**: Provo

Ameritech College is an accredited institution offering a Diploma in Dental Assisting. This full-time program includes classroom instruction and hands-on labs focused on procedures like coronal polishing and sealants.

Program details:

- **Program Length**: 33 weeks
- **Schedule**: Full-time
- **Cost**: $13,750
- **Licensing Exam Pass Rate**: 91%
- **Job Placement Rate**: 86%

Ameritech has a well-equipped dental lab with stations simulating specialist work environments. Students gain experience with digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and other advanced equipment.

The program prepares students for certification exams from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the Utah Dental Assistant Registry. Graduates also receive assistance with creating portfolios and applying to jobs.

**Contact**: 2520 N University Ave #100, Provo, UT 84604 | (801) 292-4146 | ameritech.edu

### 3. Practical Dental Assisting of Utah

![Practical Dental Assisting](https://33rdsquare.com/practical-dental.jpg)

**Rating**: 4.7 stars

**Location**: Lindon, 10 miles from Provo

Practical Dental Assisting of Utah offers a diploma program that combines 300 hours of classroom learning with 200 hours of externship training. Students gain skills in areas like radiography, sterilization procedures, and assisting in comprehensive dentistry.

Key program features:

- **Program Length**: 12 weeks
- **Schedule**: Full-time or part-time
- **Cost**: $3,399
- **Licensing Exam Pass Rate**: 93%
- **Job Placement Rate**: 89%

Instructors at Practical Dental Assisting supplement lectures with hands-on lessons using professional equipment. Students also benefit from career coaching, resume writing workshops, and referrals to externship sites.

Upon completion, graduates have the qualifications to work as dental assistants. The program also helps prepare students for national certifications from the DANB.

**Contact**: 389 W 600 N, Lindon, UT 84042 | (801) 360-7171 | practicaldentalassistingofutah.com

### 4. Provo Dental Assisting School

![Provo Dental Assisting School](https://33rdsquare.com/provo-dental.jpg)

**Rating**: 4.6 stars

**Location**: Provo

Provo Dental Assisting School offers a 10-week certificate program covering all aspects of administrative and clinical dental assisting. Training is provided in both classroom and laboratory settings using industry-standard equipment.

Here are some quick facts about the program:

- **Program Length**: 10 weeks
- **Schedule**: Full-time
- **Cost**: $3,295
- **Licensing Exam Pass Rate**: 92%
- **Job Placement Rate**: 86%

In addition to technical skills, students learn about patient communication, appointment coordination, insurance procedures and more. The curriculum integrates preparation for national licensing exams from the DANB.

Provo Dental Assisting School also partners with local practices to arrange 160 hours of supervised clinical experience for students. Graduates receive job placement assistance in finding entry-level dental assisting roles.

**Contact**: 1355 N University Ave #330, Provo, UT 84604 | (801) 377-6453 | provoutahdentalassisting.com

### 5. Dental Assisting Training of Utah

![Dental Assisting Training](https://33rdsquare.com/dental-assisting-training.jpg)

**Rating**: 5 stars

**Location**: Orem, 5 miles from Provo

Dental Assisting Training of Utah offers accelerated programs ranging from 6 to 13 weeks in length. Graduates receive both Dental Assistant and National Phlebotomy certification.

Here are some key program details:

- **Program Length**: 6-13 weeks
- **Schedule**: Full-time or evening
- **Cost**: $3,195-$3,695
- **Licensing Exam Pass Rate**: 91%
- **Job Placement Rate**: 86%

The course covers clinical skills like taking dental impressions, oral evacuation, and instrument sterilization as well as administrative areas such as scheduling, billing and treatment coordination.

Students receive career guidance and referrals to externship opportunities in specialty practices like orthodontics or pediatric dentistry. Graduates can pursue roles as dental assistants or lab technicians.

**Contact**: 329 E 1860 S, Orem, UT 84058 | (385) 309-9356 | datutah.com

## Comparison of Programs

| Program | Length | Cost | Externship Hours | Licensing Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Utah Valley Dental Assisting | 10 weeks | $3,499 | 160 hours | 96% | 93% |
| Ameritech College | 33 weeks | $13,750 | 160 hours | 91% | 86% |
| Practical Dental Assisting | 12 weeks | $3,399 | 200 hours | 93% | 89% |
| Provo Dental Assisting School | 10 weeks | $3,295 | 160 hours | 92% | 86% |
| Dental Assisting Training of Utah | 6-13 weeks | $3,195-$3,695 | 160 hours | 91% | 86% |

When researching programs, be sure to inquire about:

- Scheduling options and program length
- Costs of tuition, fees, books, uniforms, exams etc.
- Faculty-to-student ratio
- Availability of financial aid
- Facilities and equipment
- Externship and job placement opportunities
- Pass rates for licensing exams

Comparing this information can help identify the ideal program based on your needs and career goals. Reaching out to current students and alumni can also provide valuable insider perspectives.

## Choosing the Right Program

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a dental assisting program in Provo:

### Accreditation Status

Accredited programs have met strict educational standards, so their diplomas and certificates carry more weight. When researching schools, check if they have received accreditation from an agency like the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

### Hands-on Training Opportunities

Practical experience is critical for developing clinical skills. Look for programs that offer training through lab sessions, simulation clinics and externships. These enable students to gain proficiency in areas like taking X-rays, seating patients, mixing materials etc.

### Preparedness for Licensing Exams

Many states require dental assistants to pass exams like the DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam or state-specific tests to work without supervision. Opt for schools with a proven track record of good pass rates. Curriculum aligned with licensing exam content is also an asset.

### Career Support Services

Services like resume reviews, mock interviews and job listings can ease the transition from student to professional. Evaluate each school’s career resources and connections to dental offices.

### Flexible Schedule Options

If you plan to continue working while in school, choose institutions offering part-time, evening or weekend schedules. Accelerated programs enable faster completion too.

### Faculty Qualifications

Instructors with professional dental backgrounds can provide insights on industry best practices. Look up faculty profiles to learn about their experience and qualifications.

### Cost and Financial Aid Availability

Completing program prerequisites, licensing tests and interviews can add to overall costs. Ensure potential schools provide good scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

To help streamline your selection process, here are some key questions to ask admissions counselors:

- What is the cost of the total program including supplies and licensing exam fees?
- What financing/loan options and scholarships are available?
- What is the program’s graduation rate?
- What support does the career center provide for internships and job placement?
- What background and experience do the program’s instructors have?
- Can I contact current students or graduates to learn about their experiences?

Thorough research and asking the right questions will lead you to the dental assisting program that best fits your career aspirations, schedule and budget.

## Career Outlook for Dental Assistants

The job growth prospects for dental assistants across the U.S. look very promising over the next decade.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for dental assistants is projected to surge by 10% between 2021-2031 – a rate much faster than the national average for all occupations. [1]

This growth will translate into roughly 34,500 fresh job openings for dental assistants each year. Factors fueling this demand include population growth, greater insurance coverage for dental care services and an increasing number of dental practices.

In 2021, the median annual wage for dental assistants in the U.S. was $41,170 as per data from the BLS. [1] However, salaries can vary based on factors like location, experience level, specialty and exact job responsibilities.

Dental assistants who specialize in more complex procedures like coronal polishing or work in specialist practices such as orthodontics tend to earn higher than the median wage. With additional experience and certifications, dental assistants can progress into leadership roles as office managers or administrators.

Common work settings for dental assistants include:

- **General dentistry practices**: Supporting dentists with exams, X-rays, impressions etc.
- **Dental schools/Hygiene programs**: Assisting students and faculty with training labs and clinics
- **Dental laboratories**: Fabricating devices like crowns or dentures
- **Hospitals**: Scheduling treatments, maintaining equipment and supplies
- **Insurance companies**: Processing dental insurance claims and documentation

The most satisfying part of a dental assistant’s job is having the ability to improve patients’ lives by supporting oral healthcare delivery. From your first internship to graduation and beyond, Provo provides excellent opportunities for building your career as a dental assistant.

## Why Choose Provo for Dental Assistant Training?

Provo has firmly established itself as a hub for high-quality, affordable dental assistant education. Students here gain exceptional hands-on training under expert guidance. They also receive access to career assistance for obtaining licensure and job placement services.

With a low cost of living, lively college culture, and abundance of outdoor recreation, Provo provides the ideal backdrop for launching your dental assisting career. The region’s expanding economy and healthcare sector offer new graduates bright prospects for employment as well.

By choosing the right dental assisting program for your goals and completing thorough research, you can ensure a smooth entry into this rewarding allied healthcare field. We encourage you to leverage the resources provided in this guide to kickstart your training journey in Provo.

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Source: [The 5 Best Dental Assistant Programs in Provo, UT](https://33rdsquare.com/the-5-best-dental-assistant-programs-in-provo-ut/)