ABHES Accredited Program

Start Your Dental Career with ACHT's Dental Assistant Program Certificate

Get certified with hands-on training and externship experience from an accredited institution.

36
Weeks
840
Clock Hours
100%
Hands-On
ACHT Dental Assistant graduates holding certificates in a dental clinic

Program Overview

What is the Dental Assistant Program Certificate?

A focused, career-ready credential that prepares you for both the front office and the exam room — in less than a year.

Comprehensive clinical & administrative training

Accredited by ABHES

Real-world externship experience

36 weeks · 840 clock hours

Certificate of Completion

Dental Assistant Certificate

American College of Healthcare & Technology

Issued by
ACHT
Recognition
California-wide
Accreditation
ABHES
Status
Industry Verified

What Credential Do Dental Assistant Students Receive?

Upon successful completion, you'll be awarded the Dental Assistant Certificate — a credential trusted by dental offices, orthodontic practices, and healthcare facilities across California.

  • Recognized by dental employers statewide
  • Validates clinical & administrative competency
  • Qualifies you for entry-level dental assistant roles immediately
  • Foundation for further industry certifications
Get Your Credential Today

Accreditation & Quality

Why Choose an Accredited Program?

Accreditation isn't just a label — it's the difference between a credential employers trust and one they ignore.

ABHES Accredited

Programs meet the rigorous quality standards of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Trusted by Employers

Healthcare employers across California recognize and recruit ACHT graduates directly.

Career-Ready Quality

Accreditation guarantees you're learning current best practices, not outdated material.

Certificate vs Degree

Dental Assistant Certificate vs. Degree

What's the difference? It comes down to time, focus, and how fast you can start working.

Compare
ACHT Certificate
Traditional Degree
Time to Career
36 weeks
2–4 years
Focus
Hands-on clinical & admin
Broad academic study
Externship Included
Yes — real placement
Often optional
Cost
Significantly lower
Substantially higher
Job-Ready Skills
Day one
Requires extra training
Dental assistant student practicing in clinical training

Externship

Hands-On Externship Experience

Your externship places you inside real clinical environments — working alongside dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants to apply everything you've learned.

Real Healthcare Settings
Clinics, orthodontic offices, specialty dental practices — actual patient care environments.
Practical, Job-Ready Skills
Translate classroom learning into the workflows employers expect.
Strengthens Job Readiness
Many students receive job offers from their externship sites.
Apply for Your Externship Today

Career Pathways

What Careers Can You Pursue?

Your certificate opens doors across California's dental industry — in the roles and settings where dental assistants are most in demand.

Job Roles Workplace Settings
Dental AssistantDental Offices
Certified Dental AssistantOrthodontic Practices
Clinical Dental AssistantOral Healthcare Clinics
Dental ReceptionistSpecialty Dental Clinics
Patient CoordinatorCommunity Health Centers
Orthodontic AssistantDental Offices
Phlebotomy AssistantOrthodontic Practices
Dental Office SpecialistOral Healthcare Clinics

From chairside support to front-office coordination, your Dental Assistant Certificate can be the foundation of a flexible, in-demand career across California.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Dental Assistant program?
The program lasts 36 weeks and requires 840 clock hours.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, ACHT is accredited by ABHES.
What credential do I receive?
Upon completion, you will receive the Dental Assistant Certificate.
Do I need healthcare experience to enroll?
No, prior healthcare experience is not required.
What does the externship include?
Externship includes real-world experience in a dental office or healthcare setting.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid options are available for eligible students.

Get Started

Get More Information Today

Talk to an admissions advisor about start dates, financial aid, and your path to becoming a Dental Assistant.

Call Admissions (888) 430-4224
Campuses Riverside · Huntington Park · Santa Ana

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