Dental assisting at Think Dental Institute
New to dentistry? Our on-site program takes you from your first day to certification. You train chairside, inside a working dental practice, alongside the dentists and assistants who treat patients there every day.
How we teach it
You learn this job best beside the chair. So that is where we teach it: in working practices, on real cases, with experienced clinicians next to you.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The path in Massachusetts
01Before day one
Massachusetts lets people with no dental experience train on the job. A few things come first.
02On-the-job training
This is where our program does its work. You learn in one of our affiliate practices, with real patients and an experienced team.
03Radiation safety
Before you take a single radiograph, the state requires radiation health and safety training.
04Licensure
The on-the-job pathway ends with a dental assistant license from the Board.
05Certification
The national CDA credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the next step up.
Based on the Board of Registration in Dentistry's on-the-job trained dental assistant guide and DANB's CDA requirements. Rules change, so check the current requirements with the Board before you start.
The job
Assistants keep the chair, the patient and the practice running. These are the duties the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists for the job, plus the surgical work we train for.
At the chair
Seat patients, keep them comfortable and set up the operatory for each procedure.
Pass instruments to the dentist and use suction to keep the patient's mouth dry.
Behind the scenes
Clean and sterilize instruments between every patient.
Process x-rays and handle lab tasks under the dentist's direction.
With patients and the front desk
Show patients how to care for their teeth at home.
Keep treatment records, schedule appointments and handle billing and payments.
We also train assistants in chairside systems and surgical support, so they are ready for implant cases.
A Think Dental Institute focusWhat the job pays
That is the national range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%. Most assistants work full time, and some work evenings or weekends.
Annual wages, May 2025. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For practice owners
Bring your assistants. We put together team training and mentorship around your practice and the procedures you want to bring in-house.
We train dental assistants and clinical teams in chairside systems and surgical support, so your practice is ready for the implant cases you bring home.
Keep exploring
Learn about the hygienist career, our plans for hygiene education and the practices where you would train.
Start here
Talk to our team about the dental assisting program or team training for your practice, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
(857) 262-5307 Innovative, clinically integrated dental education for Dentists, Assistants, and Hygienists. Learn while staying active in practice — with mentorship, hands-on training, and evidence-based programs.