Make someone smile with a career as a Certified Dental Assistant.

Dental assistants are highly skilled professionals who work closely with dentists to provide patient care, take X-rays, maintain records, and schedule appointments. We provide quality training and hands-on lab experiences using state-of-the-art dental equipment to prepare you for national certification.

This comprehensive four-month, three-part program prepares students to pass Dental Assisting Parts One and Two and Dental Office Administration. Our Dental Assisting Part II (radiology) and Enhanced Functions programs are approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.

Dental Assisting Information Session

View or download a copy of the Dental Assisting Information Session PDF.

Job Outlook

According to the Department of Labor, the employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. 

According to Career Coach in Prince George's County, MD, there are:

  • 94 annual openings due to growth and turnover.
  • New employees start around $29,645.
  • Normal pay is $41,313 per year.
  • Highly experienced workers can earn up to $55,169.
Scheduled Information Sessions

Welcome to PGCC's free live virtual Dental Assisting information sessions!

Created for those interested in learning about the Dental Assisting program, you will be able to ask questions and learn about program requirements, certificates, and certifications. 

Sessions are held every third Wednesday of the month from 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. 

Zoom access link: https://pgcc-edu.zoom.us/j/97400089219?pwd=eTllSlZDbGs5aWNqRVZsWUxHMnZ0QT09

Meeting ID: 974 0008 9219

Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
  • Provide proof of high school diploma or GED.
  • Computer with internet access.
  • Proof of Accuplacer Minimum Reading score of 237, or proof of college credits, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for recent graduates, or high SAT/ACT scores.
  • CPR (American Heart Association BLS Health Provider or CPR-307 CPR for the Health Professional).
  • Ability to speak and understand American English.
  • Textbooks (required):
    • Modern Dental Assisting Bundle (ISBN: 9780443308260). Available at the College Bookstore.
Required Courses
  • DEN 300 or DEN 340 (Hybrid): Introduction to Dental Assisting Part 1
  • DEN 301 or DEN 341 (Hybrid): Introduction to Dental Assisting Part 2 - Radiology
  • DEN 302 or DEN 342 (Hybrid): Dental Office Administration
  • DEN 303: Dental Assisting Internship (Optional)
Schedule
In-Person Daytime Program

Begins on January 16, 2024. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Center for Health Studies Building, Room 2103. Associated courses are listed as follows:

  • DEN 300 (Syn #05354, $800)
  • DEN 301 (Syn #05355, $1,000)
  • DEN 302 (Syn #05356, $450)
  • DEN 303 (Syn #05357, $150) [Optional Internship]

For specific information regarding course schedules, please contact Rhonda Patterson at wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu.

Workforce Certifications
Contact Information

To register, all prerequisites must be submitted (at one time) five business days in advance. 

Program Coordinator: Rhonda Patterson
Phone: 301-546-0879
Email: wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu | patterrn@pgcc.edu