Adult Dental Assisting

Dental Assistants Are in High Demand

Dental Assistants are in high demand with immediate earning potentials between 39K and 45K, according to O*Net. Our schedule gives you the opportunity for flexibility as you balance life and career. During your training we can help you land your first job as a dental assistant. We have a network of dental professionals who reach out to us exclusively to hire our students.

Part-time Program Information

Attend school 1 day a week, so you can learn while you earn! With local dental offices in need of filling immediate positions, this program allows you to be equipped with the knowledge to perform your tasks as a dental assistant while earning an income. 

Full-time Program Information

CWD Has Offered This NY State License-Qualifying Program for Over 20 Years. Dental Assistants are in high demand with earning potentials between 39K and 45K, according to O*Net. Our schedule gives you the opportunity for flexibility as you balance life and career. You will be hands-on in a dental office in 20-weeks. 

  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalency, Medical Clearance Form, with proof of current physical and immunizations, and successful completion of TABE entrance assessment
    • Note: In order to comply with NYSDOH vaccine mandates for healthcare institutions, students enrolled in this program may be required to show an original COVID Vaccination card indicating either administration of 1-shot (Jenssen) or 2-shot (Moderna and Pfizer) vaccine. Copies of vaccine card will not be accepted.
  • Tuition for 2022-23 school year: $10,500, device/textbook/PPE/lab coat included 
    • Tuition Assistance Options:
      * Funding grants available through RochesterWorks! for eligible applicants
      * Pell Grant & Stafford Loan Approved Program

  • Program Length: 902 hours (9 months)
  • Schedule: Monday – Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; plus one additional day of remote learning each week.
  • Program Dates:
    • 9/26/22 - 5/5/23
      • Orientation: September 19th, 9:00 a.m. @ WEMOCO (3589 Big Ridge Rd, Spencerport NY 14559)
  • Location: BOCES 2 Career & Technical Education Center (WEMOCO) 3589 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, NY 14559
  • Dress Code: Lab jacket (included in tuition) and scrubs (student must provide their own); white sneakers or nursing shoes (no holes, student must provide their own. 
  • Supplies: (student must provide): large 3" 3-ring binder w/ dividers, colored pencils, pens, pencils, highlighters
Note: during clinical experiences, students are responsible for their own transportation and parking fees. 

Clinical Experience
240 flexible hours of hands-on experience begins after 20-weeks. Location: We have opportunities in private dental practices, group practices and community dental. We strive to provide convenient placement.  NOTE: Students are responsible for their own transportation and parking fees.

What you will learn with us:

  • Dental terminology
  • Infection control
  • Dental anatomy
  • Oral hygiene
  • Operative procedures
  • Resume and interview writing
  • Employment skills
  • Licensure Requirements
  • Graduates may apply for licensure after completing all of the requirements; there is an additional fee for the examination and licensure process to become a NYS Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Required Examinations for Licensure :
  • New York State Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA) exam
  • Radiation Health and Safety (HRS) exam
  • Infection Control Exam (ICE)

How do I enroll?

Admission Procedures
When you are ready to apply, registration for Career Job Training Programs requires successful completion of the entrance assessment, and satisfactory arrangement of payment of tuition. An automated email confirming registration will be sent to your email. The entire admission process must be completed before enrollment is confirmed.
  1. Complete a contact card and register for an Entrance Assessment: Once you submit the contact card, you'll receive an email (check your spam!). Use the link in the email to register for an Entrance Assessment.
  2. Complete an entrance assessment to determine your program eligibility. Your score on the assessment helps determine the level of support you may need to be successful in the program.
  3. Submit program-specific requirements via portal upload, email, fax, or hand delivery: high school diploma or equivalency
  4. Secure funding. You may choose to meet with a student advisor or financial aid specialist to discuss funding options.
    • Tuition Assistance options:
      * Funding grants available through RochesterWorks! for eligible applicants
      * Full-time Dental Assisting is also Pell Grant & Stafford Loan Approved Program

Success Stories

Elizabeth
Elizabeth, Dental Assisting Program Graduate

It is Elizabeth’s goal to be a dental hygienist. She had originally planned to attend a two-year college to pursue an associate degree. However, the cost and time involved in earning that degree was prohibitive at this point in her life.

After researching other dental programs, she found the Dental Assisting program at CWD.

“I was excited to be able to pursue a program that was less expensive and offered me a faster route to working in the dental field,” she said.

“I am really looking forward to working as a dental assistant. There’s such a variety in the job duties which will give me great experience until I am ready to go back to school for dental hygiene.”

Get Started Today!

Complete a contact card to connect with an advisor, learn more about the program, and complete an application

Read the Flyer

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Dental Assistant Program Video