Dental Office Assisting

Build Confidence, One Smile at a Time

The part-time Dental Office Assisting program is designed to prepare you for a career in the dental industry in just 18 weeks. Using a "learn while you earn" model, our evening classes cover essential skills such as room set up, sterilization, and patient care. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in various dental office tasks and procedures.

This program features a hybrid learning model, combining in-person leaning, practical skills training in the dental lab plus remote learning hours that contribute to your overall education. It's tailored to fit around your daytime job, so you can maintain employment while completing the course.

The program is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the dental industry, for those considering a career change, or those currently seeking to gain entry into or expand their skills in the dental industry.  

Program Information

Program Requirements:
  • 18 years of age or older by completion of program
  • High school diploma or equivalency, (Need your High School Equivalency Diploma? Click here or call us to learn more.)
  • successful completion of TABE entrance assessment, 
  • access to internet-enabled device for completion of remote work, laptop or Chromebook recommended. Computers at CWD are available for students on select days and evenings

This program is ideal for students with:
  • strong reading comprehension and graphic literacy skills
  • attention to detail and organization
  • clear and effective communication and empathy
  • problem solving
  • manual dexterity

    Note: In order to comply with NYSDOH vaccine mandates for healthcare institutions, employers may require vaccinations. It is the student's responsibility to know their potential employers' requirements.
Tuition: $3,025; includes program costs, fees, certifications, books, and other course materials; students are responsible for supplies noted below where applicable 
Program Length: 108 hours in person instruction + 72 hours online asynchronous = 180 hours, 18 weeks
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. plus 4 hrs. of remote work per week (Computers at CWD are available for students on select days and evenings.)
Program 
Dates: 
  • Fall 9/4/25 - 1/22/26 (no class 11/11, 11/27, 12/25, and 1/1)
  • Spring 2/10/26 - 6/25/26 (no class 2/17, 2/19, 3/31, and 4/2)
Location: BOCES 2 Career & Technical Education Center (WEMOCO) 3589 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, NY 14559 
Dress Code:  Black scrubs and clean sneakers required. 
  • No clothing with offensive or inappropriate language or images.
  • No open-toed or heeled shoes above ½ inch; no slippers, slides, or crocs.
  • No dangling earrings, chains, bracelets, or necklaces (close fitting jewelry is ok).
  • No loose or baggy clothing.
  • Hair must be tied back and neat.
  • No acrylic/artificial nails, or long nails. Nails must be trimmed and neutral in color or unpainted.
  • No overbearing aromas, such as smoke (tobacco or marijuana), perfumes or colognes.
Supplies: Safety glasses are required and will be provided. 

Individuals in need of assistance meeting dress code guidelines should seek support from the student services advisor. Some financial assistance may be possible. Email [email protected] for more information.

Employment Outlook
Work as a dental assistant in a variety of positions from the front office to chair side. Entry level positions include Dental Assistant (DA), reception, and billing. This course fulfills the required related instruction for apprenticeship programs.

For more information on Dental Assisting as a career, click here.

Pathways Forward
After completing this program, students can pursue:
  • entry-level employment,
  • additional career training opportunities like Welding or Industrial and Mechanical Electrical to increase employability skills, or engage in specialized training or certification,
  • a two- or four-year degree, and/or
  •  engagement in an apprenticeship

Dental Assisting Apprenticeships: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Career
Looking for a hands-on career in healthcare? Dental Assisting Apprenticeship programs offer valuable mentorship, hands-on experience, and a direct path to employment and certification. 

Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of on-the-job training and classroom instruction and help you to excel in your chosen field. Learn how to become an apprentice through the New York Department of Labor or review training requirements specifically for the dental office assisting apprenticeship. Learn more about the benefits of an apprenticeship here.


Ready to Get Started?
Click the button below to sign up for the entrance assessment.

Dental Office Assisting Career Services

CWD Expectations Regarding Employment
  • CWD will use its network of employers to help facilitate employment while enrolled in the program if the adult learner chooses to be employed while simultaneously attending class. 
  • CWD will refer the adult learner to dental offices in our network to explore opportunities. 
  • CWD cannot make specific guarantees of employment. 
  • CWD is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, and any and all other aspects of employment.

Adult Learner Expectations Regarding Employment
Adult Learners are expected to:
  • Comply with all health and safety guidelines and abide by the employer’s rules, regulations, and safety standards set by the employer.
  • Demonstrate accountability and responsibility by notifying the employer and the CWD
  • Instructor in advance of any absences or changes in status.
  • Provide own means of transportation to and from their employer.
  • Understand that as an employee the adult learner is a student in the CWD Dental Assisting Program and should conduct themselves appropriately.

What Will I Earn?

Certificate of Completion
Students who successfully finish this program will receive a certificate of completion verifying completion of 180 instructional hours.

Technical Skills
  • Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control Standards
  • Clinical Procedures, Materials, and Equipment
  • Dental Instrumentation
  • Dental Radiography and Imaging Techniques
  • Dental Terminology and Dental Anatomy
  • Infection Control Protocols
  • OSHA Regulations, Compliance with CDC Guidelines, and Safe Equipment Operations
  • Patient Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  •  Sterilization Procedures
At the conclusion of the program, students will receive an Employability Profile indicating the technical proficiencies and work-ready skills demonstrated in class. The employability profile will also capture the hours completed in class (180) and any first aid training completed during class hours. 

Basic Life Saving Skills (BLS) 
Students who participate in CPR, First Aid, AED, and/or Basic Life Saving Skills training will receive proof of certification. 

Student Support and Academic Services

  • Access to student support advisors, who can provide support through the admissions process, career advisement, and referral services 
  • Access to academic, employability, and interviewing support
  •  Access to employer networks and job opportunities

How Do I Enroll?

Admission Process
Our admissions process can be completed in three simple steps:
  1. Complete an entrance assessment,
  2. Submit required program documents, and
  3. Provide payment to secure a seat in the class.

Get Started Today!

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