Opens in a new tab
Dental assistant and dentist working together in a clinic
A PRACTICAL START IN DENTISTRY

Become a Dental Assistant in 12 Weeks

Hands-on training in Indianapolis gives new career starters a clear way to build clinical confidence and prepare for work in a dental office.

HOOSIER DENTAL ASSISTING SCHOOLYour career starts here.
PROGRAMDental Assisting
DURATION12 weeks
FORMATHands-on training
NEXT STARTOctober 14, 2026
01 / START HERE

Build the skills behind a new career.

The Dental Assisting program is the foundation of the HDAS pathway. Classes are capped at 10 students, so experienced instructors can guide practice and provide individual feedback. No previous dental experience is required to begin.

See tuition and payment options
02 / WHAT YOU WILL PRACTICE

Learn by doing. Grow with guidance.

A practical mix of core clinical skills and patient-centered office workflow.

01

Chairside support

Prepare treatment areas, handle instruments, and understand how to assist during procedures.

02

Radiography foundations

Learn image positioning and safety principles used in dental practices.

03

Infection control

Practice the routines that keep patients and teams safe.

04

Patient care

Build clear communication and a confident, professional presence.

05

Office workflow

Connect clinical skills with the daily flow of appointments and records.

06

The next step

After the foundation, qualified graduates can pursue EFDA training. Well-qualified students may also receive help connecting with available roles at affiliated offices; employment is not guaranteed.

03 / THE STUDENT JOURNEY

From first practice to office readiness.

A clear foundation for career starters, with room to learn skills through guided repetition.
01

Begin with the basics

Classes meet one full day a week, typically 8:00 AM–5:00 PM with a one-hour break. The 12-week curriculum includes 96 instructional hours.
02

Practice core skills

Practice chairside care, infection control, dental radiography, CPR, and patient communication with instructor feedback.
03

Plan your next move

Complete a 40-hour externship through an affiliated dental office and discuss job placement support for well-qualified graduates. Employment is not guaranteed.
Students provide scrubs, closed-toe shoes, and lunch. Admissions will confirm the assigned teaching site and complete class-preparation list before the start.
QUESTIONS / ANSWERED

Clear answers for your next step.

Our admissions team can help with requirements, class availability, and what comes next.

Contact admissions

Do I need dental experience?

No prior dental experience is required for the Dental Assisting foundation program.

How long is the program?

The DA program runs for 12 weeks with one full class day per week, typically 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, plus a 40-hour externship. Upcoming starts: October 14 and December 5, 2026; January 27 and February 5, 2027. Admissions confirms your teaching site and exact schedule.

What comes after Dental Assisting?

EFDA is an advanced next step for eligible dental assistants. Applicants may also qualify with verified work experience.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Take your first step with support.

Explore the application process and ask admissions any questions before you enroll.

See how to apply