Become a Dental Assistant in 12 Weeks
Learn the skills to assist dentists, care for patients, and work confidently in a dental office. Train in Indianapolis with no previous dental experience required.
Start with the skills you’ll use every day.
Learn in a class of no more than 15 students, with time to practice and ask questions. Experienced instructors guide you through the basics of dental assisting. No previous dental experience is required.
See tuition and payment optionsDental Assisting admission requirements
Applicants must be at least 18, or 17 with a parent or guardian’s signed approval. Applicants must have completed high school or earned a GED or higher academic qualification.
Who can enroll
No dental experience is required. Applicants must have completed high school or earned a GED or higher academic qualification. Students currently attending high school are not eligible.
What you’ll need
- Proof of education.
- Photo identification.
- Proof of a two-step TB skin test before classes begin.
Enroll online
You can complete enrollment online. Visits are available by appointment if you would like to see the school before enrolling.
What you’ll learn
Learn chairside assisting, infection control, dental anatomy, patient records and communication, impressions, and digital radiography. The program also includes CPR certification, dental technology exposure, and front-office training.
Chairside support
Prepare treatment areas, identify and handle instruments, assist during procedures, and practice moisture control and dental impressions.
Radiography foundations
Practice digital X-ray positioning and imaging techniques, learn radiation safety, and explore an introduction to CBCT imaging.
Infection control
Practice instrument processing, sterilization, surface disinfection, and routines that protect patients and dental teams.
Patient care
Study dental anatomy, patient records and charting, communication, and medical emergencies. CPR training and certification are included.
Office workflow
Learn front-office administration using Dentrix Ascend, connecting patient records and scheduling with the daily work of a dental practice.
Digital dentistry
Get exposure to CEREC scanning, design, and milling, and see how digital technology supports restorative dental care.
Your week at HDAS
Begin with the basics
Practice core skills
Complete your externship
Dental Assisting questions
Our admissions team can help with requirements, class availability, and what comes next.
Contact usDo I need dental experience?
No prior dental experience is required for the Dental Assisting foundation program.
How long is the program?
The program includes 12 weeks of classroom/lab instruction (96 hours) and a 40-hour externship, for 136 total training hours. Classes meet one day per week, 8 AM–5 PM. Plan to finish the externship by finals week. Upcoming starts: December 5, 2026; January 27 and February 5, 2027.
What comes after Dental Assisting?
EFDA is an advanced next step for eligible dental assistants. Applicants may also qualify with verified work experience.
How much studying should I expect outside class?
Study time outside class varies by student and instructor. Your instructor will explain assignments and preparation expectations throughout the course.
What grade do I need to pass?
Students must earn a minimum passing grade of 70% in both the Dental Assisting and EFDA programs.
What happens if I miss class?
Full attendance is required. Any missed hours must be made up in full. Arrange makeup hours directly with your instructor, and keep and submit the completed makeup-hours paperwork.
Ready to become a dental assistant?
Start your application online, or contact us if you have a question.