Dental Assistant (DEN) is a Certificate program offered by Pima Medical Institute in Mesa, AZ. The program takes 30 weeks (5-day schedule) to complete, with a total tuition of $17,405.
Program Overview
Objective: To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level dental assistants through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and externship experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are administrative skills, clinical assisting abilities, and other topics necessary to be effective members of the dental assistant team.
Graduates of this program receive a certificate. The dental assistant program courses are eligible for consideration for credit toward PMI's Health Care Administration Associate of Applied Science Degree Program.
At a Glance: Program Type: Certificate. Delivery Method: On-ground or hybrid. Semester Credits: 29.5. Program Hours: 720. Program Weeks (Five-Day Schedule): 30.
Hybrid Learning Options: All courses are taught on campus to ensure you get the hands-on clinical experience this program requires. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses, combining in-person instruction two days a week with online learning three days a week. Externship hours are completed fully in person. (Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; hybrid education options not available at all campuses.)
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $17,405.00. The published total cost is $18,940.00.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admissions Requirements: Refer to the Admissions information in the Prospective Students section of this catalog.
Eligibility Requirements (pmi.edu): Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency; Additional requirements may apply by campus.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Delivery Method: On-ground or hybrid. Program Hours: 720. Program Weeks (Five-Day Schedule): 30. Note: The catalog also publishes a separate outline for the Dental Assistant program at California campuses (Program Hours: 800; Semester Credits: 32.0; Five-Day Schedule: 35 weeks; Four-Day Schedule: 40 weeks).
Career Outcomes
Certification: This program prepares students who plan to take dental x-rays to apply to sit for a certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). El Paso campus students prepare for the Texas Registered Dental Assistant (TX RDA) exam, while California campus graduates prepare for the California Registered Dental Assistant license exam. (Certification and state registration requirements vary.)
Entry-level roles: Dental assistant, orthodontic assistant, oral surgery assistant and surgical dental assistant.
Career advancement: Dental product sales, insurance claims processing and dental assistant educator.
The Dental Assistant certificate program prepares students to apply for roles including dental assistants, orthodontic assistant, oral surgery assistant, surgical dental assistant, and other related career opportunities, including working as a dental product sales representative, processing dental claims for insurance companies and educating future dental assistants. These careers may exist in a variety of health care environments, like general dental practices, pediatric dental offices, orthodontic practices, oral surgery offices, periodontal practices, endodontic practices, prosthodontic practices, public health clinics and specialty dental practices.
Job Outlook: 6% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years, with a median pay of $47,300 per year. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants.)
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $17,405.00. The published total cost is $18,940.00.