Interested in becoming a dental assistant? You have a few options to train for this career, which include earning a certificate, a diploma, or an associate degree. While these academic pathways have some similarities, there are also notable differences that can help you decide which one is right for you.
In this article, we’ll compare the differences between a dental assistant diploma versus a certificate versus a degree to help you understand all your options.
Dental Assistant Diploma vs. Certificate
Dental assisting diploma and certificate programs look similar on the surface, but they have some key differences, including:
Curriculum
A dental assisting certificate gives you a basic foundation to start your career. The curriculum in a certificate program often focuses on a narrow set of topics, like these:
- Dental anatomy
- Chairside assisting
- Dental materials
- Dental office management
In comparison, a dental assisting diploma program has a broader curriculum that builds on these basic skills. At American Career College, our Dental Assisting curriculum includes these classes, among others:
- Science of dentistry
- Restorative dentistry and pharmacology
- Laboratory procedures and prosthodontics
- Endodontics and radiography
- Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics
- Oral surgery and anesthetics
Both a certificate and a diploma program will also include clinical training, which gives you a chance to apply your new skills in a supervised setting.
Clinical Skills
Both certificate and diploma programs can teach the core skills needed for a dental assisting career. However, in a diploma program, you’ll typically learn more advanced clinical skills. These may include:
- Radiography and X-ray processing
- Coronal polishing
- Crowns and molding
- Pit and fissure sealants
Program Length
The time it takes to complete a certificate or diploma program can vary by school, though both options usually take less than a year.
ACC’s program takes approximately 10 months to complete while certificate programs are generally shorter.
Dental Assistant Diploma vs. Associate Degree
If you’re researching dental assistant programs, you’re probably wondering about the differences between a diploma and an associate degree. The main distinctions between these two options include:
Classes
Among all three academic pathways, an associate degree program has the most extensive curriculum. In a degree program, you’ll need to take general education courses, like English, history, and psychology. Once you finish those, you’ll take dental assisting courses similar to those in a diploma program.
A diploma program primarily focuses on the core dental assisting courses that help you prepare for a career in the field. Most likely, you won’t need to take any general courses.
Program Length
The extra classes in an associate degree program means it will take longer to complete. It can take up to 2 years to earn an associate degree in dental assisting.
Since a diploma program usually takes under a year to complete, this option offers a quicker pathway to a career in dental assisting.
Further Education
Both programs can set you up for further education down the road. With an associate degree, you can go back to school to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as dental hygiene.
If you get your dental assisting diploma and decide you want to advance your career, you can pursue either an associate or a bachelor’s degree in the future.
Dental Assistant Diploma vs. Certificate vs. Degree: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about all the options available to you, here’s some good news: there is no “best” choice among the three. There’s only the decision that’s right for you and your career goals.
It can be helpful to ask yourself these questions as you make your decision:
- How soon do you want to start working? If you want to start working as quickly as possible, a certificate or diploma program may be a better fit. An associate degree program takes longer, but it may be worth it if you want to broaden your education.
- What type of schedule do you want? Depending on the program, schools may offer blended learning formats, where you take a mix of online and in-person classes. Some programs, like ACC’s Dental Assisting program, may even offer weekend classes if you want a more flexible schedule.
- What are your future career goals? If you want to continue your education or advance into higher roles in the future, a diploma or associate degree may be a better fit for your goals.
FAQs About Dental Assistant Education
These are some other frequently asked questions about training to become a dental assistant:
What's the difference between a dental assistant and a Certified Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a professional trained to work in a dental office. Their duties usually include preparing exam rooms, sterilizing tools, and assisting dentists with basic tasks.
A Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is one who has earned this national certification through the Dental Assisting National Board. You must take and pass three exams to become certified. To qualify for certification, you must graduate from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Is dental assisting a diploma program?
Yes, you can train to become a dental assistant by completing a diploma program. Earning a diploma can be a great choice because it offers a well-rounded education in a streamlined timeframe. You can also pursue either a certificate or an associate degree in dental assisting.
Earn Your Dental Assisting Diploma at ACC
To become a dental assistant, you can earn a dental assistant diploma, certificate, or degree. A certificate gives you the basic skills to start a career, while an associate degree offers a broader curriculum to prepare you for the next steps. A diploma program can be the right choice if you want a solid foundation to learn the essentials without spending years in school.
ACC’s Dental Assisting program is designed to give you the tools you need to begin a career in this field. We offer a blended learning format that combines online classes with two days of in-person instruction, and weekend classes are also available. With ACC’s Dental Assisting program, you can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a career in dental assisting? Reach out to request more information today!
