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Dental Assistant Certification Program

Photo of Dental Assistant Student and her instructorDental Assisting is a rewarding career that can open doors for a fulfilling healthcare career. Our dental assisting certificate program at Mile Square is designed to train students to work in public health settings alongside other health disciplines that are all located within our clinics. Our program will prepare you to assist in cases including medically complex care, pediatric services, oral surgery, and prosthetic services. Our training takes place in our modern clinics, allowing you to learn on the most up-to-date technology including digital imaging and electronic records.

Who can apply?

Anyone interested in a career in healthcare who has also obtained a High School Diploma or GED.

How long does it take?

The program consists of 32 hours of lecture, 70 hours of lab and hands-on training, 40 hours of externship, and an additional 8-hour of coronal polishing and sealant certification.

At the culmination of 170 hours and passage of successful exams, you will earn a certificate in dental assisting.  This program is designed to be completed in 12 weeks of learning with additional time for your externship. 

Program 12-week Breakdown:

Hours of Instruction

Type of Instruction

32 hours

Lecture - can be done online

70 hours

Lab - done on evenings/weekends

40 hours

Externship - during clinic hours

8 hours

Coronal Polishing / Sealant Certification

TOTAL: 150 hours of instruction

Certificate granted

Photo of Dental Assistant StudentWhat to expect:

Courses will be taught by professionally certified staff who will teach lectures, administer exams, and oversee your clinical rotations. Classes will be held once a week at our clinic locations at South Shore and Auburn Gresham.

How to Apply:

Fill out the Dental Assistant Certification Program Application Form and email your resume to DACertification@uic.edu. One of our faculty will reach out to schedule an interview.

Tuition costs:

Tuition assistance for the program has been generously provided by the Delta Dental Foundation of Illinois and Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation. Students will be responsible for a $300 fee for their textbooks and uniforms.