Dental Assisting Diploma Program
Blue Cliff College’s Dental Assisting diploma provides in-depth, hands-on training for students interested in a dental assisting career. The program covers many must-know areas, such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, healthcare laws and regulations, and dental office management.
Dental assistants help dentists take care of their patients during their appointments. It’s a hands-on job, and as a dental assistant, you play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth operation of the office. You may prepare tools, take X-rays, and talk with patients to ensure they understand proper oral hygiene. Dental assistants also organize client records and appointments, sanitize equipment, and more.
How Long Is Blue Cliff College's Dental Assisting Program?
Blue Cliff College’s full-time Dental Assisting diploma takes 958 hours (or 59 credits) to complete. Daytime and evening classes are available, so it’s easier than ever to fit your studies around other commitments. The daytime schedule takes 11 months, and evening classes take 15 months to complete.
Day classes are generally held Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening classes also take place Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. You may be asked to attend occasional weekend sessions, which run on Saturdays or Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blue Cliff College's Dental Assisting Program Curriculum
Over the course of the program, Dental Assisting Diploma students will be exposed to a wide range of relevant subjects. Curriculum topics include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Dental health and nutrition
- Oral histology
- Tooth form and structure
- Preventive dentistry
- Infection control
- Dental laboratory procedures
- Radiography
- Orthodontics
- Patient care
- Healthcare laws and regulations (OSHA and HIPAA)
- General dental office administration and management
Towards the end of the program, students undertake an externship, which takes place in an actual dental office. This allows you to get a feel for the job and put your newly learned skills to the test, all under the supervision and guidance of experienced professionals.
At Blue Cliff College, we designed our Dental Assisting program with your future in mind. With these classes under your belt, you can feel prepared to tackle the dental assistant world and build a career you can be proud of.
Explore Related Programs
Blue Cliff College Dental Assisting Program Locations
You can enroll in our Dental Assisting program at the following campuses:
Can This Program Lead to Licensure or Certification?
Dental assistants do not need a license in Louisiana or Mississippi. However, if you graduate from a dental assisting program and choose to go for a certification, you may be more competitive in the job market.
We encourage all graduates from our Metairie, LA campus to gain Louisiana’s “Expanded Duty Dental Assistant” certification. Our Gulfport, MS graduates also receive guidance in gaining Mississippi’s “Certified Dental Assistant” certification.
Blue Cliff College's Dental Assisting Program Enrollment Requirements
To enroll in the Dental Assisting diploma program at Blue Cliff College, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Complete a personal interview with an admissions representative or campus director
- Complete a health survey—applicants must be in good health and physically able to perform dental assistant duties
- Have the financial resources necessary to complete the diploma program
- Accept issuance of (and review a copy of) the college catalog
- Complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level exam and achieve a score of at least 12
How Much Does Blue Cliff College's Dental Assisting Program Cost?
As of 2025, the Dental Assisting diploma program at Blue Cliff College costs $20,872. This includes $18,615 for tuition, $2,207 in fees, and $50 for graduation.
Financial Aid at Blue Cliff College
Here at Blue Cliff College, we’re proud to offer an affordable, outstanding education. We also understand that some people may still need financial aid and other tuition assistance.
Our Financial Aid staff is committed to helping every student get the financial help that works best for them. Whether you can pay for your program in cash or need assistance in the form of student grants, loans, or other resources, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Blue Cliff College for Dental Assisting?
With over 30 years of educational excellence, Blue Cliff College offers an engaging and supportive learning environment. Dedicated facilities for the Dental Assisting program include an x-ray room and other equipment that you’ll use in real-world jobs. Our personalized student services, including expert career guidance and a knowledgeable financial aid team, ensure you have access to all the resources needed to succeed in your studies.
Our hands-on approach to education combines classroom learning with practical experience, preparing students for real-world challenges in the dental field. So, give us a call and arrange a campus visit – we can’t wait to meet you!
Licensing and Accreditation
Blue Cliff College maintains current certification and accreditation, so you know you’re learning skills that are valued in your field. We are:
- Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration. Certificate No. C-736
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)‡
‡The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is a recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education.
