Scholarship Available Now
Hands-On Training
Online And On-Campus Classes
Committed Career Service Team
Laptop For Every Student
What The Dental Assistant Program At NCC Offers You
NCC’s accredited Dental Assistant program is specifically designed to qualify you for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) designation and state-required Radiography certifications—the exact credentials Nevada dentists look for when they hire.
At NCC, your instructors guide you from starting the course curriculum to acquiring hands-on experience through chairside assisting, taking digital X-rays, performing infection control, and managing dental records. You get hands-on training in our extensive 8-operatory labs, built by mirroring the professional setup you will encounter alongside a dentist.
At the end of the course, you can use your learned knowledge in a real dental office through a supervised externship right here in Las Vegas. This hands-on practice allows you to work alongside professional dental teams, developing chairside manner, building a network, and gaining confidence for the job.
Throughout your 9-month journey, our Career Services team provides one-on-one support tailored to the dental industry. From writing a resume to practicing for interviews, we are committed to helping you find the right fit in private practices and specialty clinics across Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
Sources
- *1 Find the Median Annual Salary Report for Dental Assistants at O*Net Online.
- *2 Find the detailed definitions of the Job Placement Rate and Retention Rate on our Annual Outcomes Data page.
Dental Assistant Program Accreditation
NCC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Their contact information is listed below for applicants who wish to request additional information regarding the program’s accreditation.
"Northwest's contact and communication were second to none."
"Northwest's contact and communication were second to none. They said, "hey if this is what you want, we're gonna get you in there. You're gonna get through it. And they kept their promise."
Why Choose The Dental Assistant Training At
Northwest Career College?
Dedicated Academic And Career Support On Campus
Northwest’s Career Services team assists you in seeking and placing the best Dental Assistant employment opportunity in Las Vegas that fits your needs.
RDA Certification Exam Preparation
Our Dental Assistant program curriculum is designed to prepare you for RDA certification, prioritize your skill development, and validate your expertise to potential employers.
Flexible Dental Assistant Class Schedule
NCC offers morning and night classes along with a laptop for each student for easy access, so you don’t lag behind and perfectly manage your work and family schedule.
Affordable Tuition With Financial Aid And Scholarships
NCC provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Eligible students can significantly reduce the cost of their Dental Assistant diploma.
8 Operatories For Exceptional Training
NCC's program offers hands-on training with digital, portable, and traditional X-rays plus an externship, assisting you in developing skills in modern imaging and real-world clinical practice.
Begin Your Career Within A Year
You gain theoretical knowledge, hands-on training with supervision, an externship with industry experts, CDA exam preparation, workplace-ready skills and confidence, and a clear career guideline.
Prominent dental practices, orthodontic clinics, oral surgery centers, and specialized pediatric dental offices across Nevada prefer hiring NCC’s Dental Assistant graduates.
What You Will Learn As A Dental Student At NCC
Master the essentials of patient care and office flow. You will learn to manage records, sterilization, and basic clinical support safely.
- Dental Anatomy & Charting
- Infection Control & Sterilization
- Patient Etiquette & Scheduling
- Procedure Assisting
- Radiography Basics
Connect oral pathology to clinical workflows. You will develop hands-on skills in preventive treatments, impressions, and identifying complex dental structures.
- Alginate Impressions
- Coronal Polishing
- Fluoride & Sealants
- Oral Pathology
- Periodontal Charting
- Tooth Morphology
Protect patients and teams by mastering high-level safety standards. You will practice tray setups and instrument transfers in a sterile environment.
- Instrument Transfer
- OSHA & CDC Protocols
- Operatory Disinfection
- PPE Management
- Tray Setup & Suctioning
- Universal Precautions
Bridge the gap between pharmacology and patient records. You will learn to manage medical histories, emergency responses, and four-handed dentistry.
- Emergency Response
- Four-Handed Dentistry
- Medical History Review
- Patient Documentation
- Pharmacology Basics
- Rubber Dam Placement
Focus on high-tech digital imaging and pain management. You will master dental handpieces, radiation safety, and chairside assisting for general procedures.
- Burs & Handpieces
- Digital X-ray Techniques
- Moisture Control
- Panoramic Imaging
- Radiation Safety
- Topical Anesthesia
Master the materials used in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. You will develop proficiency in CAD/CAM workflows, crown assisting, and dental bonding.
- CAD/CAM Workflow Basics
- Crown & Bridge Assisting
- Dental Materials Handling
- Matrix System Placement
- Provisional Fabrication
- Restorative Procedures
Explore specialized dental fields from orthodontics to oral surgery. You will learn to support advanced procedures and specialized surgical workflows.
- Endodontic Procedures
- Implant & Surgical Support
- Orthodontic Assisting
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Procedure Workflow Execution
- Specialty Chairside Assisting
Transition from our 8-operatory lab to a real Las Vegas dental practice. You will apply your clinical skills alongside experienced professionals.
- Career Networking
- Patient Interaction
- Professional Communication
- Real-World Clinical Application
- Team Collaboration
- Workplace Adaptability
Dental Assistant Career Opportunities In Nevada
Dental Assistant Program Cost
Current Tuition Rates Until June 30, 2026
| Term 1 | $5,167.00 |
| Term 2 | $5,166.00 |
| Term 3 | $5,166.00 |
New Tuition Rates Starting July 1, 2026
| Terms 1-3 | $5,500.00 |
More Information about the Profession
- For information about Financial Aid at Northwest Career College, please visit our Financial Aid page located under the Admission & Aid tab.
- For more information about the Dental Assistant profession (SOC 31-9091) Click Here to review the Summary Report for Dental Assistants at O*Net Online
Dental Assistant Program Requirements
The primary requirements for admission to the Dental Assistant program are:
High School Completion
Get your high-school diploma or GED certificate to ensure your eligibility for the professional IT associate program.
U.S. Government-Issued Photo ID
Send us your U.S. government-issued photo ID for identity verification. Students under 18 are required to submit written consent from their guardians.
Social Security Card
Provide your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number (TIN) to confirm eligibility to study and work in the U.S.
Find The Dental Assistant Trade School In Las Vegas
A Dental Assistant is a skilled clinical professional who works chairside to support dentists by preparing specialized instruments for procedures, providing patient care, taking digital X-rays, keeping records, and scheduling appointments. They perform administrative tasks and maintain interpersonal communication, alongside maintaining efficient, sterile, and comfortable dental care.
To become a dental assistant in Nevada, you must complete a high school diploma or GED and enroll in an accredited program for theoretical and hands-on training in administrative and clinical knowledge. Though Las Vegas, NV, doesn’t require any state-mandated certifications to practice, achieving any national certification, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), helps gain job opportunities and allows you to perform specific tasks, notably X-rays.
In Nevada, you don’t need to obtain a degree or certification to practice as a dental assistant. However, completing an accredited program demonstrates your training and skill, giving you an edge in employers' trust, job opportunities, and better pay.
After graduating as a dental assistant, you are eligible to practice as a Dental Radiographer, Dental Assistant, Clinical Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant Office Manager, Orthodontic Assistant, Oral Surgery Assistant, Dental Hygiene Assistant, etc.
A dental assistant earns approximately $30,000 (entry level) to over $59,000 (experienced level), with employment projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034. Dental assistants with certification and specialized clinical expertise enjoy more career opportunities, higher pay, and facilities all across the US, including in Nevada.
It takes 8 weeks to 2 years to become a dental assistant, depending on program type or institution type. An accelerated program takes 8 weeks to 6 months, certifications or diplomas programs take 9 to 12 months, and associate degree programs (AAS/AS) take 18 to 24 months. A community college takes 6 to 24 months, and a trade school takes 9 to 12 months. At NCC, you complete your dental assistant program in just 9 months, which includes a hybrid model study program, hands-on training, supervised externship, and career guidelines.
Yes, NCC’s Dental Assistant program is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Our DA program is recognized for maintaining high standards in Dental education, including curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student support, and hands-on clinical training, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to succeed in today’s healthcare field.
A dental assistant performs front-office administrative tasks, patient care, and laboratory duties, assisting a dentist with treatments and procedures, taking X-rays, preparing dental materials, maintaining proper infection control and sterilization, maintaining dental equipment, and ordering dental supplies.
