The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Dental Assistant Training Program (DATP) is a 9-month training program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level employment as dental assistants. Whether you are beginning a new career, returning to the workforce, or looking to expand your skills within healthcare, our program provides the knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional support needed to succeed in the dental field.
Our hybrid program combines online learning with real-world clinical experience, allowing students to complete their training while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. The first 12 weeks of the program consist of self-paced online coursework that can be completed from the comfort of your home. There is no need for travel at any point in this program. During this phase, trainees build a strong foundation in dental knowledge through interactive learning modules, assignments, and weekly virtual instruction.
The second portion of the program focuses on hands-on clinical training. Trainees complete their clinical experience in a dental setting while working directly alongside dental professionals and applying the skills learned during the online portion of the program. Clinical training can be completed at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, one of our Regional Training Centers, or a participating dental office within your community. Because we understand that many students continue working while enrolled, the clinical portion of the program offers flexibility. Trainees may complete their clinical experience either full-time or part-time based on their individual circumstances and the availability of their clinical site.
Job Shadowing & Clinical Experience
All trainees complete 22.5 hours of job shadowing before beginning their hands-on clinical training. Job shadowing allows students to observe patient care, become familiar with office workflows, and gain confidence in the dental environment while connecting classroom concepts to real-world practice. Following the completion of the online coursework, trainees transition into a supervised clinical externship. During this experience, students develop practical skills in chairside assisting, infection control, radiography, patient communication, instrument processing, dental materials, and other essential dental assisting functions.
Certification Preparation
As part of the program, trainees receive preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Examination. Successful completion of this certification allows graduates to legally expose dental radiographs in many practice settings and provides a valuable credential when entering the workforce.
Course Topics
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Dental Office Procedures and Delivering Care
- Oral Health and Prevention of Dental Disease
- Infection Prevention and Occupational Health and Safety
- Patient Information and Assessment
- Dental Materials
- Radiographic Imaging
- Dental Specialties, including:
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Oral Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Dental Implants
Attendance & Student Support
Students participate in regular virtual check-ins throughout the program to review course material, ask questions, receive guidance from instructors, and stay connected with their cohort. Additional review sessions and support resources are provided to help trainees prepare for certification examinations and clinical training.
You will virtually join once per week for the full 2-hour session. Attendance is only required at one of the following, and you do not need to choose the same day and time every week
- Tuesdays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Fridays from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Monthly Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) Exam Review Sessions:
- Held once per month during the first 12 weeks of the program. These virtual Saturday sessions take place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and are designed to help prepare trainees for the Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam. A total of three sessions are held during the first 12 weeks of the program.
Why Choose DATP?
- Hybrid format designed for working adults
- Flexible clinical training pathways
- Opportunities to train locally or through University-affiliated clinical sites
- Preparation for the DANB RHS certification examination
- Hands-on experience in real dental settings
- Support from University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine faculty and staff
- Strong employment opportunities upon graduation
There are no prior dental experience requirements or prerequisites for admission. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Dental Assistant Training Program Website
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