Petra Allied Health, Inc.

Providing Quality Career Education in Springdale and Ft. Smith, Arkansas

Dental Assistant

“I really enjoyed this course. My instructor was excellent and very knowledgeable. I learned the skills I needed that I believe will help me achieve my goals and further my career in Dentistry . . .”
– Hot Springs Dental Student

This 280-hour course (200 hours of classroom/lab time and 80 hours of externship) prepares students to perform chair-side assistance to the dentist using four-handed dentistry technique. Additionally, students will be oriented to dental related anatomy and physiology, lab equipment, and preventative/restorative dentistry. Upon completion of the course students will be equipped to take the exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant with the State of Arkansas. Students will also have the chance to learn and perform Dental Radiography, Coronal Polishing, Administration/Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide in the State of Arkansas.

NOTE: a) Students need to be prepared for an externship assignment following their class. This may mean time off from work and/or the need to have a flu shot, criminal background check and a drug screen. It is highly recommended these issues are addressed before your last two weeks of class. b) Some businesses may not hire individuals under 18 years old and without a High School Diploma/GED equivalency.  You will need a pair of scrubs for externship.

View Campus Class Schedules

Register Online

Admission Requirements

  • Complete, submit and agree to terms in the “Class Registration Form” and this Program Bulletin.
  • Must be at least 17 years old. If under 18, parents must sign the registration form.

Tuition, Books and Fees

  • $50 – Non-refundable Registration Fee (due at time of admission, transferable one time)
  • $3,400 – Tuition
  • $250 – Lab Fee
  • $170 – Textbook (may be purchased at the school)

TOTAL: $3,870

Certification and Licensing Fees

  • $50 – CPR Certification for an HCP Card
  • $140 – Fees for Nitrous, Coronal Polishing, & Radiology Exam
  • $75 – State Registration Fees

Payment Plans / Financial Assistance

Tuition is due before class begins. Students desiring a payment plan may pay before class begins a 2% of tuition fee & 50% of their tuition and lab fee; and the remaining balance midway through class. Please contact the admissions office for more information on Payment Plans and financial assistance.

Required Text

Essentials of Dental Assisting 7th Ed., Testbook & Textbook & Workbook with Dental Instrument, a Pocket Guide, by Debbie S. Robinson and Doni L. Bird

Our Programs