Program Description
Dental Assisting ADA/CODA Accredited Program
If you like helping people, enjoy working with your hands, have a willingness to be versatile, and assume responsibility for many different tasks, then dental assisting is the career for you. Choffin is one of two programs in the state of Ohio that has received National Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Our in-house dental clinic gives the student an opportunity to work hands-on directly with patient care. The job placement rate is based on the year 2020 with 14 out of 15 students employed in the field of dentistry.
This comprehensive program includes work in:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology & Disease Transmission
- Pharmacology
- Tooth Morphology/Oral Embryology and Histology
- Radiology
- Dental Materials
- Lab Procedures
- Chairside Materials and Procedures
The curriculum meets the Ohio State Dental Board Standards for a certificate in Radiography and monitoring nitrous oxide. During the program, students will take the 3 components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to become Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). After obtaining the Certified Dental Assistant credential, the CDA is eligible to apply for a certificate in Coronal Polishing and Sealant Placement. This program has articulation with YSU Dental Hygiene Program for Radiology and Dental Materials. College credits may apply directly to advance your education at YSU and KSU. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine offers preferred placement directly into the expanded functions dental assistant program. In addition, Eastern Gateway Community College will award credit hours directly toward an associate of applied science degree.
*Note: Dental Assisting - Continuing Education (CE) classes for those already certified are available.
All Continuing Education (CE) courses are approved by the Ohio State Dental Board. All courses can be used for CE credits for Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Re-certification requirements. Approval for DANB Re-certification does not imply DANB endorsement of or affiliation with the course or course sponsor or provider.
Course Details
Total Hours: Clinical Externship Hours Vary
Published weeks: 40
Course Fee: $8,025
Tuition: $6,500
Textbooks, Fees & Supplies: $1,525
Uniforms, lab supplies, other fees are not included.
Program Prerequisites:
High School diploma or GED®, CASAS exam and interview required
Financial Assistance
Available to those who qualify.
Additional Information
10 Months: August - June
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-3:00pm
Clinical Hours (start and end times) will vary depending on the clinical site.
Important Links
DOL Standard Occupation Classification Code (SOC): 31-9091
National Center for Education Statistics, CIP Code: 51.0601
Did You Know
Dental Assisting is among the fastest growing occupations?
With a 7% expected growth rate between 2019-2029. The average growth rate is 4% for most occupations. Choffin can help you start your career today.
You can earn between $22,000-48,000 each year. In 2015 the average Dental Assistant made $35,980.
Source: U.S. Department
Dental Assisting Graduate Testimony
Sabrina Sims - graduate 2021
“Being a graduate from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science. I was not sure which direction I wanted to take, but I knew I wanted a career in dentistry. Therefore, I applied to the dental assisting program at Choffin. I had always heard remarkable statements about the program, staff, and how well they prepared their students for the workforce. After going through the program as a student I can honestly say that I was prepared with the knowledge, training, and certifications to becoming a certified dental assistant. While on my clinical externship, I was offered a full-time position in the specific field of dentistry of my dreams. I am so glad I chose to further my education at Choffin to start my career as a certified dental assistant.”
Lindsay Miller – graduate 2021
“When I started the Choffin Dental Assisting Program, I had just graduated high school. At first, I was unsure of my decision, but after meeting the staff, they were reassuring, helpful, and passionate and I knew I had made the correct one. I loved how Choffin sent us out on clinicals to get hands-on experience, which led to me getting multiple job offers. Choffin has opened up many doors for me and my future in dentistry.”
Policy For Admission
Any applicant who wishes to learn more about the program's policy related to blood borne pathogens standards please contact the dental assisting department at 330-744-8749. The Adult Dental Assisting Program provides admission to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, or disability which does not interfere with the attainment of program objectives.
Program Graduate Employment Statistics
Data listed here for the 2019-20 School Year unless otherwise noted.
National Certification Exam Results: 100% of approximately 620 students since 1990.
The median loan debt incurred by students completing this program was $4,470.
Tuition charged for students who completed the program on time was $6,000 (not including fees)
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. CODA Website
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
