Dental Assistant

All students interested in this program must begin in the Allied Health AAS program.

Learn more about our one-year Dental Assistant certificate program. Learn how to perform procedures, process radiographs and more! Immediately sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Fall 2026 Dental Assistant applications are open now through May 1, 2026. Application has closed. Please check back in March 2027.

Apply for Clinicals

The clinical application for the Fall 2026 is now closed
The deadline to apply was May 1, 2026.
You must attend a mandatory 45-minute information session with the program director. Meetings are held via Zoom.
- Use the following link to request an information session: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HACC2/RSVPForAMandatoryInfomrationSessionDentalAssisting. The program director will reach out to you within 3-5 business days to schedule a meeting.
- You must apply to the college and submit high school transcripts first. Download High School Graduation Verification Information (pdf)
Admission to HACC does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the program. Download the Admission Criteria, Point System and Essential Requirements (pdf) (Includes shadowing form).
Download the Shadowing Form (pdf)

What does a dental assistant do?

A dental assistant performs various tasks. They:

Assist the dentist with a variety of treatment procedures
Take dental radiographs
Develop infection control protocol and prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment
Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
Provide patients with instructions following dental procedures
Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies (tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
Take impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
Schedule appointments, answer the telephone, order supplies and billing

What are the additional expenses of the program?

Download Estimated Expenses (pdf) for a list of estimated expenses.

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials?
Upon successful completion you will:

Receive a certificate of completion
Immediately sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete? Where are the clinical classes held?

Download the Required Courses listing. It includes a sample schedule (pdf).
The complete program is available only at the Harrisburg Campus. HACC offers other required courses at other campuses and sites.

Is the program accredited?
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653
http://www.ada.org/en/coda

Can I advance my education in this field?
This program leads directly to an occupation.

You will be eligible to continue for Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA).
You may earn 30 credits towards an Associate Degree in Health Science if you:
- earn national CDA certification
- are working as in the dental assisting field

What is the most current program effectiveness data?

Updated February 2026
Five-year program completion rate —88%
Program performance on national board exams (five-year data 2020-2025):
- Radiation Health Safety —100%
- Infection Control —98%
- General Chairside Assisting —100%
2025 national board exam data
- Radiation Health Safety - 100%
- Infection Control - 100%
- General Chairside - 100%

How can I get more information?

View a dental assisting career information (ADA website).
Visit Careeronestop for salary and job outlook stats, career video and licensing requirements.
View the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu

Dental Assisting Program Contact Information

Select Medical Health Education Pavilion (SMHEP), Room 114
HACC - Harrisburg Campus
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110

DentalAssisting@hacc.edu

717-780-2490

717-780-2398