Why Dental Assisting (and Why Smile Squad)

If you’re ready to start a meaningful healthcare career without years in school, the Smile Squad Academy Dental Assisting Program gets you job-ready in just 13 weeks. Our hybrid format blends flexible online coursework with hands-on labs and a guided externship, so you build real skills that Maryland dental practices value.

Benefits at a Glance

• Short timeline: Complete training in 13 weeks

• Real experience: Labs + externship for job-ready confidence

• Supportive faculty: Small cohorts and one-on-one coaching

• Modern skills: Infection control, chairside, radiology, patient communication

• Clear next steps: Pathway toward expanded functions after entry-level role

Smile Squad Academy’s Dental Assisting Program is officially approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, ensuring that our graduates are recognized as qualified Dental Assistants in general duties throughout the state.

Program at a Glance

• Length: 13 weeks | 131 clock hours

• Format: Hybrid—self-paced online theory + in-person skills labs

• Lab Options: Friday 2:00–6:00 PM or Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

• Externship: Begins after Week 2 (student secures site; signed MOU required)

• Cohort Size: Small, hands-on learning environment

• Location: Maryland (in-person labs at our training site)

• Investment: $3,999 (includes tuition, lab supplies, and materials) 

Payment plans available. Textbook purchased separately.
💵 Median Pay for Dental Assistant: ~$22.74/hour¹

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm

What You'll Learn

Learn The Skills Maryland Practices Expect. Build the technical and professional skills to thrive chairside from day one.

Technical Skills

• Chairside assisting & four-handed dentistry

• Infection control, sterilization & instrument processing

• Dental radiology fundamentals & safety

• Impressions, models & basic lab procedures

• Charting, documentation & basic front-desk workflows

Professional Skills

• Patient communication & comfort

• Time management & operatory flow

• Teamwork in a fast-paced clinical setting

• Career readiness for Maryland dental offices