Steps on How to Become a Dental Assistant

Looking to launch a career that’s people-focused, hands-on, and always in demand? Dental assisting might be the perfect fit. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or ready for a career switch, becoming a dental assistant is more accessible than many people think.

Here’s how to get started—and how Harmony Dental Assisting School can help you get there.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before enrolling at Harmony, applicants must be at least 17 years old, hold a valid driver’s license. Applicants need to have either a high school diploma, GED, or be working toward one. A tour of the facility and a brief interview are also part of the admissions process, along with standard enrollment documents and a registration fee.

Step 2: Enroll in Harmony’s 13-Week Program

Harmony Dental Assisting School offers a focused, flexible program designed to help students gain real-world experience in a short amount of time. Over 13 weeks, students complete 281 hours of training—25 hours of online lectures, 56 hours of in-person lab instruction, and a 200-hour externship in a working dental office. This hybrid format allows students to manage their schedule while gaining meaningful clinical and interpersonal skills.

Step 3: Build Skills That Matter

Students leave Harmony with a strong mix of technical and soft skills. You’ll learn how to sterilize instruments, capture X-rays, take impressions, assist chairside, and use dental technology. At the same time, the program emphasizes communication, patient interaction, and teamwork—essential qualities in any dental office. Students build the skills and confidence to support patient care and work seamlessly alongside the dental team from day one.

Step 4: Prepare for the DANB Exam

Harmony’s program helps students build the foundation to pursue the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification if they choose to. While not every dental office requires it, being certified can increase job opportunities and earning potential.

Start Your Dental Career at Harmony Dental Assisting School in Ephrata, PA

Led by Dr. Julie Lehr, Harmony Dental Assisting School is committed to preparing students for long-term success in the dental field. With a welcoming environment, supportive instruction, and a practical, hybrid training model, our program is built for students who want to learn, grow, and launch their careers with confidence. Ready to become a dental assistant? Call us today to learn more or schedule a tour.

Categorised in: Dental Assistant Training