Dental Assisting School in Crystal Lake & Libertyville, Illinois

50 Week* Dental Assistant School

Get the Skills to Be a Professional Dental Assistant

Whether you’ve had a long time interest in becoming a dental assistant or you’re just discovering the possibilities, dental assisting is a fulfilling career that allows you to make a difference. First Institute has designed a program to fit your needs.

Why Dental Assisting?

Healthy smiles are one of the top indicators of wellness. When you are a dental assistant, you play a role in making this happen. By helping ensure the office runs smoothly and working closely with dentists, you are helping people achieve healthy smiles.

A Program That Makes You Smile

Dental Assisting training isn’t about getting a certificate to hang on the wall – it’s about training for a rewarding career and giving you an opportunity to be satisfied with your ability to care for your family. To help you achieve these goals, the Dental Assisting program at First Institute, offered at both the Crystal Lake and Libertyville campuses, will provide you with:

  • Hands-on training
  • Practical clinic experience, and,
  • Dedicated industry support

Flexible Schedule

Advancing your career shouldn’t stress you out.

Already working? No problem! First Institute has both daytime and nighttime dental assisting programs available.

  • Daytime class hours are 2 days a week (Mon/Wed or Tue/Thurs) from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • The night schedule is 4 nights a week (Mon through Thurs) from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Better yet, you could launch a rewarding dental career in less than 1 year*!

Learn More

Come learn how to establish a rewarding, professional career (without spending years in school). You could have a bright future in Dental Assisting!

The best way to see if First Institute is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors. Schedule a Tour Now or Get more info >>

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More on Dental Assisting at First Institute:

Modern Space

At First Institute, training is active and led by experienced dental professionals in a fully-functioning dental laboratory. Our instructors know what you need to succeed because they have worked in the field, and they are 100% invested in helping you get there.

The skills you will learn include:

  • Administrative Procedures
  • Dental records, ethics and HIPAA compliance
  • Oral Health and Endodontics
  • Lab procedures – primary & secondary impressions, fixed prosthetics and dental implants
  • Anatomy, Morphology and Dental Sciences
  • Dental Specialties such as Orthodontics & Pediatric dentistry
  • Operative and Chair Side Assisting – instrument care and use, charting and patient care & support
  • Coronal polishing and dental sealants
  • Dental Radiology – x-ray equipment, safety and digital/film processing
    and more!

Career Training Doesn’t Always Have to be Serious in Order to be Effective

The First Institute family likes to have fun, but they're also serious about giving you top-grade Dental Assisting Training

Get Real-World Experience

As a First Institute Dental Assisting student, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a 120-hour (8-week) externship in a real dental office setting. At the externship, you’ll work with real patients under the guidance of experienced dental professionals. This means you’ll get the chance to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired in the classroom and labs gaining valuable on-the-job experience before you even graduate!

After all the support and practical work experience you receive during your training, you’ll feel fully prepared and have lots of confidence to move into any dental assisting setting.

Education Wage Calculator

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  • 1 Based on 2000 hr work-year (40 hrs x 50 weeks) before taxes and deductions
  • 2 Assumes 3% annual wage increase for inflation
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  • 4 Based on retirement age of 65
  • This calculator is for simulation purposes only and should not be relied upon solely to make financial decisions. It is a tool that is offered based on information you provide about your goals and personal situation. All outcomes are based on employment data from various sources including the Department of Education and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We offer no guarantee of employment nor should you rely on the accuracy of the information resulting from the use of the Calculator. The calculations are not provided on behalf of any school. It is a free service provided by Enrollment Resources to assist those evaluating the need to further their education. The calculations provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. All outcomes are hypothetical and past performance does not guarantee nor indicate future results.
Such a great school! Had the best teacher. I was beyond prepared when it came to my first job in the dental field. I'd recommend this school to anyone who is looking into dental assisting!
Kelsey Rae

Funding Your Education

Need some extra help? You’re not alone. Many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. Because First Institute is accredited through ACCET, Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. An experienced First Institute Financial Aid Advisor will help determine your eligibility, explore the best options for you and support you every step of the way through the application process.

Our programs also qualify for a variety of military training assistance options, including GI Bill, MyCAA, REAP, DEA.

Check out our Military Education Benefits page to learn more.

Support Beyond the Classroom

First Institute is dedicated to supporting you upon graduation and throughout your career. While First Institute cannot guarantee job placement, our Career Services Department maintains contact with prospective employers throughout Illinois, and advises them of talented students’ abilities and availability.

Career services can help you:

  • Create a cover letter and resume
  • Develop your interview skills
  • Assist you through the job search process

Is a Rewarding Career in Dental Assisting Right for You? Get More Info.

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Dental Assisting and exploring whether this is the right career path for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

I Want Answers!

A helpful First Institute Admissions Representative would be happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from scheduling to financial aid.

For immediate questions, call 815-459-3500

*50 week program length when completed in normal time.