What Is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a trained healthcare professional who works alongside dentists to provide patient care, manage clinical equipment, and ensure smooth office operations. Dental assistants prepare patients for procedures, sterilize instruments, take X-rays, and assist during treatments ranging from routine cleanings to oral surgeries. According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 7% through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
A Fast and Focused Path to a Dental Career
If you’re searching for a stable and meaningful career in healthcare, becoming a dental assistant offers the perfect combination of job security, personal fulfillment, and work-life balance. The dental assistant training program at Midwest Institute provides an excellent foundation for students eager to enter the dental field quickly.
You’ll master essential chairside procedures, sterilization techniques, radiography, and patient records management—skills employers actively seek. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in a simulated dental environment featuring industry-standard equipment, giving you real-world exposure before graduation.
In less than 12 months, you can gain the confidence and credentials needed to enter the workforce and make a difference in patients’ lives every day. The median annual wage for dental assistants in Missouri is approximately $38,000, with top earners making over $48,000 according to recent BLS data.
Why Choose Midwest Institute?
At Midwest Institute, students receive personal attention and expert guidance from instructors with years of clinical dentistry experience. The Earth City campus offers modern dental operatories and labs where students practice the same techniques used in professional clinics across the St. Louis metropolitan area.
As an accredited dental assistant school, Midwest Institute ensures your training meets rigorous industry standards and qualifies you for national and state certifications, including DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) credentials. Key program benefits include:
- Hybrid and evening class options to accommodate working adults and busy schedules
- State-of-the-art simulation labs with digital radiography equipment
- Externship opportunities at partnering dental practices throughout Missouri
- Career services support including resume assistance, interview coaching, and job placement
If you want to accelerate your education, Midwest Institute’s fast track dental assistant certification program helps you graduate sooner while maintaining the same high-quality instruction.
Career Opportunities in the Dental Field
After completing your training, a variety of dental assistant jobs in St. Louis and surrounding areas await. Graduates often find employment in general dentistry offices, orthodontic and pediatric clinics, oral surgery centers, and specialty practices. The dental field continues to grow as the population ages and oral health awareness increases, providing steady demand and advancement opportunities.
Many graduates choose to pursue additional certifications in areas like expanded functions, coronal polishing, or orthodontic assisting. Others continue their education toward dental hygiene degrees or dental office management positions.
For those seeking more flexibility, Midwest Institute also offers online dental assistant programs accredited by national bodies—allowing you to complete theory courses remotely while attending on-campus labs for essential hands-on experience.
Financial Aid and Support Services
Education should be accessible to everyone, which is why Midwest Institute offers multiple financial aid options. Students may qualify for FAFSA, Pell Grants, Workforce Development funding, or military benefits through the GI Bill or MyCAA programs.
If you’re exploring affordable medical training programs in Missouri, Midwest Institute provides flexible tuition plans and dedicated enrollment advisors to help you get started without overwhelming financial stress.
Start Your Dental Assistant Training Today
Ready to launch your healthcare career? Contact Midwest Institute’s admissions team to schedule a campus tour, learn about upcoming class start dates, and explore your financial aid options. Your future in dental healthcare is closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does the dental assistant program take to complete?
The dental assistant training program at Midwest Institute typically takes 10–12 months to complete, combining classroom instruction with practical lab experience and externship hours. Accelerated options are available for qualified students.
2) Is Midwest Institute accredited?
Yes, Midwest Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and recognized for meeting the highest educational and professional standards in healthcare training.
3) What is the average salary for dental assistants in Missouri?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants in Missouri earn a median annual wage of approximately $38,000, with experienced professionals earning $48,000 or more depending on specialization and location.
4) Does Midwest Institute help with job placement?
Yes, the career services department provides comprehensive support including resume writing, interview preparation, job leads, and placement assistance. Midwest Institute maintains strong relationships with dental practices throughout the St. Louis region.
