Schools to Become a Dental Assistant in Georgia

Dental assisting is a popular entry-level healthcare job choice for people who want to become dentists and orthodontists.

If you’re wondering how to become a dental assistant in Georgia, this article provides helpful information about the type of education, training, and certification you need to succeed in this profession.

Online Training & Trade Schools

Candidates should enroll in an accredited dental assistant trade school or community college to learn the required skills for this profession. Below are some online options.

Beneficial Outcomes of the Program

Be ready to take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exams by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

What Do You Study?

While course curriculum varies across different schools, students in dental assistant programs usually take the following classes:

Foundations of Clinical Dentistry
Dental Instruments and Materials
Patient Assessment and Communication Skills
Oral Health and Dental Disease and Infection Prevention
Assisting in Comprehensive Dental Care
Radiographic Imaging
Occupational Health and Safety

Externships and Other Training

In addition to learning about the theory of dental assisting through in-class instruction, students train in on-campus workshops and participate in externships at local clinics and dental offices to gain hands-on experience.

During this portion of the program, you’ll be able to apply the patient care techniques and chairside dental assisting practices you’ve learned in class to real-world situations.

How Long Does it Take?

6 to 12 months long depending on how quickly you study and advanced through the modukes.

Associate’s degree courses for aspiring dental assistants in GA take at least 2 years to complete.

How Much Does it Cost?

The programs above cost about $2,000, and financing is available.

Meanwhile, tuition for advanced dental assistant degrees in GA ranges from $5,000 to $35,000.

More Local Programs

Athens Technical College (Rating: 4.0 out 5)
The Dental Assisting program at Athens Technical College offers comprehensive training in various aspects of dental care, preparing students for a rewarding career in the field. Students have the opportunity to earn certifications including DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) from the State of Georgia. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with practicum placements in local dental offices, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings.

Athens

Augusta Tech (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Dental Assisting Diploma program at Augusta Technical College, offered at the Augusta campus, spans four terms and requires 50-54 credit hours. This program equips students with the skills needed for various roles in dental offices, covering preventive dentistry, chairside assisting, infection control, dental radiology, practice management, and lab procedures. Graduates earn a diploma, are eligible for the Georgia Expanded Duties certification, and may take the Dental Assisting National Board examination. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Augusta

FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Fortis College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program that combines traditional classroom lectures with high-intensity, hands-on laboratory instruction and clinical experience. While the specific timeframe varies by location and individual schedule, these diploma programs typically take between 8 to 12 months to complete and include a ten-week externship in a real-world healthcare facility. Graduates are awarded a diploma and are academically prepared to sit for professional credentialing exams, such as those for Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) or the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation.

Smyrna

Genesis Career College (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Genesis Career College's Dental Assistant program is a fully accredited 36-week program authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The program provides comprehensive training in areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, oral healthcare, restorative techniques, and medical office procedures, preparing students to assist in dental offices and earn essential certifications for a successful career in dental assisting.

Smyrna, Dalton

Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Lincoln Tech’s Dental Assistant program provides hands-on training in chairside assisting, dental radiology, and office management, preparing students for a versatile role in dental care. The program includes a clinical internship and offers preparation for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams, key components of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. With a blended learning format and business-focused curriculum, graduates gain both technical skills and professional development to thrive in dental practices.

Marietta

Miller-Motte College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
15 month hybrid diploma program.

Augusta, Columbus, Macon

South College (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
South College offers an on-ground Certificate in Dental Assisting at its Nashville campus, featuring a rigorous curriculum that includes 300 hours of general dental office experience and 90 hours in a specialty practice. Graduates are academically prepared to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam and are eligible to seek specific Tennessee state certifications in radiology, coronal polishing, nitrous oxide monitoring, and sealant application. While the program length varies by credit load per quarter, it is designed to move students quickly into the workforce with a strong foundation in both restorative laboratory materials and dental practice management.

Atlanta

Southern Crescent Technical College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
The Dental Assisting diploma program at SCTC's Griffin Campus prepares students for careers in dental offices through comprehensive training in both administrative and clinical skills. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the program combines academic learning with practical experience, culminating in eligibility for national certification exams. With a minimum of 54/55 credit hours required for graduation over four terms, students gain expertise in areas such as dental anatomy, radiology, chairside assisting, and practice management, ensuring they are well-equipped for successful entry into the dental assisting profession.

Peachtree City

UEI College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
UEI College offers a hybrid Dental Assistant program that can be completed in as few as 10 months, blending online learning with on-site lab training and a 170-hour clinical externship. The curriculum covers both front-office administration and back-office clinical skills, specifically focusing on dental science, radiography, and preventative procedures. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn a Dental Assistant Diploma, providing them with the foundational credentials needed for entry-level roles such as oral surgery or orthodontic assistant.

Morrow, Stone Mountain

Georgia Dental Assistant Requirements

Being at least 18 and having a high school diploma, GED or equivalent are the minimum requirements for becoming a dental assistant in GA.

Hopefuls with these qualifications can sometimes receive on-the-job training and perform general patient care tasks while working in dentists’ offices.

Dental Assistant Certificate or Degree

Although formal schooling is optional for these professionals, having a dental assistant certificate or degree can make it easier to qualify for dental assistant jobs in Georgia.

Expanded Duty Dental Assistant

Completing an accredited training course is essential if you want to become an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) and perform more advanced duties like:

Preparing dental charts
Applying topical anesthesia
Coronal polishing
Taking X-rays and dental impressions
Applying fluorides and sealants
Removing prosthetics

Dental assistants in GA must also have prior training or at least eight hours of supervised experience before they can perform procedures that involve using rubber cup prophy on primary dentition.

Additional Requirements

To qualify for an EDDA position, dental assistants in GA must obtain a CPR credential and meet one of the following requirements:

Graduate from an accredited one-year training course OR
Complete at least six months of supervised work experience as a chairside dental assistant OR
Obtain a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)credential

Specialized Training Requirements

GA dental assistants might also need specialized skills and certifications to perform certain dental procedures. If you hope to assist with oral and maxillofacial surgeries, you must complete Georgia Board of Dentistry-approved training in the following disciplines:

Infection Control
Phlebotomy
Venipuncture Procedures
Intravenous Access

CDA Certification

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers a certification exam consisting of three parts:

The General Chairside Assisting Exam (GC)
The Infection Control Exam (ICE)
The Radiation Health and Safety Exam (RHS)

Applying for the Certification Exam

Apply for your CDA certification exam by creating an account on the DANB website, filling out an application form, submitting proof of your age, education, and CPR credentials, and paying the $450 application fee.

Once you pass these exams, you’ll be eligible for advanced dental assistant jobs in Georgia clinics and dental hospitals.

Dental Assistant Salaries in GA

Most dental assistants in GA make about $43,700 per year. However, the average annual dental assistant salary in Georgia may differ depending on which part of the state you live in.

Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.

City	Per Hour	Per Year
Albany	$20.14	$41,900
Athens-Clarke County	$19.79	$41,160
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell	$21.72	$45,180
Augusta-Richmond County	$19.96	$41,510
Brunswick	$19.92	$41,440
Columbus	$19.98	$41,570
Dalton	$18.79	$39,090
East Georgia	$19.27	$40,080
Gainesville	$20.71	$43,070
Hinesville	$20.36	$42,350
Macon	$19.47	$40,490
Middle Georgia	$18.42	$38,310
North Georgia	$22.07	$45,910
Rome	$19.53	$40,620
Savannah	$20.70	$43,060
South Georgia	$19.65	$40,870
Valdosta	$18.76	$39,010
Warner Robins	$19.78	$41,140

Occupation: Dental Assistants(SOC Code319091)
source: data.bls.gov

Where Do Dental Assistants in Georgia Get Paid the Most?

Highest Salaries in North Georgia and Atlanta Metro

North Georgia ($22.07/hr, $45,910) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell ($21.72/hr, $45,180) have the highest pay rates in the state.

The Atlanta metro area likely has higher wages due to high demand, a larger population, and a greater concentration of dental offices.

North Georgia’s strong salary could be influenced by suburban dental practices serving patients from Atlanta while benefiting from lower overhead costs.

Savannah and Gainesville Offer Competitive Wages

Savannah ($20.70/hr, $43,060) and Gainesville ($20.71/hr, $43,070) provide above-average salaries.

These areas may have higher-paying private dental practices or specialized dental services that contribute to the increased wages.

Lower Salaries in Rural and Southern Regions

The lowest wages are found in Middle Georgia ($18.42/hr, $38,310) and Valdosta ($18.76/hr, $39,010).

Dalton ($18.79/hr, $39,090) and South Georgia ($19.65/hr, $40,870) also report below-average pay.

Work Environment and Compensation

Georgia dental assistants work in a variety of settings, from private practices to hospital-based clinics and corporate dental offices.

The work environment influences salary, benefits, and career advancement opportunities:

Higher Salaries in Specialized and Metro Areas
- Practices in Atlanta and North Georgia tend to offer higher salaries due to increased demand and higher cost of living.
- Employers like Smile Partners ($20–$24/hr) and Park Creek Dental Care ($23–$25/hr) provide above-average pay for assistants with specialized skills.
Competitive Pay in Private Practices
- Offices like BGW Dental Group and Hamilton Family Dentistry offer solid wages and benefits, making private practice a stable option for experienced assistants.
Entry-Level and Training Positions Available
- Employers like Ideal Dental (Duluth) and Grady Health System (Atlanta) provide training for assistants looking to enter the field, with starting salaries around $17–$19/hr.
Hospital and Corporate Offices Offer Strong Benefits
- Positions at Grady Health System and Ideal Dental include paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans, making them attractive for long-term employment.

If you have a certificate or diploma from an accredited dental assistant training course, you might be able to negotiate higher wages. Likewise, licensed dental assistants in GA might earn more than non-certified hopefuls. Dental assistants specializing in pediatric dentistry or oral surgery typically earn even more.

Job Description

Dental assistants work in dentist’s offices, performing many of the same duties that medical assistants perform in hospitals and health clinics.

A typical workday for a dental assistant might include:

Preparing examination rooms before each appointment
Sterilizing and setting up dental tools
Ensure patients feel comfortable and relaxed in the dental chair
Process dental X-rays
Helping dentists create crowns, bridges, and dentures using impressions and molds of the patient’s teeth
Passing dental instruments to the dentist during examinations and procedures
Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene
Scheduling follow-up appointments

What Employers in Georgia Look for in a Dental Assistant

Employers across Georgia seek dental assistants who bring technical skills, professionalism, and a patient-first attitude to their roles. Whether in private practices, hospital clinics, or corporate dental offices, employers value clinical expertise, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

Some positions require certifications in radiology and expanded functions, while others offer on-the-job training for new assistants.

Key Qualifications and Certifications

Experience Levels Vary

Entry-Level Roles: Employers like Aspen Dental (Watertown) and Grady Health System (Atlanta) welcome candidates with little or no experience, offering training and career advancement opportunities.
Experienced Roles: Practices such as BGW Dental Group (Gainesville) and Park Creek Dental Care (Woodstock) seek dental assistants with 1–2 years of prior experience, particularly in four-handed dentistry, digital x-rays, and advanced chairside assisting techniques.

Certification Requirements Depend on the Employer

Some positions require formal training, such as those at Suwanee Dental Care and Ideal Dental (Duluth), which prefer Expanded Duties Dental Assistants (EDDA) or Certified Dental Assistants (CDA).
Other employers provide training, such as Hamilton Family Dentistry (Hamilton) and Grady Health System (Atlanta), making them ideal for career changers or entry-level candidates.

X-Ray Certification is Frequently Required

Employers like Smile Partners (Atlanta), Kids Dental (Riverdale), and Ideal Dental (Duluth) require assistants to take and develop x-rays, making radiology certification a key credential for competitive job seekers.
Many practices also seek experience with digital imaging systems, such as iTero 3D scanning, showing a preference for technology-savvy candidates.

Bilingual Abilities Are a Plus

Pediatric-focused practices like Kids Dental (Riverdale) prefer Spanish-speaking assistants to better serve diverse patient populations.
Given Georgia’s growing Hispanic community, bilingual skills can enhance employability and patient communication.

Clinical Responsibilities and Specializations

Georgia employers seek dental assistants with strong technical abilities and hands-on experience in both general dentistry and specialty fields. Key responsibilities include:

✔ Chairside Assistance – Supporting dentists with four-handed dentistry techniques, passing instruments, and preparing treatment areas.

✔ Radiology & X-Rays – Taking and processing digital x-rays and 3D intraoral scans for diagnostics.

✔ Sterilization & Infection Control – Following OSHA and CDC protocols to maintain a clean, safe environment.

✔ Pediatric Dentistry Assistance – Managing young patients, behavior guidance, and patient education.

✔ Surgical and Specialty Procedures – Assisting in oral surgery, prosthodontics, and orthodontics, with some crossover into hospital-based care.

Employers like Grady Health System (Atlanta) also require dental assistants to support hospital-based oral surgery teams, demonstrating crossover into surgical and emergency dental care.

Patient Interaction and Customer Service

Employers across Georgia emphasize strong interpersonal skills and professionalism, particularly for positions in family and pediatric dentistry.

Key expectations include:

✔ Building rapport with patients, particularly in family and pediatric settings.
✔ Providing oral hygiene education and post-procedure instructions
✔ Maintaining a welcoming and professional attitude to enhance patient experiences

Many offices also expect dental assistants to help with front-desk tasks, including scheduling, patient intake, and insurance coordination, highlighting crossover into administrative roles.

Crossover into Other Disciplines

Dental assistants in Georgia may find opportunities that overlap with other medical and dental fields, including:

✔ Hospital-Based Dentistry – Positions at Grady Health System (Atlanta) involve working in oral surgery clinics, requiring knowledge of sterile surgical techniques and patient recovery protocols.
✔ Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry – Some offices, like Peachtree Dunwoody Dental Group (Atlanta), prefer assistants familiar with Invisalign, iTero scanning, and dental implants.
✔ Pediatric Healthcare – Practices like Kids Dental (Riverdale) require assistants skilled in child-friendly communication and behavior management techniques, similar to those in pediatric medical offices.

These expanded roles allow dental assistants to build specialized skills and increase their career prospects.

Conclusion

Employers in Georgia seek dental assistants with a combination of technical expertise, patient-focused care, and adaptability. While some positions provide training, others require certifications in radiology, expanded functions, or oral surgery assistance.

Whether in private practice, corporate dental offices, or hospital settings, dental assistants in Georgia play a vital role in patient care, practice efficiency, and overall dental health education.