What Is It Known For?
You’re looking at a school that Dr. Eldon Hastings built from the ground up in 2001. He was already working as a dentist when he noticed something: new dental assistants weren’t getting enough hands-on training before they hit the job market. So he created this program to fix that problem.
Since then, more than 1,100 students have graduated and moved into dental jobs across Arizona. The school operates as a for-profit institution with campuses in both Mesa and Phoenix. While they haven’t published exact enrollment numbers per semester, you can contact them directly for current class sizes and availability.
Degrees & Certifications
Your main program is a 13-week certificate course that prepares you for two important exams. You’ll train for the Radiology Health and Safety certification and the Infection Control exam.
After you finish the basic program, you can add more skills through their 7-week Extended Duties Dental Assistant program.
Class Schedules
The school built its schedule around working adults. You only need to attend classes one day per week, and they offer evening and weekend sessions too. This means you can keep your current job while you train.
You’ll get direct clinical experience working with real patients. Practicing dentists serve as your instructors, so you learn from people who do this work every day. If you prefer studying independently, they also have a 100% online program that you can complete at your own pace.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Arizona Board of Private Post Secondary Education licenses the school, which means your training meets all state educational standards.
Acceptance Rate
The school keeps its acceptance rate information private. However, they do require a high school diploma or equivalent to apply. Beyond that basic requirement, you’ll need to speak with their admissions team about current availability.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Your total program cost comes to $7,500. This covers everything: your training, testing fees, and licensing costs. The school handles financial planning on a case-by-case basis rather than using an online calculator, so you’ll need to call them directly to discuss payment options and any financial aid that might be available.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
Campus Locations
Mesa 2500 S. Power Rd. Suite 127 Mesa, AZ 85209
Phoenix 2421 W. Peoria Ave. Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85029
Reviews
Based on a high volume of Google reviews since 2016, the American Institute of Dental Assisting has an excellent reputation, with a clear trend of positive momentum. The overall feedback is overwhelmingly favorable, with both students and patients praising the quality of training and care.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Hands-On Training and Real-World Experience: This is the most consistent and highly-praised aspect of the school. Students and patients alike rave about the opportunity to work on live patients under the close supervision of licensed dentists. Reviewers repeatedly state that this “hands-on” approach gave them the confidence and practical skills needed for their careers, a sentiment that is echoed by many who were hired immediately after graduation.
Supportive and Knowledgeable Staff: The instructors and staff receive frequent praise for being kind, patient, and genuinely invested in student success. Reviewers highlight specific instructors by name, noting their passion for teaching and their willingness to provide extra help, mentorship, and career guidance. The staff is often described as feeling like a “family.”
Excellent Patient Experience: Patients who visit the school for dental work are consistently impressed with the quality of care and the affordability. They mention feeling comfortable and well-informed throughout their procedures, with praise for the gentle approach of the dentists and the professional demeanor of the students.
Career and Placement Support: Many graduates credit the school’s staff for providing strong support with job placement, interview preparation, and lifetime career assistance. This helps students feel confident and prepared to enter the workforce as soon as they complete the program.
Common Criticisms
One-Off Negative Experiences: While a small number of negative reviews exist, they are infrequent and often relate to specific, isolated incidents rather than a systemic issue. One reviewer from several years ago described a negative patient experience, while another from a different school location noted that they felt they were not adequately trained. These instances are a clear minority and do not reflect the overall positive trend.
Length of Patient Appointments: A few patient reviews note that procedures can take longer than at a traditional dental office, a factor they attribute to the students’ learning process. However, this is consistently mentioned as a trade-off worth making for the high-quality, low-cost care.
Momentum
The reviews show a consistent and sustained positive momentum, particularly in recent months. The school’s overall reputation appears to be stable and strong. A significant positive factor is the school owner’s public responses to every single review. This active engagement shows a commitment to students and patients and a desire to address any concerns, which further solidifies the school’s positive reputation. The lack of recent, serious criticism and the influx of highly positive reviews indicate that the school is meeting or exceeding expectations.