What Is It Known For?
Founded in 2015, Dental Assisting of Chicago (DAOC) offers a unique learning experience in the heart of downtown. Unlike larger college networks, DAOC is independent and focused. What sets it apart is its full dental facility, allowing students to learn hands-on.
With two spacious classrooms, each holding up to 24 students, DAOC keeps classes small and personal. They typically admit around this number annually.
Degrees & Certifications
The Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago offers an accelerated 12-week chairside dental assistant course and a 14-week Dermatology Clinical Assistant program. Upon finishing the programs, graduates receive a certificate of completion, demonstrating their readiness to start their careers as assistants.
Class Schedules
DAOC provides flexible class and clinical hours to accommodate students’ schedules. Lectures are held once a week, with students having the option to attend on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm or Thursdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
In addition to the 12 days of lectures, students must complete at least 112 clinical hours at DAOC’s downtown Chicago facility. Currently, there is no mention of online classes by the institution. For the most up-to-date information on online class availability, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Is Dental Assistant Academy Of Chicago Legit?
The Dental Assistant Academy Of Chicago has mixed legitimacy. On one hand, the school has received approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Division of Private and Vocational Schools.
However, approval only means the school meets minimum standards and doesn’t guarantee quality or accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Students should consider this when deciding if DAOC is the right fit for their career goals.
Acceptance Rate
The Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at the Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago varies depending on the program. The chairside dental assistant course costs about $6,000, while the Dermatology Clinical Assistant program is roughly $6,800, according to the school’s 2023 catalog.
For exact pricing, contact the school directly as they don’t offer a net price calculator online.
Programs & Courses
Dental
- Chairside Dental Assistant Program
- Administrative Dental Assistant
Dermatology
- Dermatology Clinical Assistant
- Heating
- Hydronics
- AC
Campus Locations
Chicago 25 E. Washington Street, Suite 510 Chicago, IL 60602
Veteran and Military Services
DAOC is approved to accept veteran benefits for military veterans and their family. The Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago will certify a veteran’s enrollment in an approved program to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA).
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Dental Academy of Chicago receives a mix of positive and negative feedback, with most praise directed at its instructors and the hands-on nature of its program.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong, Supportive Instructors: Several reviews praise specific instructors as “great” and “professional.” They are noted for their effective teaching methods, willingness to help students, and for being motivating and supportive. Instructors are also credited with helping students with resumes and interview skills.
Hands-on Training: The hands-on experience is a major highlight, with graduates feeling that the practical training helped them prepare for the realities of a job in the dental field.
Successful Career Outcomes: Many graduates report getting jobs either during the program or soon after finishing. Reviewers state that the program helped them gain the confidence and skills needed to start a new career.
Effective Program Structure: The 12-week program is noted for being an aggressive and effective way to learn. One reviewer pointed out that the academy was specifically built for dental assisting training, which they felt gave it an advantage over other programs.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Supply Issues: Some reviewers complain about administrative issues, including not receiving promised supplies like scrubs, instrument kits, or teeth models. A particularly negative review alleges that the school’s administration is “money hungry” and prioritizes payments over student support.
Unprofessional Staff: A few reviews mention unprofessional or rude instructors, with one reviewer describing a clinical instructor as “awfully unprofessional.” Another review alleges that an instructor made condescending comments to students.
Limited Curriculum: One reviewer felt the program only taught “basic dental” skills and did not provide comprehensive training.
Momentum
The provided reviews are not very recent, with the latest student feedback from two years ago. The feedback is a mix of positive and negative, but a few of the more recent student reviews are critical, focusing on issues with specific instructors and administrative concerns. The school’s owner is very responsive in the reviews, providing a detailed and lengthy response to a negative review that addresses specific claims. This indicates a high level of engagement with student feedback.