What Is It Known For?
Maryland Dental Assistant School (MDAS) offers practical, hands-on training for aspiring dental assistants in a real dental office setting. Founded with a commitment to making dental assisting education accessible, MDAS supports students with a streamlined 10-week program, helping them enter the dental field efficiently. While it isn’t part of a larger network of community colleges, it operates with notable industry affiliations and small class sizes to foster a supportive learning environment.
Degrees & Certifications
The school offers certifications in:
- Basic Chair-Side Dental Assisting: Covers essential skills in patient care and dental procedures.
- Dental Radiology (X-ray): Prepares students to operate X-ray equipment and handle radiographic imaging safely.
- Expanded Function Dental Assisting: Offers advanced training, allowing assistants to perform specialized procedures under dentist supervision.
- Dental Administrative Assistant: Focuses on administrative duties, such as patient scheduling, billing, and office management, crucial for dental office operations.
Class Schedules
All classes at Maryland Dental Assistant School are held in person, with flexible schedules that include weekend and evening options to accommodate students’ busy lives. The programs focus on practical, hands-on training, and some courses include externships to provide real-world experience.
Is It Legit?
While Maryland Dental Assistant School is not an accredited institution, it is recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as a Private Career School. This recognition ensures that the school meets the state’s standards for career-focused education.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Maryland Dental Assistant School is not publicly disclosed. However, the registration requirements for admission include being at least 17 years old, holding a high school diploma, and presenting a government-issued ID.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The tuition for Maryland Dental Assistant School programs varies. The Basic Chairside and Radiology Certification (combined enrollment) costs $2,250, the Radiology Certification is $750, the Expanded Functions Certification is $1,200, and the Dental Administrative Assistant course costs $2,250.
Additional fees for registration and books apply. While the school does not accept financial aid, it offers affordable payment plans for all programs. For more details, visit their tuition and fees page.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Basic Chair-Side Dental Assistant
- Dental Administrative Assistant
- Radiology X-Ray Certification
- Expanded Functions General Duties
Campus Locations
Accokeek 15638 Livingston Road, Accokeek, Maryland 20607
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Maryland Dental Assistant School (MDAS) has an exceptionally positive reputation, overwhelmingly praised for its supportive learning environment, small class sizes, and effective, hands-on instruction. The school is particularly successful in preparing students for immediate entry into the dental field.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Patient Instructors: The teaching staff is universally praised as being knowledgeable, patient, and amazing. Instructors are consistently highlighted for making learning fun and educational while ensuring students fully grasp the material. They are noted for truly wanting students to succeed.
Effective Hands-On Learning: Students highly value the hands-on training, which takes place in a real dental office setting (closed to the public for practice). This approach is credited with building confidence and helping students become comfortable and successful in the field immediately after graduating.
Supportive and Welcoming Environment: The school is frequently described as having a “very welcoming” energy that “felt like home.” Students appreciate the small class sizes and the general positive, safe atmosphere that makes learning easy and fun.
Pathway to Career and Further Certification: Graduates report walking in with “knowing nothing” and quickly securing a dental assistant job. Reviewers express confidence in returning for further specialized courses, such as Radiology and Expanded Functions, indicating high satisfaction with the core program.
Flexible and Accessible Program: The program is praised for working with students’ schedules and offering a great payment plan, making the training accessible to those with busy lives.
Common Criticisms and Important Disclaimer
Non-Accredited Status (Crucial Information): One critical review mentioned that the school is an “unprofessional uncredited institution” that limits a graduate’s career options. The school’s own website FAQ confirms it is not a CODA-accredited institution but is recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as a Private Career School. This is a crucial distinction that prospective students must research, as
Minor Administrative Difficulty: One recent review mentioned that changes to the website made it difficult to find simple information about classes and tuition without entering personal data.
Momentum
The momentum for MDAS is strong and sustained positive. The vast majority of recent reviews (from the last month up to two years ago) are five-star, specifically praising the quality of the instructors and the practical learning environment. While the school’s non-accredited status remains a key point of research for prospective students, the positive reviews focus on the school’s immediate value in successfully placing entry-level dental assistants into the workforce.