Choosing the right dental assistant program in the Bronx can be challenging with options like the Dental Auxiliary Training Center (DATC) and Lehman College offering distinct advantages. Both programs provide quality training, but they differ in format, cost, and focus.
Whether you’re looking for hands-on evening classes or a hybrid option with certification preparation, understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about your future in dental assisting.
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Dental Auxiliary Training Center
The Dental Assistant program at the Dental Auxiliary Training Center (DATC) costs $1,995, with a flexible payment plan available. The program spans 4 months and offers evening classes across six locations in New York, including a “Bronx” campus in Hawthorne. Students receive both hands-on and theoretical training in small, adult-focused classes.
The curriculum covers key dental assisting skills such as dental terminology, infection control, radiology, charting, sterilization, and dental materials. Additional modules include disease transmission, dental anatomy, preventive oral hygiene, and office emergencies. State-licensed instructors, with over 25 years of experience, lead the classes.
Graduates earn a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the program, which includes attendance, coursework, and a final exam. DATC also offers monthly employment readiness workshops to assist students in securing jobs after graduation. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED (including foreign equivalents), and complete a phone interview with a DATC staff member.
Lehman College
The Dental Assistant program at Lehman College costs $1,499 and runs for 80 hours over approximately 14 weeks, followed by a 40-hour externship. The program uses a hybrid format with virtual classroom instruction and on-campus lab sessions, making it ideal for students seeking a mix of online and in-person training. Classes are held in the evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
The curriculum includes foundational topics such as dental anatomy, infection control, radiology, and administrative skills. Students also learn clinical techniques like chairside assisting, instrument maintenance, and emergency procedures. The externship provides practical, hands-on experience at local dental practices, helping students prepare for entry-level dental assistant roles.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion upon fulfilling course requirements with a grade of C or better. The program qualifies students to take the DANB Radiology Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams for national certification. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, and meet health requirements for the externship.
Key Differences Between These Programs
DATC is more focused on hands-on, in-person training with evening classes held at several locations, including a Bronx campus in Hawthorne. The program is slightly longer at 4 months but also offers smaller class sizes with experienced instructors. It covers essential dental assisting skills and practical topics like infection control, radiology, and dental materials. One advantage is their monthly employment readiness workshops that help students find jobs after completing the program. At $1,995, it’s a bit more expensive but allows for flexible payment plans.
Lehman College, on the other hand, is a hybrid program, blending virtual classroom instruction with on-campus labs. It runs for 14 weeks (80 hours), followed by a 40-hour externship for real-world experience. This format might be better if you prefer a mix of online learning and in-person labs. The program is cheaper at $1,499 and prepares you for national certifications like the DANB Radiology Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams. Classes are held in the evenings twice a week, and you’ll need basic computer skills for the virtual portions.
If you prefer all in-person learning with ongoing career support, DATC might be a better fit. If you want a hybrid format with certification opportunities at a lower cost, Lehman College could be the way to go.