⚡ ACCELERATED 10-WEEK CLINICAL HEALTHCARE CAREER PATH
Dental Assistant Program
Launch Your Career in Dentistry in 10 Weeks. Inside a Real Clinic.
Skip simulated classrooms. Gain hands-on practice in four-handed chairside dentistry, OSHA sterilization, and Virginia dental X-ray certification prep inside an active Lorton dental practice after patient hours.
- 70% Hands-On Lab: 56 of 80 hours spent directly working with clinical equipment
- 5:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Direct coaching from licensed professionals
- Flexible Schedules: Choose evening or Saturday full-day cohorts
Get Course Catalog & Tuition Info
Receive the official 24-page syllabus, tuition details, and available payment options directly to your email.
🔒 High School Diploma / GED required to enroll. Information kept strictly confidential.
10 Weeks
80 Clock Hours Total
70% Hands-On
56 Clinical Practice Hours
5:1 Ratio
Small-Group Lab Instruction
SCHEV
Certified In Virginia Since 2025
Introduction
Career First Institute was founded in 2024. It offers a training program for individuals pursuing a career as a dental assistant. The school’s only campus is located at 9360 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079, within a functioning dental office. Conducting training in an actual dental office enhances the learning experience for students enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program.
The term four-hand dentistry refers to the two hands of the dentist and the two hands of the dental assistant. Dental assistants are integral to the efficiency and success of a dental office.
Goal and Objective
The objective of this program is to train students to seek employment in a dental office as an entry-level dental assistant, sterilization technician, or clinical assistant. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a faster-than-average growth rate of 8% for this profession from 2023 to 2033.
Training takes place in an actual dental office when it is closed to patients. This gives students real-world exposure to treatment rooms, a lab, a sterilization area, x-ray equipment, and front desk operations. Students gain practical experience through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in a fully equipped dental setting.
Why Learn Dentistry Inside an Active Practice?
Simulated desks cannot replicate the pace and precision of dental operatories. Our Lorton campus operates inside an active dental office closed to patients during class hours.
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Real Operatories & Chairs
Practice instrument transfer, high-volume evacuation (HVE), and operatory disinfection using the same chairs, delivery systems, and dental units doctors use during daytime practice.
☢️
Virginia X-Ray Certification Prep
Gain hands-on clinical training aligned with Virginia radiation requirements for the DANB Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam and the NOVA Dental Radiation course.
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Career Readiness Support
Build dental-specific resumes, complete mock interviews, and receive recommendation letters and clinical placement referrals across practices throughout Northern Virginia.
Complete 5-Course Program Learning Path
Each module pairs core concepts with hands-on practice. Review the full 80-clock-hour syllabus below:
Understand practice workflows, patient communication, and HIPAA privacy rules. Learn Universal 32-tooth numbering, surfaces, dental anatomy, and practice-management software (Dentrix/Eaglesoft) for patient charting and check-in.
Covers CDC/OSHA infection control standards, bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, and personal protective equipment. Lab sessions include operatory turnaround, ultrasonic cleaning, pouching, autoclave sterilization, and accidental exposure protocols.
The largest portion of the curriculum broken into 4 parts: (1) Operatory setup & seating, (2) Tray setups & instrument transfer, (3) Restorative dentistry, provisional (temporary) crown fabrication, dental dam placement, and sealants, and (4) Surgical assisting, sterile fields, and suture removal.
Learn tray selection, alginate mixing, setting times, and taking upper/lower preliminary impressions. Lab tasks cover pouring and trimming stone casts, bite registrations, and fabricating vacuum-formed whitening trays.
Master radiation physics, ALARA safety principles, sensor positioning, bitewings, periapicals, and full-mouth series on mannequins. Includes review of panoramic/CBCT concepts and test preparation for DANB RHS or NOVA radiation exams.
Upcoming Class Schedules & Start Dates
Classes are capped at approximately 10 students to maintain a 5:1 hands-on coaching ratio. Early registration is recommended.
MOST POPULAR
Tuesday & Thursday
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
10 Weeks • Two 4-hr sessions/week
Starts: Tuesday, Nov 13, 2026
WEEKEND BATCH
Saturday Full Days
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
10 Weeks • One 8-hr session/week
Starts: Saturday, Nov 14, 2026
EVENING BATCH
Monday & Wednesday
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
10 Weeks • Two 4-hr sessions/week
Starts: Wednesday, Dec 2, 2026
Learn from Experienced Clinical Instructors
Instructors bring years of chairside experience in Northern Virginia, sharing current practice expectations directly in class.
Franklin Reid, EFDA
DANB RHS CERTIFIED • EXPANDED FUNCTIONS (EFDA) • CPR/FIRST AID
Chairside dental assistant across the DC metro area since 2019. A Fortis College graduate specializing in restorative, endodontic, surgical, and implant procedures. Frank brings digital workflows into the lab, covering intraoral scanning (CEREC/iTero) and in-house CAD/CAM design.
Ruth C. Morales
25+ YEARS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE • MIDWESTERN UNIV. FACULTY • BILINGUAL
Over 25 years of dental practice and clinical education experience. Spent 14 years supporting dental students at Midwestern University Dental Institute across oral surgery, pediatric, and general operatories. Fluent in English and Spanish with hands-on practice management software expertise (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, SoftDent).
Serving Students Across Northern Virginia
Conveniently situated on Richmond Hwy (Route 1) with quick access to I-95. Students commute easily from Woodbridge, Springfield, Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, Burke, Fairfax, Lake Ridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Manassas, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dental Assistant Program
Program Overview
1. What is the Career First Institute Dental Assistant Program?
Career First Institute offers a 10-week, 80-clock-hour Dental Assistant Program in Lorton, Virginia designed to prepare students for entry-level work in a dental office. The program combines classroom education with extensive hands-on training in an actual dental-office environment.
Students learn practical dental assisting skills, infection control, sterilization, chairside assisting, dental impressions, radiology, office procedures, and other skills commonly used in modern dental practices.
2. How long does it take to become a dental assistant at Career First Institute?
Career First Institute’s Dental Assistant Program can be completed in approximately 10 weeks.
The program is designed for students looking for a focused and practical path into dental assisting without spending a year or more completing a traditional academic program.
3. How many hours is the Dental Assistant Program?
The Dental Assistant Program consists of 80 clock hours completed over 10 weeks.
Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice so students can learn both the knowledge behind dental assisting and how those skills are used in a dental-office setting.
4. Is this a fast-track dental assistant program?
Yes. Career First Institute’s 10-week Dental Assistant Program is designed as a focused training option for students who want to prepare for an entry-level dental assisting career in a relatively short period of time.
The shorter format does not eliminate hands-on training. A substantial part of the program is devoted to practical learning in a real dental-office environment.
5. Where is Career First Institute's Dental Assistant Program located?
Career First Institute is located at:
9360 Richmond Hwy
Lorton, VA 22079
The school is conveniently located for students throughout Northern Virginia and the surrounding region.
6. Is Career First Institute certified to operate in Virginia?
Yes. Career First Institute is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
Career First Institute received its certification to operate in 2025.
7. What jobs does the Dental Assistant Program prepare students for?
The program is designed to help students prepare to seek entry-level positions such as:
- Dental Assistant
- Entry-Level Dental Assistant
- Sterilization Technician
- Clinical Assistant
Individual job duties depend on the dental practice, the student’s qualifications, Virginia regulations, and any additional certifications required for specific duties.
8. What certificate will I receive after completing the program?
Students who successfully meet the program’s completion requirements receive a Dental Assistant Program Completion Certificate from Career First Institute.
This should not be confused with the Certified Dental Assistant, or CDA, credential issued by the Dental Assisting National Board. The Career First Institute completion certificate and national DANB certification are separate credentials.
Admission Requirements
9. Do I need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in the Dental Assistant Program?
High school diploma or GED is required for enrollment in Career First Institute’s Dental Assistant Program.
Students should still be prepared to complete classroom instruction, hands-on training, quizzes, skills practice, and the other academic requirements of the program.
10. Do I need previous dental experience to enroll?
No. No previous dental experience is required.
The program is designed to introduce students to dental assisting from the beginning and help them progressively develop the knowledge and practical skills used in a dental office.
11. Do I need previous healthcare experience?
No. Previous healthcare, medical, or dental experience is not required to enroll.
Career First Institute’s Dental Assistant Program is designed for entry-level students, including individuals entering healthcare for the first time or changing careers from another industry.
12. Who is the Dental Assistant Program designed for?
The program may be a good fit for students who want to enter dental assisting, recent graduates exploring a healthcare career, working adults looking for a career change, and individuals who prefer hands-on learning.
Because evening and weekend scheduling options are available, the program may also work well for students balancing school with work or family responsibilities.
13. How do I enroll in the Dental Assistant Program?
Prospective students can begin by completing the Career First Institute application.
Students then complete the required enrollment documents and registration process. After enrollment is started, Career First Institute administration can discuss payment arrangements, class options, and the next steps with the student.
14. Can I visit Career First Institute before enrolling?
Yes. Prospective students are welcome to schedule an onsite visit or one-on-one consultation before enrolling.
A visit gives students an opportunity to see the learning environment, meet with the Career First Institute team, ask questions about the program, understand the schedule, and learn more about dental assisting as a career.
Please visit the Contact Us page to request a meeting.
Class Schedule and Learning Environment
15. Does Career First Institute offer evening dental assistant classes?
Yes. Career First Institute offers weekday evening options designed to accommodate students who may work or have other daytime responsibilities.
Available weekday schedules may include:
Monday and Wednesday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
or
Tuesday and Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Students should contact Career First Institute for the schedule available for their preferred enrollment period.
16. Does Career First Institute offer Saturday dental assistant classes?
Yes. A weekend option is available.
Saturday classes are generally scheduled from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, including a lunch break.
This option can be useful for students who cannot attend classes during the workweek.
17. Is the Dental Assistant Program online or in person?
The core Dental Assistant Program is designed as an in-person program in Lorton, Virginia.
Dental assisting requires practical skills, so hands-on learning is an important part of the Career First Institute training model.
18. Can I attend dental assistant school while working?
Many students can. Career First Institute offers weekday evening and Saturday class options specifically to make training more accessible to people who have work, family, or other daytime responsibilities.
Students should consider their individual schedules and the program’s attendance requirements before selecting a class option.
19. How large are Career First Institute's dental assistant classes?
Career First Institute emphasizes small-group instruction.
The target student-to-instructor ratio is approximately 10:1 for classroom/theoretical instruction and approximately 5:1 during hands-on training.
Smaller hands-on groups give students more opportunities to practice skills and receive direct instructor feedback.
20. Is attendance important in the 10-week Dental Assistant Program?
Yes. Because this is a short, hands-on program, consistent attendance is important.
Students are expected to maintain at least 90% attendance and meet the program’s academic and practical requirements.
Hands-On Dental Assistant Training
21. Does the Dental Assistant Program include hands-on training?
Yes. Hands-on dental assistant training is a major part of Career First Institute’s program.
Students practice in a real dental-office setting using treatment rooms, dental equipment, sterilization areas, radiography equipment, laboratory areas, instruments, and other resources found in a working dental practice.
22. Is Career First Institute's training actually inside a dental office?
Yes. Career First Institute’s Lorton campus is located within a functioning dental-office environment.
Classes and hands-on training are conducted when the dental office is closed to patients, allowing students to practice in a realistic clinical environment while focusing on learning.
23. Do students get to observe a real dental practice?
Yes. Career First Institute is closely affiliated with Gentle Dental Care, a dental practice serving Northern Virginia.
Through this relationship, Career First Institute can provide students with opportunities to shadow dental professionals and observe real dental-office workflows and patient care.
Hands-on student practice during the training program is conducted separately when the dental office is closed to patients.
24. What is the relationship between Career First Institute and Gentle Dental Care?
Career First Institute’s training environment is closely connected with Gentle Dental Care, an established Northern Virginia dental practice.
This relationship gives students exposure to the environment, equipment, workflows, and expectations of a functioning dental office and creates opportunities for students to observe dental professionals through shadowing.
25. What skills do students learn in the Dental Assistant Program?
Training covers skills and concepts commonly used by entry-level dental assistants, including:
- Chairside assisting
- Four-handed dentistry
- Instrument identification
- Instrument transfer
- Dental procedure setup
- Sterilization and disinfection
- OSHA and infection-control concepts
- Dental impressions
- Dental radiography concepts
- X-ray positioning
- Patient preparation
- Treatment-room preparation
- Dental materials
- Basic dental-office procedures
- Front-desk workflow
- Professional communication
- Workplace readiness
The goal is to help students understand both the clinical and professional responsibilities of working in a dental office.
26. Will I practice with real dental equipment?
Yes. Students train in a fully equipped dental-office environment rather than relying entirely on classroom lectures.
This provides practical exposure to dental operatories, instruments, sterilization equipment, X-ray equipment, laboratory areas, and other equipment commonly encountered in dental practices.
Dental X-Rays and Virginia Radiation Certification
27. Does the Dental Assistant Program include dental X-ray training?
Yes. Dental radiology is an important component of Career First Institute’s curriculum.
Students receive instruction and hands-on practice involving dental radiography concepts, radiation safety, positioning, periapical radiographs, bitewing radiographs, full-mouth series concepts, common radiographic errors, and related topics.
28. Does Career First Institute automatically give me my Virginia dental X-ray certification?
No. Career First Institute provides radiology education and preparation, but the Virginia radiation qualification is a separate requirement.
Students must successfully complete an applicable outside radiation-certification pathway before they can independently perform dental radiography duties permitted under Virginia law.
29. What dental X-ray certification pathways does Career First Institute prepare students for?
Career First Institute’s radiology curriculum is designed to help prepare students for commonly used Virginia pathways, including preparation related to the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) pathway and the NOVA Dental Radiation Safety pathway offered through Northern Virginia Community College.
Career First Institute can explain these options to students and help them understand the steps required to obtain their radiation qualification.
30. Can I take dental X-rays in Virginia after completing the 10-week program?
Completing the Career First Institute Dental Assistant Program alone does not automatically authorize a student to expose dental radiographs.
Virginia has separate requirements for dental assistants who place or expose dental radiographs. Students must obtain the applicable radiation qualification before performing those duties.
31. Do I have to obtain my radiation certificate before receiving my Career First Institute completion certificate?
Yes. Career First Institute requires students to successfully obtain the applicable radiation certificate as part of the requirements for receiving their Dental Assistant Program Completion Certificate.
The program’s radiology instruction is designed to help students prepare for that process.
32. What is the DANB RHS exam?
RHS refers to Radiation Health and Safety, a dental radiography examination administered through the Dental Assisting National Board.
Career First Institute includes radiology instruction intended to help students build the knowledge and skills relevant to dental radiation safety and preparation for applicable certification pathways.
33. Is the Career First Institute completion certificate the same as DANB Certified Dental Assistant certification?
No.
A Career First Institute Dental Assistant Program Completion Certificate confirms successful completion of Career First Institute’s program requirements.
The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is a separate national credential issued by the Dental Assisting National Board and has its own eligibility and examination requirements.
34. What is the difference between a Dental Assistant I and Dental Assistant II in Virginia?
In Virginia, an entry-level dental assistant generally works as a Dental Assistant I under the appropriate supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist and may perform duties allowed under Virginia regulations.
Dental Assistant II is a separate advanced registration category with additional education, credentialing, competency, and Virginia Board of Dentistry requirements.
Career First Institute’s 10-week program is designed primarily to prepare students for entry-level dental assisting, not to automatically qualify a graduate as a Dental Assistant II.
35. Is CPR or BLS certification included in the Dental Assistant Program?
No. CPR/BLS certification is not included as part of Career First Institute’s 10-week Dental Assistant Program.
However, Career First Institute can help students identify options for obtaining CPR/BLS certification when they need or want it for employment or additional credentialing.
Career and Employment Support
36. Does Career First Institute help students find dental assistant jobs?
Yes. Career First Institute provides career and job-search assistance to help graduates prepare for employment.
Support may include resume preparation, interview preparation, guidance on applying for dental-office positions, clinical placement support, and connections with local dental practices.
Career First Institute does not guarantee employment, because hiring decisions are made by individual employers.
37. Does Career First Institute help with resumes and interviews?
Yes. Career First Institute provides career-readiness support that may include resume workshops and interview preparation.
Students can receive guidance on presenting their training, practical skills, radiography qualifications, and other experience to prospective dental employers.
38. Is a job guaranteed after completing the Dental Assistant Program?
No educational program can guarantee that an employer will hire a particular student.
Career First Institute provides training and employment-support resources intended to help students become stronger candidates for entry-level dental positions, but employment ultimately depends on factors such as the student’s performance, professionalism, qualifications, interview, schedule availability, and the employer’s hiring needs.
Tuition, Payment Plans and Financial Aid
39. How much does the Career First Institute Dental Assistant Program cost?
For the current tuition, available promotions, fees, and what is included with enrollment, prospective students should contact Career First Institute administration.
Please use the Contact Us page to request current tuition information or schedule a one-on-one consultation.
40. Does Career First Institute offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment arrangements may be available for eligible students.
Students can begin the enrollment process with the applicable $100 registration fee, and Career First Institute administration can discuss available payment arrangements and enrollment options directly with the student.
Contact administration for the most current payment-plan information.
41. Does Career First Institute accept FAFSA or federal financial aid?
Career First Institute does not currently participate in federal financial aid or FAFSA for the Dental Assistant Program.
Students who need help managing program costs should contact Career First Institute administration to discuss available payment options.
Dental Assistant Training Near Me and Northern Virginia
42. What areas does Career First Institute serve?
Career First Institute’s Dental Assistant Program is located in Lorton, Virginia and serves students from throughout Northern Virginia and surrounding communities.
Students may travel to the program from areas including:
- Lorton
- Woodbridge
- Springfield
- West Springfield
- Alexandria
- Fort Belvoir
- Newington
- Fairfax Station
- Burke
- Mount Vernon
- Occoquan
- Lake Ridge
- Dale City
- Dumfries
- Manassas
- Fairfax
- Arlington
- Prince William County
- Fairfax County
- Stafford
- Stafford County
- Fredericksburg
- And surrounding Virginia communities
Students searching for a dental assistant program near Woodbridge, dental assistant school near Springfield, dental assistant training in Northern Virginia, or a fast dental assistant program near Stafford or Fredericksburg are welcome to contact Career First Institute to determine whether the Lorton location is convenient for them.
