Best Dental Assistant Schools in Hawaii

If you want to work in dental healthcare without spending years in school, becoming a dental assistant is one of the fastest ways to get started. In Hawaii, you can train in under a year, earn a recognized credential, and begin helping patients as part of a professional dental team.

Here's what you need to know and where to find the best dental assistant schools in Hawaii.

What a Dental Assistant Does

Dental assistants keep dental offices running smoothly. They help the dentist during procedures, prepare treatment rooms, and ensure patients are comfortable. They may also manage scheduling, patient records, and sterilization of tools.

In Hawaii, most dental assistants are trained on the job or through postsecondary programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on practice.

Hawaii Dental Assistant Requirements

Hawaii does not require dental assistants to be licensed to perform basic chairside duties. However, specialized tasks like radiography do require training and certification.

Hawaii State Rule: To take dental X-rays, a dental assistant must complete a Board-approved course in radiography.
Source: Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners

Many employers prefer hiring graduates from accredited dental assisting programs, especially those that prepare you for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Hawaii

1. Complete a dental assistant training program
   Look for schools with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approval or strong local reputation.
2. Get hands-on practice
   Most programs include clinical rotations in real dental offices.
3. Earn additional certifications
   Radiography and infection control certifications can make you more employable.
4. Apply for entry-level positions
   Many dental offices will train you further once hired.

Best Dental Assistant Schools in Hawaii

Below are some of the top training options available in Hawaii. Program details may change, so confirm directly with the school before enrolling.

1. University of Hawaii Maui College - Dental Assisting Program

• Location: Kahului, Maui
• Program Length: 1 year (Certificate of Achievement)
• Highlights: Accredited by CODA, includes 300+ hours of clinical experience. Prepares students for DANB CDA exam eligibility.
• Learn more

2. Hawaii Dental Assisting Academy

• Location: Honolulu, Oahu
• Program Length: 10 weeks (part-time format)
• Highlights: Fast-paced program with evening and weekend classes. Focus on chairside skills and X-ray certification.
• Learn more

3. UH Leeward Community College - Dental Assisting Certificate

• Location: Pearl City, Oahu
• Program Length: Approximately 1 year
• Highlights: Combines classroom theory with clinical externship. Includes preparation for infection control and radiography exams.
• Learn more

Program Length and Format

Tip: CODA accreditation is important if you plan to take the DANB CDA exam. Non-accredited programs can still be good, but check if they offer pathways to certification.

Skills You'll Learn

Most Hawaii dental assisting programs cover:

• Chairside assisting techniques
• Dental terminology
• Patient communication
• Radiography and safety
• Sterilization and infection control
• Office and scheduling software

These skills prepare you for both clinical work and administrative tasks in a dental office.

Certifications to Consider

While not required for all positions in Hawaii, these certifications can help you stand out:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - offered by DANB
• Radiology Certificate - required to take dental X-rays
• Infection Control (ICE) - recognized by many employers

Reminder: Certification requirements vary by state. This information applies to Hawaii and may differ elsewhere.

Choosing the Right School

When comparing programs, look at:

• Accreditation status
• Program length and schedule
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Graduate success rates
• Employer partnerships

Contact the admissions office for enrollment requirements, tuition, and start dates.

Next Steps

If you're ready to start:

1. Make a short list of schools that fit your location and schedule.
2. Visit each campus or attend an online info session.
3. Apply early - healthcare programs often fill months in advance.
4. Ask about financial aid and payment plans.

With the right training, you could be working in a dental office in less than a year. Hawaii offers several strong programs that can help you enter this growing healthcare field quickly.

Sources:

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