To enroll in school, applicants:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Must possess a valid driver’s license
3. Must obtain high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalency

*If you meet these requirements, you may begin the application process!

*Must provide a copy of transcript from high school and any additional secondary institution prior to enrollment completion.

The Dental Assisting Preparatory Academy has received approval from the North Carolina Community College Proprietary School Board and meets all curriculum requirements expected from the North Carolina Dental Board.

The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges is not an accrediting agency

Our course spans 13 weeks total including 12 weeks of instruction and hands-on clinical labs and the final week consists of administration of Final Exams.

$4300 is the total cost.  This includes the $300 registration fee, Admin fee and all books and lab supplies.  

*Scrubs are NOT supplied by DAPA but will be required uniform for lab sessions.

While there are no scholarships available at this time, we do offer an interest free payment plan option to help accommodate those who are unable to pay in full at time of registration.  

The interest free payment plan is as follows: 

• Registration fee $300 – due at time of enrollment and is refundable within 3 business days if you change your mind! 
• First installment: $987.50 – due before the first week of class
• Second installment: $987.50 – due on the 4th week of class
• Third installment: $987.50 – due on the 8th week of class
• Fourth installment: $987.50 – due on the 12th week of class

*It should be noted that all financial obligations must be fulfilled before being qualified to receive your certificates of completion.  

Great question. The dental assistant performs important clinical support for dentists and hygienists in the dental office.  Here is a short (but not complete) list of the tasks a DA performs: 

• Answering phones and scheduling
• Patient education
• Taking X-rays
• Taking impressions
• Charting
• Fabricating custom whitening trays and retainers

• Preparing operatories for procedures
• Fabricating temporary crown/bridge prosthetics
• Assisting dentist is various procedures including fillings, oral surgery, crown and bridge, implant placement and more! 
• Executing sanitation and sterilization

YES!  According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for dental assistants is projected to grow faster than average through 2029.  We should note, one of the reasons the founders began DAPA is their personal frustration in finding well trained, qualified assistants ready for work!  Dentists need YOU! 

Here is a link for more information! 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/mobile/dental-assistants.htm

While the answer to this will vary widely depending on the city, office, specialty or setting you seek employment, but the median salary according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics is $41,180 or about $19.80 per hour.   As with any profession, your skills and work experience will also be a factor in salary.  

Here is a link for more information: 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/mobile/dental-assistants.htm

Here is a link for additional information on the Charlotte, N.C. area dental assisting salary

https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/dental-hygienist-salary/charlotte-nc 

Yes!  Our lecture and text reading are all done at your pace throughout the week in the comfort of your own home, only requiring a few hours of your busy schedule on nights or weekends, depending on the session schedule.  We will regularly offer class times that are in the evenings or weekends to accommodate most lifestyles.  Check our Calendar for available dates and attendance requirements to find what fits best for you!

While we cannot ensure direct job placement after your completion, we do assist you in building your resume as part of our comprehensive preparation for your career in dental assisting.