Boise's rapid growth has dental practices across the Treasure Valley expanding to keep up — general dentistry, pediatric, orthodontic, and specialty offices from Meridian to Nampa all need trained assistants.
Dental assisting offers Idaho students a fast, practical healthcare entry: under a year of training, hands-on clinical work, and weekday schedules.
Idaho's LAUNCH grant program — covering up to $8,000 of eligible career training — makes the timing especially good for Treasure Valley students entering the field.
Imagine America has partnered with Carrington College in Boise, ID — a 50,600-square-foot campus that houses a public dental hygiene clinic, giving dental programs a real patient-care environment on site. Carrington has trained dental assistants since its founding in 1967.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Dental Assisting Career with Carrington College
Carrington's Dental Assisting program in Boise prepares students for chairside careers through hands-on lab training and a clinical externship — on a campus where the on-site dental hygiene clinic keeps dental care part of daily campus life.
- Certificate program completable in under a year
- Campus with a public dental hygiene clinic on site
- Clinical externship at a working dental practice
- Idaho LAUNCH provider — eligible residents may receive up to $8,000
What You'll Learn
Training covers chairside assisting, dental instruments and materials, sterilization and infection control, dental radiography, and impressions, progressing from campus labs to a real-practice externship.
Credentials
Graduates earn a certificate of achievement and are prepared to pursue the certifications and radiography qualifications Idaho dental employers look for. A dental hygiene pathway also exists on campus for assistants who later want to advance.
A Dental-Focused Campus
Boise is one of Carrington's strongest dental campuses, offering Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene — including a public hygiene clinic — alongside Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, and Massage Therapy programs.
Career Outlook in the Treasure Valley
Boise's population growth keeps dental practices hiring across the metro. Assistants with externship experience are competitive candidates, with advancement paths toward expanded functions and — with further education — dental hygiene.
Training Services
- Chairside Dental Assisting
- Dental Instruments & Materials
- Sterilization & Infection Control
- Dental Radiography
- Impressions & Laboratory Procedures
- Dental Office Administration
- Campus Dental Lab Training
- Clinical Externship
Specialized Training
- Dental Hygiene program available on campus for future advancement
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Dental Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Dental Assisting program at Carrington Boise?
The certificate program is designed to be completed in under a year, combining campus lab training with a clinical externship. Contact admissions for current schedules.
Can I use Idaho LAUNCH for this program?
Carrington College Boise is an Idaho LAUNCH grant provider — eligible Idaho residents may receive up to $8,000 toward career training, and Imagine America scholarships can add to your funding.
Can dental assistants become hygienists later?
Yes, with further education. Carrington Boise offers a Dental Hygiene program on the same campus — including a public hygiene clinic — creating a natural advancement path for assistants.
Are scholarships available for Carrington Boise dental students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors attending Carrington College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
