Las Vegas' population boom has built one of the Southwest's fastest-growing dental markets — general practices, pediatric offices, orthodontic clinics, and specialty groups keep opening across the valley from Summerlin to Henderson.
Every one of those chairs needs a dental assistant. The role blends chairside clinical work, radiography, and patient care into one of healthcare's most stable careers, with the weekday schedules most healthcare jobs can't offer.
For Las Vegas students, dental assisting is a nine-month path into a profession hiring in every corner of the valley.
Imagine America has partnered with Northwest Career College in Las Vegas, NV — a family-owned, ABHES-accredited college serving the valley since 1997. Northwest's Dental Assistant program trains students in a dedicated 8-operatory dental lab and prepares graduates for Nevada's RDA designation.
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 Northwest Career College
Northwest's Dental Assistant program leads to a diploma in 9 months, combining coursework with hands-on training in an 8-operatory dental lab and a real-practice externship. Graduates are prepared to pursue the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) designation and Nevada radiography certifications.
- 9-month diploma program with hands-on lab and externship
- 8-operatory dental lab on campus for realistic training
- RDA designation and Nevada radiography certification preparation
- ABHES-accredited family-owned college since 1997
What You'll Learn
Training covers chairside assisting, dental instruments and materials, sterilization and infection control, dental radiography, and front-office fundamentals — practiced in the campus's 8-operatory lab before applying skills in a working dental practice externship.
Certifications and Credentials
Graduates earn a diploma and are prepared to pursue Nevada's Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) designation and state radiography certifications — the credentials that expand what assistants can do chairside and raise starting pay.
Externship Experience
Every student completes an externship in a working dental practice, building chairside speed, patient skills, and professional references — externship sites frequently hire the students they train.
Career Outlook in Las Vegas
The valley's growing population keeps dental practices expanding and hiring. Assistants with RDA designation and radiography certification are the most competitive candidates, with paths into expanded functions, office management, and dental hygiene.
Training Services
- Chairside Dental Assisting
- Dental Instruments & Materials
- Sterilization & Infection Control
- Dental Radiography
- Impressions & Laboratory Procedures
- Dental Office Administration
- 8-Operatory Lab Training
- Dental Practice Externship
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 Assistant program at Northwest Career College?
The diploma program takes 9 months, including hands-on training in the campus's 8-operatory dental lab and an externship at a working practice.
What credentials can I earn in Nevada?
The program prepares graduates to pursue Nevada's Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) designation and state radiography certifications, which expand your chairside scope and earning potential.
Is Northwest Career College accredited?
Yes. Northwest is institutionally accredited by ABHES and has served Las Vegas as a family-owned college since 1997.
Are scholarships available for dental assistant students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors and adult learners attending Northwest Career College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
