Best Dental Assistant Courses Near Me in Connecticut: Top Programs for 2025
Best Dental Assistant Courses Near Me in Connecticut: Top Programs for 2025
If you’re looking to start a career in dental assisting, finding the right training program is the first step toward success. Dental assistants are in high demand across the country, and Connecticut is no exception. With the right course, you can prepare for certification exams, gain hands-on experience, and enter the workforce in less than a year. Below, we highlight some of the best dental assistant courses near Milford, CT and the surrounding area for 2025.
Why Choose Dental Assisting?
Dental assisting offers a stable, rewarding career with opportunities in private practices, specialty clinics, and larger dental organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow faster than average, thanks to expanding access to dental care and increasing demand for preventive services.
A good training program will not only teach you chairside skills but also prepare you for national certifications, like the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams, including:
Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
Infection Control (ICE)
General Chairside Assisting (GC)
Graduates who earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential stand out to employers and often qualify for higher-paying roles.
Top Dental Assistant Courses Near Milford, Connecticut
1. LABCO School of Dental Assisting (Trumbull, CT)
Located just a short drive from Milford, LABCO School of Dental Assisting is one of the most flexible and popular programs in the region.
Format & Duration: Weekend program completed in just 15 Saturdays.
Highlights: Focused preparation for the DANB RHS and ICE exams.
Hands-On Training: Small class sizes and live practice ensure students graduate with confidence.
Best For: Working professionals or parents looking for a quick, practical entry into dental assisting.
Website: labcoct.com
2. Porter and Chester Institute – Bridgeport, CT
A career-focused technical school with a long history of training healthcare workers, Porter and Chester Institute (PCI) offers a comprehensive dental assisting program.
Format & Duration: Hybrid program combining online lectures with on-campus labs, typically finished in about 10 months.
Certification Prep: Covers multiple DANB exams, ensuring graduates are career-ready.
Externship: Includes a 335-hour externship in a real dental office, providing essential on-the-job experience.
Best For: Students who want structured, full-time training with externship placement.
Website: porterchester.edu
3. Connecticut State Community College – Dental Assisting Certificate
For students who want an accredited, credit-bearing option, the Connecticut State (CT State) Community College system offers a Dental Assisting Certificate at campuses such as Manchester and Tunxis.
Format & Duration: About 10 months with both classroom and clinical training.
Certification Prep: Students are eligible to sit for RHS, ICE, and General Chairside (GC) exams, qualifying them for the CDA credential.
Clinical Training: Over 300 hours of clinical rotations in state-of-the-art facilities.
Best For: Students seeking a college-based program with transferable credits and broad career preparation.
Website: ctstate.edu
Comparison at a Glance
ProgramDurationExam PrepClinical/ExternshipBest ForLABCO (Trumbull)15 SaturdaysRHS & ICEHands-on labsFast-track, flexible trainingPorter & Chester (Bridgeport)10 monthsMultiple DANB exams335-hour externshipStructured, career-focusedCT State (Manchester/Tunxis)10 monthsRHS, ICE, GC (CDA)300+ clinical hoursAccredited college pathway
Tips for Choosing the Right Dental Assistant Program
Check Accreditation – Make sure the program is recognized by state boards and prepares you for DANB exams.
Consider Your Schedule – If you’re working full-time, a weekend program like LABCO may be ideal.
Look for Clinical Experience – Hands-on training and externships are critical for landing your first job.
Ask About Career Support – Some schools offer job placement assistance or partnerships with local dental practices.
Final Thoughts
Dental assisting is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field, offering job stability, career growth, and the chance to work directly with patients. Whether you want a fast weekend program, a structured hybrid course, or a college certificate, there are excellent dental assistant courses near Milford, CT that can launch your career in under a year.
By choosing the right program, you’ll gain the knowledge, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in this rewarding profession.
If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
