10 Free online dental assistant courses with certificates

Opening this list is this free online dental assistant course that focuses on the crucial topic of infection control in a dental setting. It takes a deep dive into the essential practices and procedures that prevent the spread of infections between staff and patients.

This SC Training (formerly EdApp) course is designed to give a clear understanding of how infections can occur in dental clinics. It also explores the standards that must be followed to keep everyone safe and healthy. This covers three main areas: the chain of infection, infection control standards, and protection from infections. 

By the end of the course, aspiring and experienced dental assistants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to help prevent the spread of infections between patients while also safeguarding themselves from exposure.

SC Training uses microlearning to greatly enhance the delivery of this course. With micro lessons, complex topics like infection control are broken down into shorter and easily digestible chunks. This supports flexible learning that allows healthcare professionals like dental assistants to absorb important, life-saving concepts in no time.

This next dental assistant training course covers an essential topic in modern dentistry: radiation safety. It’s designed to help dental assistants understand how to protect themselves and others from harmful radiation while performing their daily tasks.

Dental radiography plays a crucial role in diagnosing dental conditions, however, it also poses risks to the dental team. So, dental health workers must know the best practices for handling radiation safely. This course tackles caution signs, labels, and signals, and reducing radiation exposure.

The course serves as an introduction to the radiation present in dentistry. It covers the recommended dosage and the potential health effects of ionizing radiation. The lessons also talk about preventing unnecessary radiation exposure and efforts teams can take to minimize this.

Staff members can learn about OSHA’s updated Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and how it applies specifically to the dental field through this free online dental assistant course. It guides teams through the important concepts of the HCS, helping them understand how to use chemicals safely while minimizing risks in dental facilities.

The OSHA healthcare training tackles chemical labels and safety data sheets, allowing dental teams to get the right chemical information. Upon completing the course, teams should be able to follow safety protocols and stay compliant with the latest regulations.

This course focuses on OSHA electrical standards and risk prevention in dental clinics. It teaches teams to recognize potential electrical hazards and ways to control them.

Crew members can learn to spot common electrical risks in the dental clinic and adopt safe practices to avoid accidents. This course is ideal for dental assistants who want to improve workplace safety and comply with OSHA standards.

Upon completion, dental teams receive a certificate that highlights their understanding of electrical safety in the field. This credential not only demonstrates one’s commitment to occupational health and safety but also enhances their professional reputation in the industry.

Up next, we have this course that guides dental assistants through the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) required for dental procedures. PPE is their extra layer of defense against potential hazards, and knowing how to use it properly helps protect them and their patients. 

Aspiring and experienced dental assistants can learn the principles of PPE, including its importance, its various types, and when to use them. It also talks about compliance requirements, safety standards, and regulations based on your state.

This SC Training course is all about helping team members stay safe by understanding OSHA’s standards for emergency exit routes. Knowing how to evacuate quickly and safely during an emergency is critical in any workplace, especially in healthcare or high-traffic environments.

SC Training's course gives your crew a clear understanding of exit route designs, marks, and maintenance based on regulations. By the end, dental assistants will know exactly what to look for and how to respond to various incidents.

Teams will also get a closer look at the key elements that make an exit route truly safe—things like adequate lighting, clear signage, unobstructed paths, and proper door operation. It also touches on how different states or local codes may vary, as standards may differ slightly depending on location.

This dental assistant online course focuses on preventing common dental diseases and maintaining a healthy mouth. It covers the basics of dental hygiene and the effects of poor oral health on a patient’s well-being, including links to heart disease and other health issues. 

Dental assistants can learn the importance of good oral care, steps to keep the teeth and gums healthy, and the benefits of natural remedies like herbal dental care. With easy-to-understand explanations, this course can equip dental assistants with clear, practical guidance on how to prevent dental diseases. This way, they can help promote long-term oral health to patients.

Coursera’s training gives teams a solid understanding of key dental terminology used in various dental specialties. The lessons include endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and more.

The course is broken down into modules that allow learners to focus on specific areas of dental fields, depending on their needs and interest. Aspiring dental assistants can learn about clinical and non-clinical terms that are crucial for effective communication in a dental practice.

Coursera houses this free online course can serve as a comprehensive introduction to dental medicine, offering valuable insights into improving patients’ oral health.. Learners will explore the scope of dental medicine, including the structure and function of the mouth, jaw, and teeth, as well as the various issues that can affect them. 

This dental assistant training addresses a range of important topics such as common dental diseases, oral mucosal conditions, and oral pain management. It also tackles how dental professionals collaborate to treat different patient needs and conditions, enhancing understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of dental care.

This last course is a good starting point for individuals interested in becoming dental assistants. It covers a dental assistant’s essential duties and responsibilities, delivering a solid foundation for careers in the field. 

Teams can learn about various dental procedures, such as teeth whitening and infection control. The course also introduces key dental terminologies and instruments necessary to support dental professionals during procedures.

In addition to the core skills, this dental assistant training program delves into important topics like dental office management, radiology, and infection control. Participants can develop their knowledge to maintain accurate patient records, sterilize equipment, and handle radiation safely.