Student Story
Practical Dental Assisting · Practical Dental Assisting of Southern Utah
Kassandra S.
Kassandra was already working in a dental office when she enrolled at Practical Dental Assisting of Southern Utah. Certification positioned her for ~15% higher hourly pay and long-term career growth.
$37K–$40K/yr
~15% more per hour vs. non-certified
Student
Kassandra S.
Program
Practical Dental Assisting
Now earning
$37K–$40K/yr
Before enrolling
Before enrolling, I was already working in the dental field, but I wanted to become certified so I could expand my opportunities and build a long-term career. I knew I enjoyed the work and wanted the credentials that would help me take the next step professionally, without spending years in school.
Paying for it
My biggest concern was the cost of the program. Because it was short and fast-paced, I worried about investing the money and not succeeding. It felt like a big commitment, and I wanted to make sure I could complete the program and make the investment worthwhile.
"The program gave me the confidence to keep growing in the field."
Life after graduation
Balancing work and school was definitely a challenge. After graduating, I actually worked two dental jobs for a period of time before transitioning into one full-time position at a dental office that I absolutely love. The program gave me the confidence to continue growing in the field.
What certification unlocked
Pay can still vary from office to office, but certification positioned me for greater opportunities and long-term earning potential. In Utah, dental assistants earn a median annual wage of roughly $37,000 to $40,000, and certified dental assistants earn about 15% more per hour than their non-certified peers.
