Become a Dental Assistant in Wilmington in 12 Weeks
At the National Institute of Dental Assisting (NIDA), we offer hands-on, chairside training with real patients in an active dental practice, taught by the licensed dentist who owns it.
Our flexible program allows you to complete coursework online during the week at your own pace, followed by practical clinical training on Saturdays.
What You Get in 12 Weeks
40 Hours of Online Coursework
The course consists of book work, exams, and skills reviews, all of which can be completed on your own schedule during the week.
Gain Chairside Experience on Real Patients
We offer supervised clinical training directly within the practice. Both morning and afternoon classes are available.
Learn & Grow Professionally
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to build your confidence and step into a new career as a Dental Assistant.
A Dental Practice During the Week
A Dental Program on the Weekend
Monday through Friday, NIDA operates as Signature Smiles, a working dental practice located at 6740 Rock Spring Road, Suite 210, Wilmington, NC. On Saturdays, the facility becomes a classroom, allowing you to train in the same chairs, with the same instruments, and with the same types of patients you will work with after graduation.
Program Taught by a Licensed Dentist
Dr. Veronica Taylor-Williams, the owner of Signature Smiles and director of the NIDA, is dedicated to helping you launch your career in the dental field.
Real Experience Working on Real Patients
From working with mannequins to caring for live patients, every procedure is fully supervised to ensure you build the confidence needed to succeed in your career at any dental practice upon graduation.
Train for a New Career Without Putting Your Life on Hold
Complete your coursework online and attend hands-on clinical training on Saturdays. Most students keep their current full time job while preparing for a career in dental assisting.
State Licensed and Career Focused
Build your future in dental assisting at a state-licensed school. NIDA is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges through the State Board of Proprietary Schools.
What's the Cost?
One price stated up front - No surprise fees
What Happens After You Apply?
Three steps toward to your first class
Apply Online
Our application should take about three minutes to complete and does not require any commitment.
Speak with an Expert
Someone from NIDA will call you and answer any questions you may have. A tour of the facility can also be arranged.
Enroll
A $500 deposit holds your seat in the next available class.
Why Choose NIDA for Dental Assisting in Wilmington, NC?
NIDA trains dental assistants inside a working Wilmington dental practice. A licensed dentist runs the program, the practice provides your clinical patients, and one tuition price covers your training.
Led by a Licensed Dentist
NIDA is run by Dr. Veronica Taylor-Williams, DDS, a licensed general dentist who owns the Wilmington practice where students train. She supervises all clinical training, so you learn chairside standards from the dentist who sets them.
No Cold-Calling for Clinical Patients
Some dental assisting programs make students find their own patients to complete clinical hours. At NIDA, you train with the practice's scheduled patients on Saturdays, so you never have to recruit anyone to meet your clinical hour requirements.
No Extra Lab or Clinical Fees
NIDA's $3,500 tuition includes your coursework, lab work and clinical training. There are no separate lab or clinical fees. The only extra costs are personal items like scrubs, shoes and devices.
You're on the Cusp of a new career. Are you Ready?
Apply in about three minutes, or call (910) 304-2300 to book a tour of the practice.