
Raleigh Dental Assistant School
Dental assistant school in Raleigh offering a 12-week hands-on program in real dental offices, with professional instructors and job placement support.
About Raleigh Dental Assistant School
Dental Assistant Training in Raleigh
Raleigh Dental Assistant School is a training center specializing in dental assistant education. Its program is taught in real dental offices in Raleigh and combines classroom instruction with direct practice on the equipment and technology used in the daily operations of a clinic. The school presents itself as a joint initiative between Zollege and local dental offices, so students learn in the environment where the work actually happens.
The 12-Week Program
The training program lasts twelve weeks and is designed to enter the job market without student debt. The school offers flexible start dates throughout the year and various payment options. The admissions process is organized in four steps: learn about the program and speak with the admissions team, complete the application by choosing a start date and payment plan, pay the deposit to reserve a spot — which is deducted from tuition — and complete the training by following the program's guidelines. When classes begin, students receive a free set of scrubs.
Certifications and Career Outcomes
Those who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification card issued by the American Heart Association. In addition, graduates achieve Dental Assistant I status and receive a certificate in radiography after passing the final exam; the program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners. The school also offers career support that includes resume review, interview tips, and guidance from job placement specialists. The training is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
Methodology and Learning Environment
Classes take place in working dental offices, with instructors who know the daily operations of a clinic and translate theory into practical skills. The learning space is equipped with the same tools and technology used in today's dental offices. The school offers flexible schedules to accommodate students' circumstances.
Student Profile and Requirements
To enroll in the program, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The school provides a contact form to request information, as well as a free course guide detailing the program, curriculum, career opportunities, tuition costs, and experiences from former students.
Industry Context
The school itself cites data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects 7% employment growth between 2025 and 2035 for dental assistants, with a national median wage of $48,070 per year. The school presents itself as an accelerated path to a healthcare credential, in contrast to traditional routes that can involve years of study and debt.
Origin of the Institution
Zollege was founded in 2010 as Vandelay Education by Dr. Thomas Ince, a dentist who couldn't find well-trained dental assistants to hire. Rather than wait for traditional programs to change, he created a shorter one, taught hands-on in working dental offices, and structured to be paid for without loans. His brother Ryan, a physician, faced the same problem in the healthcare field, and the two collaborated on a medical assistant program built with the same accelerated, in-office approach.
Location and Contact
3921 Sunset Ridge Rd, Suite 303, Raleigh, NC 27607 · Phone: (984) 205-9328 · Email: info@raleighdentalassistant.com · Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time); Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time); Sunday closed.
Dental Assistant Training