14 Best Dental Assistant Programs In Harrisburg, PA (2022 Updated)

Are you a working individual looking to earn a degree? Don’t go to Harrisburg Community College. This college uses Technology that is not easy to learn and I am good with Computers. Want to speak with a Advisor, well my advisor lives in South Carolina so I can only conduct a meeting via Zoom, the college is taking ALL personal interactions away. And working individuals…well i hope your not trying to spend any time with family and friends because I leave my 40 hour week job and I do school work for 5-8 hours a night and on my weekends. Forget about spending anytime with my wife and three children….I am taking 3 classes. Don’t ask the teachers a question, they just refer you to the syllabus…well clearly I am asking you a question because I didn’t understand it. I am military, yesterday I had duty and i didn’t get my project submitted, I logged in tonight to submit the project and the instructor removed the instructions, and locked the drop box so I couldn’t submit the assignment. I could keep going but I don’t have time…if your a working individual, don’t fall for the things they tell you.William Bricker

If I could give this institution a lower than one star rating, I would. For a community college, the course costs, books, and fees seem to be immense. I had professors who took half or more of the class periods to talk about themselves, personal topics and politics. I’ve also had professors assign English paper topics about personal things and I imagine he laughed at the student’s papers later in his free time. The required intro to college class professor had us playing with popsicle sticks and jars of rocks and sand. The certifying official for the VA office submitted my paperwork incorrectly. I dropped my classes and incurred debt because of how poorly the education at HACC is. They seem to be all about the money and not the education or students. I can’t even request a transcript for my new school because of “debts” to HACC. I no longer live in Pennsylvania and I am now attending a MUCH better school, and I am very glad. I would never recommend this school to anyone. This is not a good school, don’t waste your money and time.SMK3181

Most professors are nice but my overall experience was bad. I went here to try to accomplish a 2 year degree but every time course selection came around they didn’t have the classes I needed so I got stuck taking hardly any credits each semester. The majority of advanced classes are online only. They offer almost zero advanced courses in a classroom. So happy I made the decision to transfer. Not to mention how every time I scheduled a meeting with an advisor it either got cancelled without notice or they changed me to a new advisor who could not give me a single piece of useful advice.Kate

I had a great time at CHCI not only did I begin my career in dentistry I made new friends and great memories! Sunny karissa, and hailey did an amazing job always keeping school interesting and answering all of our questions! You will find help and great people to work with here not only do they teach you they guide you to finding a job and making sure it’s a great fit!Jennifer Martinez Garcia

I was hired in the middle of the pandemic to work in a dental office without any experience . I was luck enough to find CHCI . By attending the classes I was able to learn so much about dentistry and also got prepared for the RHS exam . The book provided was a huge help and all the staff and instructors were dedicated to help in any matter .Michelle Barr

Im a 2020 graduate who LOVED & misses every second my my dental assisting program! The staff was absolutely amazing & worked with you till you understood the material. I miss everyone so much & wish the class never ended! Love you all so much & hope the staff is staying well!Ciara Adams

Worst dental experience ever!! This was a new dentist for me as my dentist at the time was Out of Network. I was trying to be pro-active and check on a cavity my previous dentist suggested I have looked at (the tooth was not bothering me). I went to this dentist for consultation and X-ray in March. I was then advised to have two teeth filled which I went back for this service in April. My teeth have been in pain since. I went back two more times due to pain and was put on antibiotics and pain medication. There was no relief so I finally went back to my original dentist.They stated that the filling was close to the nerve on the one tooth and did a bitewing adjustment on the molar in the back. This gave me some relief on the molar but the other tooth continued to be in so much pain and in the middle of May there was an abscess and I had to go on an additional antibiotic and pain medication. This made three antibiotics I was on within a month. I finally had to have the tooth extracted at the end of May because it would be an additional month before I could see an endodontist and the pain was consistent. During the visit to the Oral Surgeon they took an additional X-ray and stated that the filling was right on the nerve which was causing all the pain!!! My suggestion to any Provider is to make sure you know what is needed for a patient before preforming any procedures on them!!C

Dental care was done with kindness, gentleness and integrity. I am super nervous and anxious visiting a dentist but from the moment I called for an appointment it was nothing but excellent customer service. They have a clean beautiful office and everyone I encountered was professional and kind. Dr. Singh was super nice and professional. She superseded my expectations.They eased my anxiety and were engaging and very attentive. I am definitely coming back and referring my family and friends.Iris Roman

Amazing experience! I switched from my dentist of 10 plus years because he was not accommodating regarding the discomfort and sensitivity I experienced during cleanings on my bottom 4 teeth. Additionally, he minimized and provided no options to the pain. However, Jordyn of Dental Care of Harrisburg was phenomenal! She was knowledgeable and provided various options to cleaning my teeth in comfort. Dr. Singh was also amazing. Her bedside manner was impeccable. Thank you!Dawn G. Crosson

FYI..This will be a possible long read! I started coming to this practice in 1999(yes ,cave man days).In fact,my first experience was with Dr.Leur,(sp)who at that time had alot of hair!.He is a good Dr.!So,I was soon transferred to Dr.Maybene.At first I was unsure,as anyone would be with getting a new Dr.working on my mouth.I have had 4 wisdom teeth removed,and some cavities filled.All such a great experience.Dr .Maybene is great,very patient and explains things to you in a way that you can understand.I have had chipped teeth,unbelievelable how she gives you back a great smile. She makes sure you are ok with the work she has done.If you have any issues ,she will make it right.The staff ,although they have gone under some changes,is top notch.They are very professional and will get you in with an appointment quickly!They are currently going through upgrading from paper to a computer system,so be patient ,you have been warned!That's for people like myself who aren't as suave with computers.You now have to use a iPad to check into the system. I believe this could be a one time thing.Also a kudo to Dr.Mayben's techs,who keep you from drowning in your saliva and help her in lots of ways.Another kudo to the old and new dental cleaning staff..you guys are awesome.Overall I would definetly recommend this place.Its in a decent location with access to both east and west shores.Thank you DR.MAYBENE and staff..for all you have done and do for me!!! Me Me Again

There was not only one but three terrible experiences. Three strikes and you're out. The first negative experience was my first visit there. I was told that the hygentist needed to quickly finish because they are timed on each patient visit. What if my teeth need more attention? What if the patient has additional questions or concerns? I felt that my visit was rushed and I was the least of their concerns. My second terrible encounter was having fillings done and receiving an uneven bite along with extreme sensitivity. This lasted a month before the sensitivity dulled off. The most recent bad experience was having my teeth laser bleached. The hygentist got bleach all over my gums and lips. This gave me chemical burns, painful blisters and inability to eat or drink normally for days on end. I'm contacting my insurance to have this business removed from being covered as a provider of services. Let my bad experiences save at least one person from going through the pain and inexcusable mistakes I've dealt with from this business.Thaddeus Stump

I I have been a patient of Dr. Lauer's office for over 15 years. I would never go anywhere else. Barb, my hygienist as well as the dental assistants to the front office staff are friendly and welcoming. Rarely have I ever had to sit and wait for my appointment. Dr. Lauer is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable. He provides excellent dentistry and I can say that I have never experienced any pain while I was having dental work done. His talent, professionalism and caring nature are exceptional. I have referred many friends and co-workers to his practice and they like him as much as I do. I could not recommend him more highly.Cindy Lou Baker

Originally set up a consult for full dentures. That experience was not bad. But when I set up a second appointment for a tooth that broke, it all went downhill. I called to see if I was able to be seen that day, and the girl on the phone kept asking me if I wanted the oral surgeon to remove all my teeth. I'm guessing she was looking at my chart. When I told her no, it was for a single tooth, I was put on hold for several minutes, then asked the same question again. Anyway, not able to be seen. I went back online, and saw they had an opening the next day, but after I booked it, got a confirmation email saying it was 15 days down the road, not next day. Went the 4th of July weekend popping Ibuprofen and wishing I had vise grips….. Anyway, Tuesday am, online again, oh joy, a 2:45 appt is available. I get a phone call a few minutes later asking for my insurance info (which they had from my original appt). Came in at 2:30 in case there was an issue, and the very confused girl at the front tells me my insurance is inactive (not true, I checked before I arrived), and then told me don't worry, the first consult is free. I told her no, I was here on an emergency extraction, and she told me no, I was here for a new customer checkup. I'm very glad I thought out before I spent the 24k they wanted for new dentures. I will find another dentistry to spend my money at. Needless to say, all I can say is stay away from this place. They do not seem to have a clue on what is going on with their patients. I am actually scared to go back, as I'm not sure what work they would do. Obviously, as a chain dentistry, they probably have sales quotas or something to maintain. I get it, but when you are discussing with a patient what is wrong and why they are there, it is always best to listen to the patient, and then work on a plan of treatment.Wesley Michael

My name is Nichole and my husband Jonny received treatment at the Harrisburg Aspen Dental clinic. The receptionist/intake person was quite rude and unprofessional. She started by telling him he would need to pay a balance of over $2000 before his scheduled appointment could move forward. He advised her that his account should not have a balance. She was very dismissive and told him to take a seat. Then another staff person explained that it was actually nothing due because it would be submitted to the finance company which would be paying the entire balance. He would only need to sign to okay the bill being submitted. I heard the intake person tell another person the same thing and it turned out his payment was also being submitted to a finance company to be paid as well. It seems as if you are not aware that you don’t actually owe a balance they would be willing to take a payment from you. This seems very suspicious to me and quite unprofessional. Another thing that seems suspicious is after he had X-rays and a treatment plan mapped out it appears he now needs additional treatments to get the results stated in the original plan. Why weren’t these additional procedures indicated initially. With these unprofessional, rude, and very questionable practices, my husband and I would not recommend patronizing Aspen Dental.Koob Johnson

These people spread my issue over numerous billable appointments. When time came for my root canal, after waiting a week in pain, the incredibly snarky and rude dentist came in and was incredibly rude with me. The instruments were strewn about and stuck in used dirty looking foam. At the end she refuses to do the root canal because “I questioned her”.. after waiting in line behind 2 other patients ALSO being treated horribly, the receptionist had already got the wink from the dentist and was incredibly short and unhelpful. I asked for a refund for the money they made me prepay for the root canal and receptionist said it should come. When I asked for a print out/proof that the refund was happening she huffed and puffed slid a paper across the table to me and walked away. I am sitting in my car in SHOCK with how I was just treated there.. for asking questions! This place is an absolute nightmare. Good luck to you if you end up hereSteve Straining

To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Rick and Morty. The humor is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics most of the jokes will go over a typical viewer's head. There's also Rick's nihilistic outlook, which is deftly woven into his characterisation – his personal philosophy draws heavily from Narodnaya Volya literature, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of these jokes, to realize that they're not just funny- they say something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Rick and Morty truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Rick's existencial catchphrase "Wubba Lubba Dub Dub," which itself is a cryptic reference to Turgenev's Russian epic Fathers and Sons I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Dan Harmon's genius unfolds itself on their television screens. What fools… how I pity them. And yes by the way, I DO have a Rick and Morty tattoo. And no, you cannot see it. It's for the ladies' eyes only- And even they have to demonstrate that they're within 5 IQ points of my own (preferably lower) beforehandAidan Zeiders

DC tech school it’s horrible this year for these kids the seniors let’s try to get out of thereThese kids work very hard this year even with the remote learning and going back only for 2-3days they went through a lot so they deserve to have a decent graduationFirst they tell them about the graduation only weeks before graduation and then the day before graduation they change it and say we got to do a remote graduation This is one of the first of my children graduating so I wanted to be there to enjoy your greatness but now I can’t because they were only allowing five people she got sibilance I have to bring my kids with me so I guess I can’t go to see my daughter graduate I have to look on the phone and watch my child walk the stage.So disappointedAnissa Johnson

I am alumni from 1991 and my sister around 15 year later. My daughter from 2014 and now my son is in his freshman year here..In my experience this is wonderful school that has been great for a long time…Teachers and staff who actually care and will do what they can to see the students suceed. If you are wondering about sending your students here please go check them out and I believe you'll be as thrilled to send your student as I was to send my kids and to also help anyone that I can to enroll in this great place I will add some pics soonWilliam Seltzer

Hmmm so I wasn’t sure of what to put down as a review, I’m a great talker but I suck at finding the right words. When I started the program I was excited to have another title under my belt, another achievement to claim. But essentially what I got from it was so much more rewarding. Holly is everything you could want in A teacher, stern but funny, a friend, a mentor… it was like sitting with my girls every Monday and Wednesday, learning something new. I appreciate the program for dealing with my crazy and helping me jump start my future. Definitely would recommend to all those looking for a Dental assisting school.Mary Shahadi

Went to LV School of Dental Assisting beginning in Feb/March of this year. I had Trena as my teacher- this school mixes fun and knowledge into one. They take all the basic knowledge of dental assisting and combine it into 12 weeks, they also help you get your 40 hour internship which helps you land a job after! Fay will help you with the financial portion of it and is super understanding and will lay out a payment plan for you if needed. Trena is also a great teacher and makes the course a lot of fun! I 100% recommend doing this school!!Callie Reaman

Awesome course! I learned so much in such a short amount of time between the workbook outlines and hands-on classes. Tara was the BEST at explaining everything and was so patient while taking the time to answer every single question I had…and I had a lot! She made us all feel very comfortable from day 1 and always encouraged us in our learning. I also met some of the kindest people during my time here- including my fellow classmates- so overall it was a really great experience!Shannon89

Switching to this school was the best decision I've made for myself! PCI is so inviting, from the teachers you get close with, to the fun random days that make us enjoy coming to class, all while learning up close and personal with my desired career, you get the most wonderful experience. I'm aware not everything is perfect but this place really makes you feel comfortable and confident with whatever you do. I'm personally part of the Vet Tech program and would not trade my experience so far here for anything! If you're looking into being a Vet Tech, please, take it from someone who went somewhere else in the area, this is the best place for it!!! The teachers will know you in a week, and will do so much to help you, help yourself succeed!! Any problems this school has faced in the past they have really seemed to come back from and are always trying to improve! I'm grateful to everyone here and cannot wait to see where I end up!Bri

I have been attending Pittsburgh Career Institute for about 9 months now and it has been a very rewarding experience. I am enrolled in the vet tech program. From the very first day, at orientation, I felt fully welcomed and liked by the entire staff. We have an amazing group of instructors that truly care about seeing you succeed, but, you have to put the effort in. It is an extremely fast paced and overwhelming program…but if it is a career you are truly invested in, you make it work. I am always greeted by name and with a smile, no matter who the staff member might be. I’m very grateful to be getting my education here.Sydney Stiffler

I am in the dental program & it has been a great overall experience for the most part! Great staff from what I’ve experienced in my program, & great students here to make the experience enjoyable. I have learned so much in the 3 months that I’ve been here, and developed a passion I Never knew I had. Some minor inconveniences Are sudden schedule changes & no parking while they do offer a rather discounted bus pass which has been a blessing but for me this has not changed my view on the school! I would love to see this school add an efda program & I would 100% come back for that!Alyssa Narduzzi

Our family first entered their office over 24 years ago. A friend shared about their annual free dental clinic. We had 6 kids and no dental insurance, so we gave them a try. We were blown away with the uplifting attitude and care they provided. We continued coming to the free clinic the next 6 years. When my husband changed jobs, it included dental insurance. It was a no-brainer as to our choice. My kids loved all the dentists and hygienists– that's high praise coming from kids!! Three years ago our youngest finished college and moved to Massachusetts; we've gone from a family of 8 to a family of 2. We have moved 90 minutes away to West Virginia and both of us have retired. But it's still a no-brainer. We love the care, attention, genuine concern and excellent care! From the front desk, to billing, to hygienists, to dentists– we love them all!!Cindy Zimmerman

First wow! This was my first visit and I am so blown away by what a great experience I had at a dental office!!! Everything went so well I’ve never left a dental office smiling! Denise was amazing super friendly and thorough with my cleaning my mouth feels amazing!!! She also had amazing tips to keep them healthy! Dr.Sandusky was so friendly and showed concern about the issues I had going on. I am actually looking forward to going back to get the work done that’s needed. The facility is stunning, very clean and up to date equipment. I was so amazed at the office and the staff! Yes there is a bit of a wait to get in but let me tell you it was SO WORTH THE WAIT!!! Amazing care and amazing experience so glad I made the switch!Ashley Rooks

I can't say anything more than this is the best dentist I've ever visited in my life (specifically attributed to Dr. Grater). I've been to dentists from New York to Italy, Hong Kong and everywhere in between. This practice will save your mouth and you can thank them for it. I've been a patient here for 20 years. I cannot express how highly I recommend this practice. Please experience their dentistry for yourself. Equipped with advanced technology, expert patient care and more experience (they've got the years baby!) to deal with complicated dental issues and resolve them. 100 million percent support and 5 million stars 🌟Jessica Wolff

I'm always really happy with the service I receive here. All of the staff are consistently very welcoming and friendly. Yesterday I had to have part of an already existing filling re-done. Having dental work done is never a wonderful experience but I can genuinely say this was the easiest, pain free experience I've ever had. I'm very grateful for their attention to my needs and concern for my comfort. Highly recommend.W T

I have been with this practice for 44 years, when it was under Dr. Schaeffer. I have referred friends and family here. Sorry to see Dr. Fox has left but wish her the best with her new path treating sleep apnea. Hope the new dentists will be following her extraordinary level of care. Will get to know them as the year continues with needed dental issues arise as one ages.Vicky Forman

Because of multiple medical procedures, I am very anxious and nervous during any procedure. They walked me through each step and I was kind of stunned at my calmness. This visit doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Everyone proved it. And I’ve had four craniotomies for epilepsy. I know pain. They were amazing, understanding, and helped me the whole way through.Mikelene Elash

So after 15 years with this dentist–never missing an appointment — I came home this evening (Friday) to two messages on my land line answering machine (yep, still have one) telling me that I had until 3:30 pm to call and confirm my appointment or it would be cancelled. Of course I confirmed my appointment when I made it a year earlier! I hasn't arrived home until 4:30 pm and (true to threat) they had already given my appointment to another patient (it's our policy–they told me–I guess they feel justified in that). Of course it would have been decent to tell patients of this change in policy, or have a bit of flexibility. But not this ridiculous group. After calling to inquire they were "sorry that you are upset" of course. Not a bit sorry for losing a loyal patient that dropped thousands there over the years–until last year I didn't have dental insurance. If you enjoy being treated poorly, by all means get your teeth cleaned by these ninnys at Fetterolf Dental Medicine on Deer Path Rd, Harrisburg, just be sure to keep in touch or they become very insecure. Thanks for letting me vent!David McPherson

I love Fetterolf Dental Medicine! Everyone there is very friendly and knowledgeable. They always see us in a timely manner and are very courteous and kind even when I have to bring along several children. My kids love them, too! I originally chose them because they are close to where we live, but I would definitely choose them again in a heartbeat even if it meant a longer drive.Joy Sonju

I don’t even know where to start with how amazing of a dentist Dr. Fetterolf is and his staff members. I chose to not be put under for my wisdom teeth extraction and I barely felt a thing. He did a phenomenal job removing them. His staff members are always so kind and do a very good job at explaining procedures. I highly recommend this dentist and his staff.Tia Kissinger

Amazing dentist Dr. Singh and amazing staff and calm relaxing environment made my normally horrible dental phobia calm down. They are wonderful, extremely concerned with patient comfort and also was a quick experience though I had a couple extractions. This place is glorious and has great people. Would recommend and will be taking my kids here tooMonica Williams

I called to inquire where and when the COVID vaccine will be available to the those in the dental field and spoke to an extremely RUDE woman who cut me off from asking the question and said “if you’ll let me talk”…I was the one talking and she cut ME off – I didn’t interrupt HER. Then she proceeded to tell me that when I here it on the nightly news is when they will find out too. I understand I may have been her 100th call today regarding the same issue but her attitude was inappropriate and unprofessional. I would think the PDA would want someone more professional answering their calls. Wow!!!Jessica colucci

I had a question about Pennsylvania licensure. I was directed to the PDA for answers. The individual I spoke to was extremely knowledgeable and provided me with all the answers I needed. Very professional and very nice.Steve Gilbert

I have to start by saying that I am petrified of the dentist! I didn't want to go but I had to. I never felt more comfortable with a dentist!! They were wonderful from start to finish!Robyn Cover