Find DA externship opportunities across Illinois. Connect with 7,200+ dental practices, oral surgery centers, and specialty clinics to gain hands-on chairside experience.
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Illinois Dental Assistant
7,200+
Dental Facilities
2,020+
Job Openings
$0
To Enroll
$850
To Complete
Self-Managed Externship: EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. You contact dental facilities directly to arrange your own placement. This approach gives you flexibility to choose sites near your home and build direct relationships with potential employers.
A dental assistant externship provides hands-on clinical experience in real dental settings. You'll work alongside licensed dentists and dental hygienists, applying classroom knowledge to actual patient care situations.
Our externship is optional and flexible—you decide when and where to complete it. Many students find that externship experience significantly improves their job prospects, though it's not required to complete our program.
EHired's training prepares you for entry-level dental assistant positions. Professional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations and are optional but can enhance your credentials when you're ready.
Explore dental facilities across Illinois that may accept externship students. Contact facilities directly to inquire about externship opportunities.
Nation's 3rd largest city with UIC College of Dentistry and diverse practices.
Aspen Dental Chicago, Heartland Dental Naperville, Midwest Dental Schaumburg, Dental Associates Evanston, Chicago Family Dental, Oak Brook Dental, Arlington Heights Dentistry
UIC College of Dentistry Clinics, Chicago Oral Surgery, Illinois Orthodontics, Chicagoland Periodontics, Pediatric Dental Associates Chicago, Midway Endodontics
Mile Square Health Center Dental, Erie Family Health Dental, PCC Community Wellness Dental, Heartland Alliance Health Dental, Lawndale Christian Health Dental
💡 Tip: Chicago has UIC College of Dentistry—excellent externship opportunity. Heartland Dental (Illinois-based) is major national employer. Very competitive but abundant opportunities.
State capital with SIU School of Dental Medicine and regional services.
Aspen Dental Springfield, Dental Associates Bloomington, Springfield Family Dental, Decatur Dental Group, Champaign Dental Care, Normal Dental
SIU School of Dental Medicine Clinics (Alton/Springfield), Central Illinois Oral Surgery, Prairie Orthodontics, Springfield Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry of Central Illinois
SIU Dental Clinics, Community Health Partnership Dental, Springfield Urban League Dental, HealthCare of Central Illinois Dental
💡 Tip: Central Illinois has SIU School of Dental Medicine with satellite clinics. State capital provides diverse opportunities. Less competitive than Chicago with solid demand.
Manufacturing region with regional dental services.
Aspen Dental Rockford, Midwest Dental Rockford, Moline Dental Group, Rock Island Family Dentistry, DeKalb Dental Care, Freeport Dental
Rockford Oral Surgery, Northern Illinois Orthodontics, Quad Cities Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry of Northern Illinois
Crusader Community Health Dental, Community Health Care Dental (Quad Cities), Swedish American Dental Clinic, Rock Island County Health Dental
💡 Tip: Northern Illinois serves Rockford and Quad Cities. Quad Cities spans Illinois/Iowa border—cross-state opportunities available. Manufacturing creates stable workforce.
St. Louis metro suburbs with regional dental services.
Aspen Dental Belleville, Metro East Dental Group, Collinsville Dental, Edwardsville Family Dentistry, Alton Dental Care, Granite City Dental
Southern Illinois Oral Surgery, Metro East Orthodontics, Belleville Periodontics, Pediatric Dental Associates Metro East
SIU School of Dental Medicine (Alton), Chestnut Health Systems Dental, Southern Illinois Healthcare Dental, Community Health & Emergency Services Dental
💡 Tip: Southern Illinois is St. Louis metro—access Missouri dental jobs. SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton. Lower cost of living than Chicago with solid opportunities.
Identify dental practices, specialty offices, and clinics in your area that interest you.
Call or email office managers to inquire about externship opportunities and requirements.
Arrange hours that work for both parties. Our externship is flexible—no minimum hours required.
Many externships lead directly to job offers. Treat every day as an extended interview.
Illinois does not require dental assistant licensure for basic duties. Expanded function permits available for additional procedures. Radiography certification required for taking X-rays (DANB RHS or Illinois-approved course).
Illinois Dental BoardProfessional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations. These certifications are optional but can enhance your credentials and earning potential.
EHired training prepares you for entry-level positions and helps build the knowledge foundation for pursuing optional certifications when you're ready.
Official salary data, job outlook, and career information for dental assistants.
Visit BLS →State regulations, registration requirements, and scope of practice information.
Visit Board →Dental Assisting National Board—optional professional certifications when you're ready.
Visit DANB →Free training. Flexible externship. Real career opportunities in Illinois.
$0 to enroll • $850 to complete • Self-paced online training
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