8 Best-Selling Dental Assisting Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling Dental Assisting Books authored by respected experts delivering trusted, practical knowledge and exam preparation.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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When millions of readers and top dental educators agree, it’s clear certain books stand out in the fast-evolving field of dental assisting. Dental assisting combines clinical precision, patient care, and technical skill, making trusted learning resources invaluable for success. These books have earned their reputation by offering practical, proven guidance that students and professionals repeatedly turn to.

Authored by experienced educators and clinicians like Stephen R. Matteson and Donna J. Phinney, these works provide a solid foundation in everything from radiographic techniques and infection control to exam preparation and chairside efficiency. Their impact is evident in classrooms and clinics nationwide, shaping competent dental assistants ready for certification and practice.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Dental Assisting needs might consider creating a personalized Dental Assisting book that combines these validated approaches with your unique goals and background.

Best for hands-on clinical learners
Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach stands out in the dental assisting field by combining authoritative content with interactive studyware, enhancing both understanding and application. Published by Cengage Learning and authored by experienced contributors, it addresses the practical needs of students and professionals alike. This book methodically covers critical areas such as infection control, radiographic procedures, and patient management, supporting learners in navigating the complexities of dental assisting. Its widespread adoption reflects its value as a foundational resource for those preparing to enter or advance in the dental assisting profession.
1994·Dental Assisting, Patient Care, Infection Control, Radiography, Dental Materials

Unlike most dental assisting books that focus narrowly on clinical procedures, this edition by Donna J. Phinney and Judy H. Halstead integrates foundational knowledge with interactive studyware, making it a hands-on learning tool. You gain detailed insights into dental office protocols, infection control, and patient care, all backed by practical examples and clear explanations. This book suits students preparing for certification exams and professionals seeking to refresh their skills with current standards. The inclusion of studyware elevates your engagement, helping you apply concepts beyond theory into practice, especially chapters on radiography and dental materials.

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Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Assisting stands out as a trusted resource designed explicitly for students tackling the DANBE certification. The book’s concise outline format delivers essential information clearly, while the inclusion of a detailed introductory chapter and a comprehensive 460-question mock exam offers practical tools for exam readiness. Its approach helps aspiring dental assistants focus their study efforts efficiently, addressing exam content directly and offering a means to evaluate their progress. This guide is particularly useful for those seeking a straightforward, well-organized path to certification success in the dental assisting field.
Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Assisting book cover

by Betty Ladley Finkbeiner CDA-Emeritus BS MS, Claudia Sullens Johnson RDA BS·You?

1997·560 pages·Dental Assisting, Exam Preparation, Test Taking, Certification, Study Guide

Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Assisting serves as a focused study companion for students preparing for the DANBE certification exam. Betty Ladley Finkbeiner and Claudia Sullens Johnson distill essential dental assisting knowledge into concise outlines, making it easier to identify key facts quickly. The book includes an introductory chapter on exam strategies and a substantial mock test with 460 questions and answers, allowing you to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses effectively. If you're aiming to pass the board exam with confidence, this book offers a structured and practical approach to mastering the material without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for personalized radiology mastery
This AI-created book on dental radiology is designed specifically for you, based on your background and skill level. By sharing your interests and goals, you receive a tailored resource that focuses on the radiology techniques and safety protocols most relevant to your needs. This personalized approach helps you avoid unnecessary material and zeros in on what truly matters for mastering dental radiology safely and effectively. It’s a smart way to learn that respects your time and expertise.
2025·50-300 pages·Dental Assisting, Dental Radiology, Radiographic Techniques, Radiation Safety, Image Quality

This personalized book delves into the specialized realm of dental radiology, focusing on detailed techniques and rigorous safety protocols tailored to your background and goals. It examines the principles of radiographic imaging, radiation protection, and equipment handling with clarity and precision. The content matches your interests by exploring both foundational concepts and advanced practices, helping you confidently master imaging procedures while maintaining patient and operator safety. By combining widely validated knowledge with your specific focus areas, this tailored exploration reveals how to optimize diagnostic accuracy and safety measures in dental radiology, making your learning both efficient and deeply relevant.

Tailored Handbook
Radiation Safety
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for chairside quick reference
Minas Sarakinakis brings hands-on leadership as COO at Hopewell Dental Care and academic insight from Franklin University to this essential dental assisting guide. His extensive practical knowledge and dedication to educating future dental professionals ensure the book delivers relevant, accessible information tailored to daily chairside challenges. The guide’s waterproof, writable pages reflect his commitment to practicality and infection control, making it a fitting resource for anyone working in a clinical dental environment.
2014·188 pages·Dental Assisting, Clinical Procedures, Patient Care, Dental Instruments, Medical Conditions

Minas Sarakinakis’s deep experience as COO at Hopewell Dental Care and educator at Franklin University shapes this pocket guide into a practical tool for dental assistants. You’ll find concise charts of teeth, clear illustrations of instruments, and critical tips for handling patients with complex medical needs, all formatted for quick reference during busy clinical work. The write-on/wipe-off waterproof pages mean you can take notes and maintain hygiene standards effortlessly, making it a companion tailored for real-world dental settings. This book suits those who want a compact, durable guide to improve chairside support without wading through dense text.

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Best for clinical procedure beginners
The Handbook of Clinical Dental Assisting offers a uniquely practical resource for those involved in dental assisting. Its pocket-sized format and clear instructions reflect a focus on usability and accessibility, making it a frequent recommendation in the field. The book covers everything from operatory setup and infection control to dental forms and charts, providing a comprehensive clinical framework. Dental assisting students and practitioners alike benefit from the authors' combined expertise, as the handbook addresses key procedures and responsibilities essential to everyday dental practice.
Handbook of Clinical Dental Assisting book cover

by Gregory M. Schuster DDS, Gregory J. Wetterhus DDS, Phyllis Dryden BA CDA·You?

1999·228 pages·Dental Assisting, Clinical Procedures, Operatory Setup, Infection Control, Dental Forms

Unlike most dental assisting books that overwhelm with technical jargon, this handbook offers a straightforward, pocket-sized guide focused on clinical procedures. Authored by Gregory M. Schuster DDS, Gregory J. Wetterhus DDS, and Phyllis Dryden BA CDA, the book draws on their combined expertise to deliver clear, step-by-step instructions for operatory setup, infection control, and dental assisting duties. You'll also find detailed explanations of dental forms, charts, and the objectives behind operative procedures, helping you grasp both practical tasks and their underlying rationale. This is a solid choice if you're new to dental assisting or seeking a handy reference for clinical workflow.

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Best for comprehensive skill builders
Delmar’s Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach stands as a widely adopted resource designed specifically to prepare dental assisting students for both the DANB exam and real-world clinical settings. Its detailed chapters cover an array of topics from anatomy and pharmacology to sterilization and office procedures, supported by an activity disk and computerized test bank that deepen your grasp of essential dental concepts. This book addresses the critical need for integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, making it a solid choice for those pursuing a career in the dental industry seeking a thorough, multi-faceted learning experience.
Delmar’s Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach book cover

by Donna J. Phinney, Judy H. Halstead·You?

1999·800 pages·Dental Assisting, Clinical Skills, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Pathology

Drawing from their extensive experience in dental education, Donna J. Phinney and Judy H. Halstead created this book to equip dental assisting students with essential knowledge for the DANB exam and clinical practice. You gain a solid grounding in anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology alongside practical skills such as sterilization procedures, chairside assisting, and dental charting. The inclusion of digital resources like an activity disk and computerized test bank helps reinforce your understanding of dental terminology and concepts. This book suits aspiring dental assistants aiming to build both theoretical foundation and hands-on competence in a structured learning format.

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Best for rapid skill acceleration
This AI-created book on dental assisting skills is designed around your current experience and learning goals. It focuses closely on the clinical and administrative areas you want to improve, helping you fast-track your progress. By tailoring content to your specific interests and background, this book ensures you spend time on what matters most to you. It’s a custom learning experience that delivers exactly the knowledge and skills you need to accelerate your dental assisting success.
2025·50-300 pages·Dental Assisting, Clinical Procedures, Patient Care, Infection Control, Radiographic Techniques

This tailored book explores the essential clinical and administrative skills needed to fast-track your dental assisting career. It covers core dental procedures, patient care, infection control, radiographic techniques, and office management tailored specifically to your background and goals. The personalized content focuses on your interests and matches your skill level, making the learning experience efficient and relevant. Through a clear, focused approach, it reveals practical knowledge that helps accelerate your proficiency and confidence in both hands-on assisting and administrative tasks. By combining widely recognized dental assisting principles with insights shaped by your unique needs, this book ensures you gain targeted expertise quickly and confidently.

Tailored Guide
Assisting Skill Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for focused test preparation
Delmar’s Dental Assisting Exam Review offers a focused approach tailored to students preparing for the Dental Assisting National Board exam. It breaks down key topics into manageable sections and supports your study process with multiple choice questions and a comprehensive practice exam. This structure reflects its widespread adoption among exam candidates seeking clarity and confidence. Whether you’re new to dental assisting or revisiting core concepts, this book addresses the critical need for effective exam preparation by combining organized content with practical review tools.
1999·224 pages·Dental Assisting, Exam Preparation, Infection Control, Radiography, Safety Standards

What started as a focused effort to streamline exam prep became a practical guide that demystifies the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. Melissa Thibodeaux organizes essential knowledge in a clear outline format, helping you systematically grasp topics like infection control and radiography. You get to test your understanding through chapter-ending multiple choice questions and a full practice exam that mimics the real test experience. Appendices provide direct links to OSHA and CDC resources, offering valuable supplementary material. If you’re preparing to take the DANB exam, this book offers a well-structured path but may be less helpful if you’re looking for deeper clinical techniques beyond test readiness.

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Best for practical knowledge refreshers
Ehrlich and Torres Essentials of Dental Assisting stands out as a go-to resource for those entering or refreshing their knowledge in dental assisting. Updated to meet the needs of shorter programs and on-the-job learners, this book combines clear explanations with practical learning aids like step-by-step procedures, highlighted terms, and critical thinking questions. Its format allows you to grasp essential concepts quickly while reinforcing skills through charts, flash cards, and interactive case studies. This book addresses the core challenges faced by dental assistants and offers reliable guidance to help you succeed in both education and practice.
Ehrlich and Torres Essentials of Dental Assisting book cover

by Debbie S. Robinson CDA MS, Doni L. Bird CDA RDA RDH MA·You?

2001·688 pages·Dental Assisting, Dental Procedures, Infection Control, Radiography, Dental Materials

What started as a need to simplify dental assisting education turned into a well-structured manual designed for both students and practicing assistants. Debbie S. Robinson and Doni L. Bird bring decades of combined clinical and teaching experience to this third edition, which balances foundational knowledge with practical steps. You’ll find clear explanations paired with helpful features like highlighted key terms, chapter goals, and Apply Your Knowledge questions that encourage critical thinking. The inclusion of detachable flash cards and a CD-ROM with patient case studies offers useful tools to reinforce learning and prepare for certification exams. This book suits anyone seeking a solid, accessible entry point into dental assisting or a refresher resource during on-the-job training.

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Best for mastering radiographic techniques
This manual stands out in the dental assisting field by focusing specifically on radiographic procedures and safety, a critical area for dental auxiliaries. Its extensive illustrations clarify complex techniques like Stabe paralleling and bisecting-the-angle periapical films, making it accessible for students and practicing assistants alike. The text also addresses radiation biology and safety, ensuring you understand both how to capture diagnostic images and protect patients. By explaining film composition and processing, it helps you manage a dental darkroom efficiently, rounding out a thorough foundation for anyone serious about dental radiology.
Dental Radiology (Dental Assisting, 5) book cover

by Stephen R. Matteson, Cy Whaley, Vickye C. Secrist·You?

1980·163 pages·Radiology, Dental Assisting, Radiographic Techniques, Radiation Safety, Film Processing

Stephen R. Matteson, along with Cy Whaley and Vickye C. Secrist, brings decades of experience in dental education to this detailed manual that zeroes in on radiographic techniques essential for dental assisting. You’ll gain clear insights into intraoral methods like periapical and bitewing films, including precision techniques such as Stabe paralleling and bisecting-the-angle approaches, as well as panoramic and cephalometric procedures. The book doesn’t just cover how to take images; it dives into radiation biology and safety, arming you with the knowledge to protect patients and confidently answer their concerns. If you’re involved in dental assisting or hygiene, this book equips you with practical skills for both capturing and processing dental radiographs effectively.

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Conclusion

This collection highlights clear themes: practical frameworks, exam readiness, and chairside efficiency. If you prefer proven methods deeply rooted in clinical practice, start with Delmar’s Dental Assisting or the Handbook of Clinical Dental Assisting. For validated approaches focused on certification success, Mosby’s Comprehensive Review and Delmar’s Exam Review are excellent choices.

For those needing quick, practical guidance during busy days, Dental Assisting Notes offers a handy chairside tool. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Dental Assisting book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed by blending theory with actionable skills, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both exams and real-world dental assisting challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with 'Delmar’s Dental Assisting' for a thorough foundation in clinical skills and theory. It covers essentials that prepare you well for certification and practical work.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Dental Assisting?

Not at all. Books like the 'Handbook of Clinical Dental Assisting' and 'Dental Assisting Notes' offer accessible introductions tailored for beginners entering the field.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with comprehensive guides such as 'Dental Assisting' by Phinney and Halstead, then focus on exam prep books like 'Mosby's Comprehensive Review' before using quick-reference tools for day-to-day tasks.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can start with one that fits your immediate goal—study, certification, or clinical practice—but combining a comprehensive guide with an exam review book improves your readiness significantly.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Books like 'Dental Radiology' and 'Ehrlich and Torres Essentials' blend theory with application, while 'Dental Assisting Notes' leans toward practical chairside use and quick referencing.

Can I get tailored Dental Assisting guidance without reading multiple books?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable insights, creating a personalized Dental Assisting book lets you combine proven methods with content tailored specifically to your skills, goals, and learning pace.

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