The Dental Assistant program prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing healthcare professions. With the national increase in healthcare-related services, and the national shortage of healthcare professionals, the need for dental assistants is growing substantially. With a growing workforce over 300,000 strong, a career in dental assisting ranks as the fourth fastest growing occupation in the healthcare technician field.

The program prepares learners for entry-level positions as a chair-side dental assistant. This program covers the history of dentistry, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, introduction to tooth structure (primary and permanent teeth), the oral cavity; and other areas. The purpose of this program is to familiarize learners with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Describe the process for gathering and assessing patient health information
• Explain the foundations of and procedures used in clinical dentistry
• Summarize the use of radiology in dentistry and issues associated with it
• Describe the primary materials, instruments, and equipment used in dentistry including basic care and maintenance of instruments
• Outline how dental assistants assist with various dental procedures and types of dentistry
• Summarize the essential administrative and communication skills required of dental assistants
• Explain the anatomy, physiology, and pathology concepts associated with dentistry
• Explain infection control, safety, and emergency procedures and regulations in the dental environment
• Explain pediatric and orthodontic procedures and tools

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Dental Assistant Clinical Certification (DACC)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.