Course Offerings

Are you ready to launch your career in an in-demand field that is fulfilling and rewarding? Becoming a dental assistant could be just the right path for you, with flexible hours and strong job growth predicted. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11% through 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $41,180. Dental assisting education is your first step towards providing comfort and education for patients-and the online Clinical Dental Assistant course will prepare you to become a productive and successful member of a dental team. This comprehensive and in-demand online dental assisting course helps equip you for career success-with no previous experience necessary! You will learn about every aspect of professional dental assisting, including invaluable real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants and essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and much more. You will even have the opportunity to explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software. After completing the course, you will have the opportunity to apply for an externship, through which you will get real-life clinical assistant experience. You will also be ready to pursue certification as a dental assistant by passing the radiology, infection control, and anatomy and physiology portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations - NELDA or CDA. Once you have gained clinical experience and in-person hours, you will be prepared for the general assisting exam.

Course Objectives

Study real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants.

Learn essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care, and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and much more.

Explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software.

Outline of Instruction

The Dental Profession

Communication Skills

Ethics for the Dental Assistant

Basic Dental Sciences

Dental Anatomy

Oral Pathology

Infection Control

Hazardous Materials

Caring for Exceptional Patients

Pharmacology for the Dental Assistant

Emergency Management

Oral Health and Nutrition

The Dental Office

Dental Instruments

Introduction to Chairside Assisting

New Patients and Charting

Introduction to Dentrix Learning Software (Optional)

Anesthesia and Sedation

Preventative Care

Radiation Health Safety

Extraoral and Digital Radiology

Dental Emergency Procedures and Amalgam Restorations

Composite Procedures and Laboratory Materials

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Dental Specialties

Dental Implants and Fixed Prosthetics

Computerized Restorative Systems and Removable Prosthodontics

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Practice Management

Your Dental Career

Contact Hours

300

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to complete this course. However, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for national certification exams.

Learning Supplies Needed

Hardware Requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
The optional Dentrix software requires a PC and cannot be used on a Chromebook or Mac.

Software Requirements:
PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.10 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Word Online
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Optional Dentrix Software Requirements*

Operating System Windows* 7 Sp1, 8.1, 10
Memory 8 GB RAM
CPU 4 cores at 2.4 GHz
Local Drive Install Space 40 GB total, 5 GB on C: drive
Monitor 1280x1024
*Students are not required to download the software to complete the course requirements and can follow along with the video tutorials.

Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach
Dental Assisting Instruments and Materials Guide
Dental Terminology
Flossing and Brushing Teaching Model
Dental Assisting Coloring Book (potential 4-6 week shipping delay)
Dentrix Software (online download) *You are not required to download the software to complete the course requirements and can follow along with the video tutorials.
Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

If you are interested in becoming a Dental Assistant, this course is for you!

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Courtney Boney
919-532-5581
[email protected]