Dental Assisting Classes
If you want to work in the dental field, a dental assisting program is a great place to start. Dental assistant programs train students for office, laboratory, and clinical positions. You’ll learn about the many different aspects of dental care, such as patient care, office administration, and sterilization. Dental assistants often work in offices with various dentists, but they’ll also gain valuable skills in other fields, like assisting in pediatric dentistry.
In this article, we will discuss the dental assisting classes that are typically part of an associate degree curriculum for dental assisting.
Dental Assisting Program Overview
A certificate program in dental assisting can prepare you for a variety of dental assistant duties. You will learn how to sterilize instruments, set up dental materials, and perform office duties. This program is designed for those who have little experience or do not want to go through the intensive training required by a dental assistant school. This certificate program also satisfies the state requirements for becoming a registered dental assistant in New York.
A dental assistant education is highly demanding and involves two hours of study time for every one hour of classroom instruction. To pass the microbiology and radiology courses, students should expect to spend approximately sixty hours outside of class. The remaining three hundred and fifty hours should be spent studying outside of class. As a whole, the program consists of three different specialty courses and three clinical rotations. In addition, students will gain extensive experience in a wide range of dental practices.
A dental assistant certificate program prepares students to sit for the CDA exam. Students take a national exam known as the CDA. Coursework in dental assisting programs includes lectures, hands-on labs, and demonstrations. Students will learn about dental anatomy, chairside assisting, oral hygiene, and infection control. Students will also learn dental radiography and CPR. And as a bonus, graduates of the program will be trained in a wide range of specialties, including orthodontics and periodontics.
What Classes are in a Dental Assisting Curriculum?
Students who earn a Certificate in Dental Assisting will receive an education that prepares them to work as an entry-level assistant to dentists. Their training will include chairside assisting, office procedures, laboratory work, and formal clinical internships. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Dental Assisting examination and sit for the Certified Dental Assisting exam.
Dental assisting classes often include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Dental Materials
- Dental Radiography
- Dental Assisting Clinical Procedures I
- Dental Assisting Clinical Procedures II
- Head, Neck and Dental Anatomy
- Dental Office Management
- Introduction to Dentistry
- Dental Terminology
- Basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
- Infection control
- Dental emergencies
- Chairside assisting
- Instrumentation
- Dental office procedures
- Patient management
Students will also learn infection control standards and other hazard control procedures. They will learn how to take radiographs and identify imaging errors. They will also practice on simulated manikins. The curriculum will also include dental specialty procedures, such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Students will also learn how to use radiation safely and accurately. Students will also complete an exam assessing their radiation health and safety knowledge.
What is a dental assistant externship?
If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, you may be wondering what an externship entails. While an externship is not a permanent job, it is a valuable experience for a student and can help you gain valuable work experience before starting your formal training. If you’re planning to work in a dental office, make sure to research the practice and learn more about the types of dentistry that are available there.
Your internship will give you 120 hours of hands-on clinical dental assisting experience, while also ensuring that your education will be based on practical knowledge. You’ll be able to ask questions about workflow, how to deal with patients, and the culture of a dental office. You will also be able to meet professionals in the field and get letters of recommendation from them. Ultimately, your externship will help you in your job search.
A dental assistant externship can be a great way to get real-world work experience before graduating from school. Depending on the school you attend, an externship could help you gain the confidence you need to succeed in the dental industry. In addition to gaining practical experience, you can also gain a lot of valuable information that you might not have learned in class. By attending your externship in a dental office, you’ll gain valuable experience and network with future employers.
Requirements to get a dental assistant degree
There are two basic routes to become a dental assistant: through a certificate program or a degree program. While certificate programs are typically less time-consuming, associate degree programs can take as little as two years. Depending on your preferred learning pace, a certificate program or associate degree may be better for you. An associate degree will allow you to learn more about the fundamentals of dental assisting, while a certificate program will provide you with a broader background.
A certified or registered dental assistant is an essential member of a team. They assist the dentist during chair-side procedures, as well as perform other supportive services such as laboratory work and administrative duties. These assistants have many duties, from filing insurance claims to selecting and placing orthodontic bands. As part of their job, they may also assist the dentist in administering procedures. Some may even be called on to assist with laboratory work.
Dental Assistant Course Online
Finding the right dental assistant course online is no easy task. There are many factors to consider: accreditation, cost, flexibility, and career services. It is important to find a program that fits your lifestyle, budget, and educational goals. An accredited program will provide financial aid and program information. Online and hybrid programs can also provide a more convenient option for working parents. To find the right online program for you, start your search by selecting a program that meets your criteria.
The ICI online course is an excellent choice if you are looking for flexibility. Unlike traditional campus-based programs, you can begin the program as soon as you enroll. ICI’s online program can be completed in two to three years. During that time, you’ll be able to balance your work schedule with your studies. The online course can also be fast-tracked, with an average completion time of 24 weeks.
What soft skills needed to be a dental assistant
The job of a dental assistant is very diverse. Aside from taking care of patients, they also answer phones, prepare materials, and assist the dentist and hygienist with inventory and supplies. Dental assistants need to be organized in order to maximize their efficiency and productivity during procedures. Additionally, they must have good communication skills and be able to follow directions clearly. As such, having good verbal and written communication skills is a must.
Besides technical skills, a dental assistant must possess good people skills. These soft skills include empathy and understanding of patients’ needs. They must also be adept at conflict resolution and mediation, which is crucial in this profession. As a dental assistant, you’ll need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, as well as deal with extreme pain and mental stress. Good communication skills are vital for dental assistants, as they are often the foundation of good interpersonal skills.
While working in a dental practice requires the ability to handle high-stakes situations, this profession also requires people who have a good sense of empathy. A dental assistant should be able to work as part of a team, listen well to the dentist, and support the doctor. Having good interpersonal skills will help you stand out in a competitive job market. When comparing dental assistants to other candidates, it is important to note that the job of a dental assistant is very different from that of a doctor.
What are the duties of a dental assistant?
A dental assistant assists a dentist in providing patient care by performing a variety of tasks. They hold suction instruments, clean patients’ mouths, and sterilize dental tools. Their duties also extend to the preparation of dental instruments, patient education, and documenting dental care services. As a dental assistant, you can expect to work standard office hours and perform the duties above as well. Read on to learn more about the duties of a dental assistant.
One of the most important skills for a dental assistant is the ability to communicate effectively with patients. You will be required to follow dental hygienists’ instructions closely and keep eye contact with patients. You will also need good organizational skills and the ability to multi-task. You will be required to keep examination stations clean and ready for each patient. You will need to be able to prioritize your tasks and be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of different patients.
Dental Assistant Continuing Education Courses
Taking Dental Assistant Continuing Education Courses is vital for any assistant. It validates your education and experience, as well as helps you update your profile. These CE courses are also an excellent way to advance your career in the dental industry, and set you apart from your peers. In addition, they help you stay current with changing technology, which is a key factor in maintaining your license.
If you’re considering becoming a dental assistant, you’ve probably considered continuing your education through continuing education courses. You can take classes at home on dental hygiene and other related topics. You can also go to seminars to update your skills and knowledge. Continuing your education can also help you get better pay. The dental field is highly competitive, so a dental assistant continuing education course is essential to stay relevant and up-to-date in addition to maintaining your certification.
