Accredited dental care programs must include a minimum of 900 hours of instruction, including 300 hours of clinical practice, dental care, dental anatomy, dental radiology, preventive health and nutrition, composition in English, mathematical applications, and introduction to psychology. Depending on the program requirements, students can complete the courses within nine to 12 months as a full-time student. Classes are usually spread over three quarters, with most of the hours taken during the fall and spring semesters. Dental assistants should be knowledgeable about the range of materials used for procedures such as taking molds for dental accessories, helping with orthodontics, or filling cavities.
To become a dental assistant, one must complete a dental care certificate or diploma program at a community college or technical school. However, those who have not graduated from a CODA program may not qualify for certification until they have accumulated at least 3500 hours of experience. In Illinois, dental assistants must either be certified or have at least 4,000 hours of experience over a two-year period to qualify. Graduates should understand common dental terminology and be familiar with dental office management software.
When considering online dental assistance programs, it is important to do research to ensure that the school meets certain standards of academic excellence. To be able to perform this role, a dental assistant must have at least 2000 hours of experience. After finishing their studies and passing the required certifications, dental assistants can perform a variety of essential functions. The course can be offered by an approved continuing education sponsor or by a school that has a CODA accredited program (either at the level of dental care or at a higher level).
The Phoenix School of Dental Assistants' Litchfield Park campus is located off Dysart Road near Camelback Road. Given the proximity of this type of care, dental assistant graduates must learn to make their patients feel comfortable while managing services. Becoming a dental assistant can be both professionally and economically rewarding; salaries may vary depending on experience level and geographical location. Dental assistants must have a CPR certification and have completed a bachelor's degree program in dental assistants or have two years of work experience to become licensed.
The proven model at the Phoenix School of Dental Assistants is designed to prepare students to work in dental offices and learn what it takes to become dental assistants. The Ohio Dental Assistant School is located east of the intersection of Stoney Ridge Road and Detroit Road, near the intersection of Detroit Road and Center Road.
