Become a Registered Dental Assistant in 16 Weeks

Become familiar with dental science, the study of structure, function, and diseases of the teeth and the tissues surrounding them. You’ll also learn the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases. Other topics include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and epidemiology.

Become familiar with the causes and symptoms of common dental diseases, the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, as well as techniques for oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and fluoride as preventive treatment options to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

You’ll learn about the transmission of infectious disease in a dental setting and the principles of infection control, including standard precautions and infection control protocols. Some of the topics include proper techniques for cleaning and sterilizing equipment and instruments, using and disposing of PPE, handling and disposing of biohazardous waste, and the importance of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment and keeping up to date with the latest guidelines and regulations.

As a dental assistant, it’s important to know the hazards and risks that may exist while working in a dental setting. You’ll learn about these risks and the proper protocols that minimize these risks and ensure a safe working environment, as well as the importance of HIPAA and OSHA compliance and regulations.

As a dental assistant, you'll be responsible for recording accurate and thorough medical and dental patient histories. You’ll learn how to properly document patient information in dental charts and electronic health records (EHRs), how to assist dentists during examinations, how to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality, and how to discuss treatment options and oral hygiene best practices with patients.

Learn the basic principles of oral health care, including the anatomy of the head and neck, teeth, gums, and jaw as well as basic dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, extractions, and root canals. You will also learn how to assist with dental procedures such as taking impressions, making temporaries, and laboratory procedures.

You’ll learn the different types of radiographic imaging used in dentistry, how to process images, and how to properly position patients and the sensor for the different radiographic views: peripheral, bitewing, and panoramic. Additionally, maintenance and troubleshooting, proper storage, and quality control and assurance in radiographic imaging.

In dentistry, a variety of materials are used such as amalgam, composite resins, glass ionomers, and ceramics. You’ll learn the proper mixing, manipulation, and curing of dental materials plus procedures related to taking impressions and temporaries, and restorations, as well as the proper storage and handling of dental materials.

Dental assistants are vital members of the team, assisting dentists and hygienists with routine check-ups, including oral exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. You’ll learn the procedures for preparing patients, recording vital signs and patient histories, preparing and sterilizing instruments, as well as assisting during procedures such as, fillings, crowns, bridges, extractions, and root canals.

As a dental assistant, it’s critical to effectively communicate with patients. In addition to clinical skills, you’ll also learn administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, handling patient billing and insurance claims, and ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment.