Course Catalog

Week 1: Introduction to Dentistry & Professionalism

Overview of dental careers, HIPAA, OSHA, and professionalism
HIPAA certification
Tooth anatomy, teeth numbering, and dental terminology

Week 2: Infection Control & Sterilization

Review of Week 1 content
Infection control
PPE, hand hygiene, autoclave use, sterilization and disinfection protocols
OSHA certification

Week 3: Dental Equipment & Instruments

Review of Week 1 content
Preventive dentistry
Identification, care, and use of dental instruments and equipment

Week 4: Chairside Assisting Techniques

Review of Week 1 content
Identification, care, and use of dental instruments and equipment
Four-handed dentistry, suctioning, patient positioning, vital signs

Week 5: Dental Procedures & Materials

Review of Week 1 content
Identification, care, and use of dental instruments and equipment
Common procedures (restorative, preventative, surgical), materials, tray setups

Week 6: Radiology Basics

Review of Week 1 content
Identification, care, and use of dental instruments and equipment
Introduction to x-rays, safety, bitewings, periapicals, mounting techniques

Week 7: Radiology Safety and Procedures

Review of Week 1 content
Identification, care, and use of dental instruments and equipment
Continue radiology training
Radiology certification

Week 8: Review & Career Prep

CPR training
Final written and hands-on exam
Resume writing, interview skills, externship planning

Facilities and Equipment

The dental assisting classes will be held in a fully equipped modern operating dental office. Students will have access to:

Air/Water Syringe
Autoclave
Dental Lathe
Dexter Mannequins
Handpieces (High Speed and Low Speed DentalTurbines)
Instruments
Curing Lights
Model Vibrators & Trimmers
Typodonts
Ultrasonic Cleaning Unit
Periapical and Bitewings X-Ray Unit
Panoramic X-Ray Unit

Program Outline

Each course consists of 8-weeks of training (144 hours of classroom & clinical instruction + a 32-hour externship). Our experienced Instructors work off a curriculum that covers all the basic facets of dentistry; General Dentistry (including both adult and pediatric dentistry), Oral Surgery, IV Sedation, Endodontics and Orthodontics. Our students experience all these specialties in a working dental office. Classes are once a week, for 8 weeks. Current classes are every Saturday from 8am to 5pm, allowing students to hold a full-time job, if needed.

Following the 8-week course, we provide students the opportunity to complete their 32-hour externship in one of our clinics before awarding a Certificate of Completion.