DENTAL ASSISTANT CAREER
12 Weeks to a Better Life
When you enroll in our dental assisting program, you’ll be part of a hands-on learning experience that helps you develop your skills and advance in your career.
The Arizona School of Dental Assisting prepares students for entry level positions as a chairside assistant in a dental office. Students will learn proper chairside assisting by practicing the procedural skills necessary for the position, dental office management, infection control and patient education . Upon graduation, you will receive a Dental Assisting Certificate, making you eligible to work in almost any dental office.
The Dental Assisting program involves twelve weeks of “hands on” training where students have the opportunity of practicing the various routines of chairside assisting. At the completion of the twelve-week portion of the training, the students must successfully complete a 40-hour externship in a local dental office. The externship may be completed in one week or may be spread over a two to three week period. Once you complete the program you will be ready to take your X-ray Certification, Coronal Polish certification and you will be Dentrix ready.
Dental Assisting Program Curriculum
WEEK
SUBJECT
CLOCK HOURS
Week 1
Orientation to the Profession
6
Week 2
Initial Clinical Orientation
6
Week 3
Dental Anatomy and Physiology
6
Week 4
Dental Charting
6
Week 5
Sterilization & Infection Control
6
Week 6
Dental X-ray Techniques I
6
Week 7
Dental X-ray Techniques II
6
Week 8
Instrumentation
6
Week 9
Dental Materials I
6
Week 10
Dental Materials II
6
Week 11
Advanced Clinical Procedures
6
Week 12
Preventive Dentistry
6
Externship
40
Total Clock Hours
112
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Orientation to the Profession, Initial Clinical Orientation & Preventive Dentistry
An overview of the dental profession is given including a discussion of professional associations, dental specialties, and the role of the dental assistant in the general dental office. Dental ethics is reviewed emphasizing the dental assistant’s obligation to observe established principles to implement when placed in a dental environment. This course includes an introduction to basic dental assisting duties to prepare the students for all future lectures and topics. Students will learn to educate patients about proper dental health care and dental health techniques.
Dental Anatomy, Physiology & Dental Charting
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding and knowledge of dental anatomy as well as function. The individual characteristics of dental anatomy are studied as well as the human dentition and supporting structures. Students will practice clinically with digital charting mechanics and software to best understand up-to-date dental office regulations and protocols.
Sterilization & Infection Control
The importance of maintaining sterility in the dental environment is discussed. Various methods of sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization are practiced. Students are given a broader look at the potential spreading of disease from a dental treatment area and an understanding of protection procedures to ensure safety for all dental professionals and patients.
Dental X-ray Techniques
This course covers the history of radiography with particular attention given to the potential hazards of radiation. State and OSHA safety laws are discussed along with procedures for effecting proper protection. The students learn about the different types of dental x-ray units, x-ray film, and the procedure for exposing a film. Students will utilize hands-on methods using traditional and digital machinery to ensure the student has a broad understanding of the generations of x-ray.
Instrumentation
This course is designed to provide the student with a fundamental knowledge of the instruments used in the dental office. The student will become proficient in setting up trays and passing instruments along with the confidence to identify instruments while in class and in a dental setting.
Dental Materials
This course is designed to provide the student with a general understanding of the dental materials commonly used in the dental office. This course is designed to provide the student with real-life demonstrations regarding the use of impression materials and practice mixing these materials until experience is gained.
Career Development
In this part of the course, students will master resume building, interview techniques, self-networking, and professional conduct. Our mission is to get students confident in these areas and place them in a dental setting with the opportunity for immediate employment.
Advanced Clinical Procedures
Students will assume an advanced status and have the opportunity of assisting in various operative procedures. Students will implement all previous course knowledge and expand their confidence in the common dental procedures.
Externship
The student will spend 40 hours in a dental office. This opportunity is offered to the student for practical application of all skills learned while in school. Although the student initially receives no remuneration, this experience provides actual work experience prior to graduation with the opportunity to obtain employment within the office.