National Career College’s Dental Assistant Program at a Glance
Location:
On Campus: 14355 Roscoe Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402
Schedule:
Morning or Night Classes
Program Length & Type:
10-Month (40 weeks with Externship) Diploma Program
Credentials:
Diploma
Diploma Program Overview
The Dental Assistant program is designed to provide you with a combination of dental theory and practical skills. Throughout the program, you will receive hands-on training to prepare you to work in modern health and dental care facilities. The Dental Assistant training program will cover various topics and terminology to help you accurately complete dental examinations, procedures, and daily tasks. Some of the Dental Assistant courses include:
- Dental Specialties
- Operatory Dentistry
- Dental Anatomy and Orthodontics
- Modern Concepts in Dental Assisting
- Administrative Dentistry
In addition to what you learn in the classroom and the dental lab, you will also be required to complete an externship to ensure you are prepared for the work environment. Upon graduation and additional work experience, you will be eligible to SIT for the California Registered Dental Assistant examination.
Is the Dental Assistant Career Path Right for you?
Not sure if dental assisting is right for you? Continue reading to learn more about becoming a dental assistant including what they do, where they work, the length of the school, and what you will learn in the Dental Assistant training program.
What Does A Dental Assistant Do?
A Dental Assistant’s duties include care for patients, appointment scheduling, and recordkeeping, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Dental Assistants may perform some or all of the following duties1:
- Ensure that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
- Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
- Sterilize dental instruments
- Hand instruments to dentists during procedures
- Dry patients’ mouths using suction hoses and other equipment
- Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
- Process x-rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
- Keep records of dental treatments
- Schedule patient appointments
- Work with patients on billing and payment
Your role as a dental assistant requires anticipating a dentist’s needs. You need to be able to provide them with the appropriate equipment they need to complete a procedure. Dental Assistants need to have everything ready to go, be able to think on their feet and adjust when things don’t go as planned.
In addition to supporting the dentist with their duties, Dental Assistants help handle the administrative side of a dental practice. They must often plan appointments, keep records and on occasion, take inventory and place orders for new equipment.
For more information check out our top Blog Articles on what it’s like to be a Dental Assistant:
- Dental Assistant Duties & Responsibilities: What Should I Expect?
- What Dental Assistants Do? A Complete Guide
- Top 5 Dental Assistant Skills To Be Successful
How Long Is Dental Assistant School?
National Career College’s Dental Assistant Diploma program is ten months with an externship. This program is offered full-time on-campus with both morning and evening classes available.
What Will You Learn In Dental Assistant School?
A dental assistant’s primary responsibility is to help the dentist. The courses you take will include instructions on how to correctly utilize dental equipment. Basic dental procedures will also be taught as part of this training to help patients prepare for more extensive operations. The Dental Assistant training program consists of:
- Dental Office Emergencies and Compliance
- Dental Radiography
- Dental Specialties
- Operatory Dentistry
- Laboratory Procedures
- Dental Anatomy and Orthodontics
- Dental Health
- Modern Concepts in Dental Assisting
- Administrative Dentistry
- Dental Assistant Externship
Instructors will frequently run through operational scenarios to give pupils practice adjusting to diverse situations. Training will frequently walk a student through fundamental record-keeping procedures to help them improve their organizational abilities.
As a student at National Career College, you will also have the opportunity to attain real-life experience. Students at National Career College can demonstrate their clinical and administrative skills in a dental practice setting through our externship program. Our placement department will assist graduates with career placement after graduation as well.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant examination, RDA (CA DCA, Dental Board of California). Additionally, upon graduation, students will obtain Radiation Safety, Infection Control, and Coronal Polishing certifications, approved by the Dental Board of California.
For more information check out our top Blog Articles if you are considering enrolling in a Dental Assistant Program:
- 5 Things to Consider When Enrolling in a Dental Assistant Program
- 5 Reasons to Enroll In A Dental Assistant Program
Where Do Dental Assistants Work?
A Dental Assistant typically works full time, and some work evenings and weekends, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook2. The top three employers of dental assistants are:
- 90% – Dentist Office
- 2% – Physicians Office
- 2% – Government
The Dental Assistant program aims to prepare graduates for positions as entry-level dental assistants by imparting the necessary knowledge and skills. Since National Career College’s Dental Assistants are trained in clinical and radiographic procedures, their services are also sought by: general dentists and dental office facilities specializing in pediatrics, orthodontics, endodontics and other specialties, dental schools, dental supply manufacturers, and hospital dental departments, dental laboratories and dental insurance companies.
What Is The Job Outlook For Dental Assistants?
TThe U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Dental Assistants to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 20303.
More About Careers In Dental Assistant
For more information about a career as a Dental Assistant, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET website.
Local Wages for California (ONET):
31-9091.00 – Dental Assistants Local Wages
Standard Occupational Code (SOC):
31-9091.00 – Dental Assistants
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP):
51.0601 – Dental Assisting/Assistant
Dental Assistant Training Near Me
If you live in or around the Panorama City area in California, National Career College offers Medical Assistant training at the following location:
National Career College Campus 14355 Roscoe Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Financial Aid
At National Career College, we don’t want finances to limit your career opportunities. Your education is one of the most important investments you can make. If you are unable to afford the education costs on your own, you may qualify for financial aid. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify! Please visit our Financial Aid Page to find out more!
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