Overview

The Dental Assisting Program prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing healthcare professions – Dental Assisting. With the national increase in healthcare-related services, and the national shortage of healthcare professionals, the need for dental assistants is growing substantially. With a growing workforce over 300,000 strong, a career in dental assisting ranks as the fourth fastest growing occupation in the healthcare technician field. To meet our nation’s growing medical demands, recent studies indicate that over 400,000 assistants will be employed by 2028.

Program Objectives

The program prepares students for entry-level positions as a chair-side dental assistant. This course covers the history of dentistry, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, introduction to tooth structure (primary and permanent teeth), the oral cavity; and other areas. The purpose of this program is to familiarize students with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • The dental assisting profession and the history of Dental anatomy and physiology
  • Tooth charting, tooth surfaces, and classification of restorations on a tooth
  • Parts of the jaw, areas of the mouth, oral health and preventions of dental disease
  • Infection control in dentistry and occupational health and safety
  • Patient information and assessment
  • Foundation of clinical dentistry
  • Dental radiology
  • Single crown restoration, bridge, implant, partial denture, and full denture
  • Dental equipment, accessories and the treatment room, hand pieces & accessories
  • Dental cements and impression materials; Assisting in comprehensive dental care
  • Coding of radiology services and the use of ICD-9-CM codes
  • Dental administration and communication skills

Certifications

There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:

1. Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) exam, which consists of 3 components:

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Infection Control (ICE) exam

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP) exam

2. CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

CPR certification voucher will be provided to students for CPR class by a DANB accepted provider.

Note: Students meet the NELDA exam eligibility requirements via Pathway I:

1. Graduation from a dental assisting program located within a post-secondary institution that is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, AND
2. High school graduation or equivalent, AND
3. Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Note: Inclusion of National Certification exam vouchers vary from school and payment / finance method. To check if they are included, you may message any of our advisors through any of our available channels here.

 

 

FAQs

 

+ Are these courses associated with an accredited school?
These courses are offered by Texas A&M University Texarkana, in partnership with Job Training Courses (JTC). Texas A&M University-Texarkana is a regionally accredited institution and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

+ Are there available financial aids (FAFSA, Pell Grant, etc)?
We currently do not have support for federal or state grants. However, we offer zero interest payment plans for up to 12 months. Students can take advantage of these payment plans without worrying about credit check.

+ Can I verify if this is legitimate?
Yes. You may contact Texas A&M University - Texarkana directly. Please see the contact information below:

Shelley Caraway
Executive Director, TAMUT EECD
scaraway@tamut.edu
+1 903 334 6683

+ I'm located at a different state. Can I take this program?
Yes. These programs are designed to be portable and accessible wherever you are in the country. Please note however that it is important for you to check state requirements to ensure that the program will be accepted in the state you will be employed in.

+ I'm located outside of the US. Can I take this program?
Yes. These programs are designed to be portable and accessible wherever you are. However, please note that certain programs are only designed to be taken for employment within the United States. An example of this are the Healthcare programs.

+ If I cannot complete the program within the prescribed duration, what are my options?
We offer program extensions for a certain period at no extra cost. Please message us here to speak with one of our advisors.


Have more questions? Contact us here

Enrollment Options

This program is currently not available in any of our university partners or in the chosen state.

Instructor-Facilitated Options*

Video Lesson Presentations

Mobile-Ready

National Certification Opportunity *

Textbooks & Supplemental Materials

Mentor Support

Certificate of Completion