Online: Dental Assistant Course Overview

Dental Assistants play a vital role in dentistry by assisting in cleanings, cavities, root extractions, x-rays, and other dental-related tasks. Their specialized skill set is in high demand. If you are interested in getting into dentistry without spending years in school, the Dental Assistant course may be the perfect fit for you. 

During the 100% online course curriculum students will learn many important skills necessary to work as Dental Assistants, such as taking vital signs and x-rays, assisting with minor surgeries, and assisting and performing dental procedures. They will also become knowledgeable about patient management, administrative tasks, HIPPA and OSHA regulations, as well as effective patient care and professional conduct.

Upon course completion, students will need to pass the certification exam to receive their Dental Assistant Certification. Our online classes offer national accrediting exams which allow students to work anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Student Experience

The online Dental Assistant Course is available in a 16-week term. Courses are accessible 24/7 during the semester. There are assignments and quizzes that must be completed by the due dates in the course. The modules are also mobile-friendly. Access to the semester course will be given a few days before the class is set to begin. 

Students will be assigned an instructor who will send them a welcome email that includes information about the student account as well as the registered program. Your assigned instructor can help you with any questions you may have while taking the course. Students should expect to receive email correspondence from their instructor about their class. 

Prerequisites

Students must be at least 18 years old or older to enroll in the course. A high school diploma or equivalent GED is not required but strongly encouraged. No prior work experience is required.

Curriculum (Modules & Exams)

The Dental Assistant Course includes 1040 hours of course instruction and the required 40  hours of clinical internship experience with course topics including:

• Infection control
• HIPPA and OSHA regulations
• Assisting with minor surgical procedures
• Perform basic supportive dental procedures
• Operating dental radiography equipment
• Medical supply management
• Verbal therapeutic communication
• Creating a safe effective environment
• Administrative tasks including organization, scheduling

Students will need to pass a Dental Assistant Certification Exam after completing the course in order to receive their certification.

Internship Requirements

Students must complete an internship that includes 40 clinical hours of observation and training for their Dental Assistant clinical core requirements to graduate from our program. Each Dental Assistant skill requirement must be supervised and signed off on a clinical competency form that will be provided to the student. Students are responsible for finding internships at their location. Local dentist offices, dental urgent care centers, dental hospitals, and other clinics are popular internship locations.

Students who have prior experience may be able to waive the internship requirement.

You can submit proof of your experience to waive your externship requirements. Submitting a detailed letter from your previous or current employer and/or a detailed notarized resume will help waive the clinical requirements of the program.

You can send these documents to [email protected] for review by an administrator. After they review the documents, they will be able to determine what requirements can be waived from the program that you choose.

What’s Included

The course includes the following:

• Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate
• Access to online course 
• Access to a 360 degree Dental Assistant simulation program.
• Access to PDF books
• Access to additional resources and materials
• Access to instructors via phone and email.
• Available tutoring sessions via Zoom at an affordable price from experienced medical professionals, LPNs, RNs, and Doctors.

About Phlebotomy Career Training

Phlebotomy Career Training (PCT) has been educating students and professionals throughout the U.S. with online and in-person programs for over 14 years. PCT is an accredited organization that offers nationally-recognized certification programs.

PCT understands the adult student’s need for quality education, a hands-on learning atmosphere, and a fast-track career path. Students can expect professional educators and quality instruction throughout their course. 95% of our graduates have found employment opportunities in their field!

Our Instructors

Each student will be assigned a designated instructor upon enrollment. Our qualified instructors consist of Family Nurse Practitioners, MSN-FNP-BC, and BSN. Your instructor will personally reach out to you within 24 hours and will be available to answer any questions throughout the program. 

Employment Opportunities

Dental Assistants enjoy a growing career field with great prospects. If you are looking for a career path with ample employment opportunities, competitive pay, benefits, and job satisfaction, becoming a Dental Assistant may be a great fit for you. 95% of our students were able to find employment upon graduation.

All of our students can request access to Phlebotomy Career Training’s exclusive “Job Portal” where they can locate employment opportunities through our many partners.

Do the online courses require an in-person test?

There are multiple national certification exams that PCT graduates may take; some online and others are in-person depending on your location.

How does the internship/externship work?

As part of the Dental Assistant Certification Program, students are required to complete an internship that will allow them to practice the skills that they learn in their courses. You may see this internship referred to as an externship or clinical in various materials; these all refer to the same requirement. Students are responsible for securing an internship. Your instructor can provide you with a letter to help you secure an internship.

Is Phlebotomy Career Training accredited?

Phlebotomy Career Training is a licensed proprietary school in the state of Michigan and our National Testing Partners which have approved our programs are accredited. This means that the student who graduates and takes their national exam will have accreditation through the National Testing Organization and is eligible to work anywhere in the United States. These organizations include:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
• National Telemetry Association (NTA)
• National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT) (Phlebotomy only)
• National I.V. Association (NIVA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Phlebotomy Career Training does not offer Credit hours and therefore does not accept financial aid. We are a private for-profit post-secondary school, licensed by the state of Michigan. Phlebotomy Career Training offers clock hours. These clock hours can transfer to some colleges and universities for credit hours.

Is the Dental Assistant Certification a good stepping stone into other medical careers?

The Dental Assistant Certification is a great way to get into dental without any prior experience in the field. And there are many advancement opportunities for Dental Assistants once they get their foot in the door. The Dental Assistant course is also a great learning opportunity for those that are looking to apply to medical school or nursing programs.

Is the Dental Assistant Certification valid nationwide?

Yes, Dental Assistant Certification from Phlebotomy Career Training is valid in the United States and Canada.

Students should always check with their state department for their licensing or certification requirements. Some states may require additional training or examination before becoming qualified to work in that state.