Professional Development

Dental Assistant

What does a Dental Assistant do?

A dental assistant is a professional who supports a dentist and dental hygienist in a myriad of ways. They are highly visible members of the dental practice team. Job duties include scheduling patient appointments, obtaining preliminary vital signs and symptoms, performing diagnostic testing, creating laboratory molds, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist through all visits and dental procedures.

Dental assistants in many practices also typically inform patients of aftercare instructions, as well as perform follow-up calls. Working under the direction of a dentist, assistants may perform a variety of tasks such as coronal polishing, sealant application, fluoride application, and topical anesthetic application.

Where Can You Work?

Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices.

Length

14 Weeks

Requirements

Training Materials Provided

Cost

$4,000

Dental Assistant

Outcomes

Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.

Skills Learned

Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:

  • Gain knowledge and skills in preparation for passing the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam
  • Recognize proper infection control procedures, handwashing, sterilization of equipment, disinfection of operatories, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), per Standard and Universal precautions
  • Identify important head, neck, and oral anatomy related to patient care, including anomalies and radiographic landmarks
  • Demonstrate essential dental assisting skills needed for patient preparation, measurement of vital signs, and four-handed dentistry, as well as the dental assistant’s role in medical emergencies
  • Classify clinical tools, techniques, and materials used in four-handed dentistry
  • Discuss tooth numbering systems, dental charting, and scheduling patients according to the treatment plan
  • Explain informed consent and patient education, including oral hygiene instruction and post-treatment care
  • Ensure HIPAA, OSHA, FDA, and EPA compliance and follow CDC recommendations as applicable to protected health information, infection control, radiation safety, workplace safety and controls, and documentation
  • Apply operator and patient radiation safety principles and address patient safety concerns
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of radiology, including guidelines, regulations, and quality assurance in radiographic imaging and mounting

Courses - 14 Weeks

Program Preview

Dental Assistant Job Possibilities

Dental Sales Representative

     

$22,000 – $72,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Laboratory Assistant

     

$26,000 – $49,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Dental Assistant

     

$19,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Certification Information

Upon completion of the Dental Assistant Career training, students will be prepared to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), which is taken in addition to any state licensing or regulatory requirements.

 

RDA

Registered Dental Assistant

The RDA credential demonstrates entry-level competence in basic dental assisting duties; it does not qualify candidates, however, for any advanced procedures or expanded functions in the role of dental assisting. You must be CPR certified in order to take the exam.

Issuing Authority

Payment Options

Credit Card

Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.

      

Short-term Loan

Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.

Program Comparison

Emerge Education
Community College
Program & Tuition Cost
$4,000 average
Up to $20,000
Exam Fees, Books & Materials
Included
Up to $750
Job Ready In
3–6 months
24–48 months
Schedule Flexibility
On-demand 24/7
Set class schedule
Travel Requirements
None: 100% online
On-campus classrooms
Student Support
Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
Professors: scheduled office hours
Career Coaching
Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
Content Delivery
3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
Professor lectures

Meet Your Training Specialist

Lauren Holubec is your Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Lauren to learn more about the program and how to achieve your career goals. If you are a manager interested in group enrollment, please contact Lauren directly so she can assist you with the enrollment process.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant?

You will complete the courses in this program over 12 weeks, making students job-ready in 3 months. The program is flexible, allowing for assignments to be completed anytime, from anywhere, 24/7.

Do these courses count for college credit?

No, these courses do not count for college credit

Is the Dental Assistant career training online?

Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.