Dental Assisting Certificate Program

Dental Assisting Certificate Program

Classes Start March 11th

Our online Dental Assistant Program focuses on the necessary skills to assist dentists in oral procedures.

The College of Health Care Professions Dental Assisting Program is offered online and designed with the busy student in mind. By combining our innovative online learning platform with hands-on training, our program will help you prepare to become a certified dental assistant in less than a year.

With the increase in preventative dental services and oral health being linked to overall health, dental assistant positions are expected to increase by 8% from 2021 – 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CHCP has built our program to serve Texas area students looking to become a part of this growing field.

 

Program Details

Program Length

Online: 48 weeks

Available Locations

Online
Online Courses
Module IModule IIModule IIIModule IVModule VModule VI

Introduction to Dental Assisting, Dental Office Procedures, Law and Ethics

DAC110

Students will be able to describe key milestones in dental history and identify the dental specialties and the members of the dental team as well as discuss the skills used by the dental assistant, including communication, office management, infection control, and basic chairside assisting. Students will be able to describe the different elements of the dental office, including the design of the dental treatment office, the clinical equipment most commonly found in the dental office, and the basic functions of the dental unit. Students will also learn the functions of the dental business office and the fundamentals of front desk operations, use of dental office management software to schedule appointments, manage dental records, communicate with patients, and handle accounts including the components of an insurance claim form. In addition, the students will be able to summarize the federal and state laws governing dental assisting as well as the ethical principles established by professional dental associations. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Anatomy, Physiology, Tooth Morphology, Dental Charting

DAC111

Students will be able to describe the functions of the body systems and identify the landmarks of the oral cavity and the anatomical features of the head and neck. Students will be able to identify the dental arches, the names of the teeth, tooth surfaces, and the structure of the gingiva. Students will identify anatomic features of the teeth, occlusion and malocclusion, and deciduous and permanent dentition. Students will be able to use tooth numbering systems and charting systems to chart existing conditions, restorative procedures, and decay as diagnosed by the dentist. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Infection Control

DAC112

Students will be able to identify the types of disease-causing organisms and routes of microbial transmission. Students will demonstrate mastery of infection control techniques and procedures, use of sterilizers, disinfectants, and sterilization monitors, and safe disposal of sharps. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Dental Materials and Skills I

DAC114

A skill related clinical lab-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, knowledge, skills, and concepts the dental assistants must have to understand the identification, properties, and proper uses of dental materials. Students will learn the dental assistant’s role in restorative procedures. Students will learn to, in a combination of simulations and residential laboratory sessions, to mix materials, take impressions, pour and trim study models, and fabricate custom trays and temporary crowns. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional and lectures will be geared toward the State Registration Examination. Prerequisite: DAC110, DAC111

Lecture36hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits96 

Dental Radiology

DAC113

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills dental assistants must have to properly and safely expose and process dental x-rays. Students will learn about the properties of radiation and the precautions dental assistants must take to protect patients’ health. Students will master the steps of taking a full mouth radiography survey, including exposure and processing techniques. Lecture will be geared toward the State Registration Examination. Related terminology, dental charting/documentation, vital signs, and infection control procedures will also be covered. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Dental Procedures and Skills II*

DAC115

A skill related clinical lab-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, knowledge, skills, and concepts the dental assistants must have to identify the drugs commonly used in dentistry and how to respond to dental emergencies, including administering CPR. Students will be able to, in a combination of simulations and residential laboratory sessions, demonstrate correct instrument exchange, maintenance of the oral cavity, placement and removal of the dental dam, and administration of anesthetics. Students will practice daily routines for opening and closing the dental office and seating and dismissing the patient. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Prerequisite: DAC110, DAC111, DAC114

Lecture36hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits96 

Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition

DAC117

Students will be able to describe how diet affects oral health. Students will learn about the dental team’s role in prevention of decay in relationship to nutrition, including dietary evaluations and oral manifestations of nutritional deficiencies. Students will learn the dental assistant’s role in preventive techniques, including tooth brushing and flossing, fluoride application, dental sealants, and coronal polish. Related terminology, dental charting/documentation, vital signs, and infection control procedures will also be covered. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Dental Specialties I (ORAL SURGERY, PROSTHODONTICS, COSMETIC DENTISTRY)

DAC118

Students will learn the dental assistant’s role in oral surgery procedures, fixed and removable prosthodontic treatment, and cosmetic procedures, including how to place and remove a gingival retraction cord. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Dental Specialties II (PEDODONTICS, ENDODONTICS, ORTHODONTICS, PERIODONTICS)

DAC119

Students will learn the materials, instruments, and special considerations of the dental specialties of pedodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and periodontics. Students will demonstrate competency in the dental assistant’s role in common procedures in these specialties. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits48 

Treatment Areas and Instruments/Accessories and Skills III

DAC116

A skill related clinical lab-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, knowledge, skills, and concepts the dental assistants must have for basic patient care, including taking vital signs and assisting with oral evaluation. Students will learn to identify hand instruments, attachments, dental burs, abrasives, and rotary instruments, as well as instrument classification and sequencing. Students will learn to identify different types of oral lesions and oral cancer. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Prerequisite: DAC115

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory90hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours105hr.
Credits105 

Dental Assisting Cert Prep

DAC300

This course will provide a review of dental assisting courses taught throughout the program, as well as provide preparation for the Dental Assistant Registry Certification. Prerequisite: Mod I – V

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits30 

Dental Assisting Externship

DAC301

Students will integrate practice of all dental assistant responsibilities carried out in a dental office or group practice setting under the supervision of a dentist or supervising dental assistant. Use of related terminology, dental charting/documentation, and infection control procedures. Prerequisite: Mod I – V

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship160hr.
Total Hours160hr.
Credits160 

Begin a Career Bringing Smiles to Patients as a Dental Assistant!

With the increase in preventative dental services and oral health being linked to overall health, dental assisting positions are expected to increase by 8% over the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CHCP has built our dental assistant program to serve Texas students looking to become part of this growing field. We offer the flexibility of online learning with weekend hands-on learning at our Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, McAllen, and San Antonio campuses. 

Thinking about a dental assistant career? Learn more about dental assistant duties, requirements, salary, and more to see if this career path is right for you.

Learn More

Hands-on Learning

Our online dental assistant programs include weekend clinical training and an externship. Learn with fellow students and instructors at one of our on-site CHCP campus locations.

How Does the Dental Assisting Program Work?

CHCP incorporates online instructions with the benefit of three weekends of on-campus hands-on clinical skills training. We offer hands-on training at the local AustinHouston, Dallas, Fort WorthMcAllen, and San Antonio campuses. Additionally, you will have access to our 24/7 IT support and your assigned Student Services Advisor to guide you on a path to starting your health care career. At the end of dental assistant school, you will have the opportunity to continue developing your technical skills with a clinical externship.

FAQs about CHCP's Dental Assistant School

Can I Do a Dental Assistant School Online?

Yes. You have the option to pursue your education with a certificate in dental assisting online. At CHCP, our online certificate program provides training in a number of essential dental office clinical and administrative skills, from preparing industry-current dental instruments to recording dental exams, and more. Completion of this program is designed to give you the education, credentials, and skills needed to apply for entry-level dental assistant jobs throughout Texas.

What Can a Dental Assistant Certificate Lead To?

The online certificate program offered at CHCP can help prepare you for a dental assistant career—a field projected to add more than 40,000 new jobs by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, the education provided in the dental program is foundational, meaning upon completion, you’ll be able to build upon it with additional training down the line to help advance your career, perhaps as an expanded function dental assistant or dental hygienist.

How Do I Prepare for Dental Assistant School?

You would prepare for your online dental assistant program as much as you would for any other professional-level training opportunity. A dental assistant plays a significant role in the oral health of patients, from sterilizing equipment to assisting the dentist chairside and serves as a valuable team member in patient care. So, prepare to be your best. Investigate relevant programs for accreditation, the skills taught, and job placement services. Make sure you have the relevant paperwork in hand when you apply for admission. Check into your financial aid resources. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Record classes. Get enough sleep. Set goals. And if you have questions, ask. The CHCP instructors and advisors are here to help you before, during, and after you  obtain your dental assistant certificate.

What Dental Assistant Skills Will I Learn?

Our online dental assisting program focuses on the training and professional skills needed for success in a career as a dental assistant.

  • Personal oral hygiene
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Taking/recording blood pressure
  • Infection control in the dental office
  • Preparation and sterilization of instruments
  • Exposing adult radiography
  • Obtaining and recording patient histories
  • Recording dental exams
  • Dental terminology
  • Tooth morphology
  • Dental charting
  • Office administration procedures
  • Professionalism with other dental associates
  • Compassionate patient care

How Will I Afford Dental Assistant School?

We can help you get started with financial aid options and affordable payment plans that are available to those who qualify. Click here to learn more!

Where Can Dental Assistants Work?

Typically, dental assistants find employment in dental offices, but it is not uncommon for dental assistants to work in physician offices or even for the government. Other work settings can include group practices, insurance companies, dental manufacturers, hospitals, equipment suppliers, and more.

How Will I Find a Job After I Graduate?

CHCP Career Services offers job placement assistance as well as interview and resume writing tips and more. Check out our career services page!

**This program is currently only offered in specified areas.

 

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