Dental Assisting 11th  & 12th

 

The field of dental assisting is expected to have a rapid employment growth according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This is due to awareness of the need for dental care, and aging population, and the increased demand for cosmetic dentistry. Dental assistants can expect to earn about $32,994 in Dallas, Texas according to salary.com Certification is necessary in Texas. Dental assistants with experience or training have 2 years to take the national exam to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). Typical costs for this program at a trade school can range between $9,000-$11,000. Students who enroll in the Dental Assisting program at the School of Health Professions, will save time and money in the long run.

 

Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to be certified by the state in Dental Radiography, Jurisprudence, & Infection Control. Students enrolling in these courses must have a valid social security number due to certification exams offered at the end of the 2nd year program.

 

 

Course Description

This two-year program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become dental assistants. Students work chair side with a dentist in the dental clinic located at the school.  In this dental assisting program all work is hands-on. The students assist in general dentistry and work aside a certified Dentist during all procedures. In addition, students in their senior year will take the RDA Exam, which will allow the students to be registered in the state of Texas to be a dental assistant upon successful completion.

 

Eligibility

The course is open to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed all of the following prerequisites:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Health Science Clinical

• Health Science Diagnostic

• Principles of Health Science

Dental Assisting 1 is required to enroll in Dental Assisting 2

 

Internship

This two year program prepares students to become qualified dental assistants. The students will participate in a non-paid internship environment at the dental clinic that is located on campus. The students will have an opportunity to assist the Dentist while they work on patients in the clinic.

Classroom Activities

• Patient preparation

• Dental instrument identification and handling

• Processing dental radiographs

• Sterilization and disinfection of dental instruments

• Office management

• College Preparation