Program
Information Guide
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Dental Assisting prepares you to become a vital member of the dental health care team. Dental Assisting students will study dental history, dental terminology, communications, dental ethics and legal issues, office procedures and employment seeking skills. A basic study of body function and structures, diseases and diet are also studied with a focus on bloodborne pathogens, disease communications and safety issues. Tooth formation and shape of teeth as well as structures and diseases/disorders of the oral cavity are also included. Dental materials studied include mixing dental materials and taking impressions for dental study models. Restorative procedures beginning with simple tasks and progressing to complex restorative procedures are in-depth areas of study. Prevention and management of medical emergencies and dental specialties are also studied. You will also learn dental radiology, first with a focus on radiation safety, then progressing to dental x-ray techniques.
Assistants greatly enhance the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care and perform a wide range of tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. While at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, you will spend time in a state-of-the-art dental lab, and in the last 9 week course enhance your hands-on skills as part of a dental team working with patients. The Dental Assisting curriculum offers a balance of academic, laboratory and clinical courses to prepare you to work in this rapidly changing field.
Estimated Time to Complete
| Pathway | Months |
| Dental Assisting | 10 |
Starting Salaries
$8 - $13 / hour
Employment Opportunities
| Private Dental Offices |
| Dental Clinics |
| Dental Sales |
| Consulting |
| Dental Schools |
| Dental Insurance |
| Research |
| Public Health/Government |
Tuition Rates
Tuition is $1,600 for full-time students.
Other costs include:
Jump Drive-256K (approximately $14.95)
Textbooks (approximately $400)
Physical exam and immunizations (approximately $250)
Uniforms (approximately $250)
Background check (approximately $15)
Drug testing (approximately $36.00)
Dental Assisting National Board examination fee ($300) to obtain the CDA credential, when applicable
Radiation Safety Exam Fee and Certification (approximately $120)
This Focus is eligible for Financial Aid.
Start Dates