Dental Assistants are valuable members of the dental health care team by greatly increasing the efficiency of the dentist when performing procedures on patients. In roughly 4 months students will be prepared to perform chair-side assistance to the dentist using four-handed dentistry technique. Additionally, students will be oriented to dental related anatomy and physiology, lab equipment, and preventative/restorative dentistry.
Upon completion of this 300-hour course (200 hours class/lab time and 100 hours externship) students will be equipped to take the exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant with the State of Arkansas.
Students will also have the chance to learn and perform extended duties as a Dental Assistant in the State of Arkansas. These extended duties consist of Dental Radiography, Coronal Polishing, Administration/Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide.
Admission Requirements
- Must be at least 17 years old.
Note: Some businesses may not hire individuals under 18 years old and without a High School Diploma/GED equivalency.
| Program Costs | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-Refundable (transferable one time), Registration Fee | $50.00 |
| Tuition | $2,550.00 |
| Textbook (may be purchased at the school) | $165.00 |
| Student Uniform | $40.00 |
| Lab Fee | $125.00 |
| Additional Expenses | |
| Nitrous, Coronal Polishing, & Radiography Seminar and State Exam Fee | $140.00 |
| Arkansas State Registration Fee | $75.00 |
| CPR Certification for an HCP Card | $50.00 |
Job Duties:
- Assist dentist during dental treatment procedures, such as transferring instruments and suctioning aerosols.
- Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
- Sterilize instruments and equipment
- Take and develop patient x-rays, if certified
- Maintain office records and supplies
- Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
- Clerical duties could include keeping records of dental treatments, scheduling patient appointments, and working with patients on billing and payment
Where Can I Work?
- Dental Offices
- Specialty Dental Practices, such as Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Orthodontic, Endodontics, and Prosthodontics
- Hospital Dental Clinics
- Dental School Clinics
Job Outlook
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. *
* “Dental Assistants.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 June 2016.
