Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Contact Theresa at 440.891.7697 or tliska@polaris.edu to arrange a personal tour!

810 HOURS (42 WEEKS)

The field of Dental Assisting is growing according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. As valuable members of the dental care team, assistants increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care.

This program takes place in a state-of-the-art, fully renovated lab.  Learn the skills needed to assist chairside, including basic dental laboratory procedures, dental terminology, use of instruments and equipment, x-ray procedures, preparation of dental materials and dental office management skills.

Curriculum includes:
• Introduction to dentistry/oral health and nutrition
• Infection control/safety
• Head and neck anatomy/physiology
• Patient care/dental charting/psychology
• Restorative materials/advanced chairside
• Laboratory materials
• Radiology
• Practice management
• Computer technology
• Dental specialties
• Dental competencies
• Employability skills

Dental Assisting students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through a 160-hour, unpaid externship (work-based activity). Externship (work-based activity) hours must be completed during daytime working hours.  A minimum of 90% attendance with a C average (70%) grade or better is required for students to participate in the externship (work-based activity) opportunity.

Students may be required to complete (at the student’s expense), immunizations/titers, drug screening, physical exam and/or background check prior to the student’s placement at an externship (work-based activity) site. Students must complete the Hepatitis B series prior to participation in their externships (work-based activity).

Students will complete the Ohio Dental Assistant Radiographer initial training course.  This initial training course satisfies the requirements of the Ohio State Dental Board and allows the student to earn the Ohio Dental Assistant Radiographer license.

Requirements for Completion:

• A “C” average (70%) or higher
• Attendance rate not less than 90%
• Payment of all outstanding obligations to the school
• Completion of externship (work-based activity)

Certification/License:

• Ohio Dental Assistant Radiographer license (at student's expense $35)
• AHA Healthcare Provider CPR

Requirements for licensure:

• Complete 7-hour course
• Complete test with at least 70% pass rate
• Complete series of x-rays at externship (work-based activity) office within 60 days of testing
• Submit above items to the Ohio State Dental Board for licensure
• AHA Healthcare Provider CPR

Career Opportunities:

• Dental Assistant
• Orthodontist Assistant
• Pediatric Dental Assistant
• Oral Surgery Assistant
• Front Desk/Receptionist
• Teaching
• Dental Sales
• Sterilization Assistant
• Office Management

Fall 2021 – Evening
Program Orientation: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
September 1, 2021 – June 29, 2022 (approximate ending date)
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Total Program Cost $10,495: includes Tuition: $9,901, Books & Supplies: $472,
Materials & Assessments: $122

Cost includes textbooks and certification examination fees. Students may expect the following additional costs: uniform, immunizations/titers, radiology license exam fee and physical exam. At the discretion of the externship (work-based activity) location, a drug screening and background check may be required.

Contact Theresa at 440.891.7697 or tliska@polaris.edu to arrange a personal tour!

Dental Assisting 2021-2022 Advisory Members

Mrs. Lisa M. Blatnik, Strongsville Dental and Laser Aesthetics
Ms. Rachel Cipolla, Brian J. Brit and Associates
Ms. Amber Dell, Bright Now Dental
Ms. Shayla Gavin, West Park Dental
Ms. Amanda Hager, Family Dental Care
Ms. Miya Johnson, Skiffey Family Dentistry
Mrs. Stephanie Pawul, Family Dental Care
Ms. Kelsey Rechnitzer, Shauna Dental Care
Ms. Phyllis Skelley, CODA Commissioner/Dr. Theodorou