Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

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 250-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 completing the program will be eligible to take the Certified Ohio Dental Assisting examination and earn the Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA) credential. Students will also 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:

• Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA)
• 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 2020 – Evening
Program Orientation: Thursday, August 27, 2020 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
August 31, 2020 – June 28, 2021 (approximate ending date)
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Total Program Cost $10,495 includes Tuition: $9,854, Books & Supplies: $322,
Materials & Assessments: $319

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.

Dental Assisting 2020-2021 Advisory Members

Ms. Sonja M. Blackwell, Brian K. Smith, D.D.S., M.D.
Ms. Lisa M. Blatnik, Strongsville Dental and Laser Aesthetics
Ms. Rachel Cipolla, Brian J. Brit, D.D.S. and Associates
Ms. Amber Dell, Bright Now Dental
Ms. Miya Franklin Johnson, Alexiou Dental Arts
Ms. Stephanie Pawul, Dr. Stanley Meckler, D.D.S.
Ms. Kelsey Rechnitzer, Aico Dental Group
Ms. Phyllis Skelley, Strongsville Dental
Dr. Chris Theodorou, Strongsville Dental & Laser Aesthetics