Job & Career Training Programs in Cleveland

Dental Assisting

COMING FALL 2023! REGISTRATION KICKS OFF MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023. Please Contact Theresa at 440.891.7697 or tliska@polaris.edu for program information or 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.

Subject Areas:

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
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) (taken at testing center)

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
Dental Sales
Dental Sales
Sterilization Assistant
Office Management

Fall 2022 - Evening
Program Orientation: Monday, August 29, 2022, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
August 30, 2022 - June 26, 2023 (approximate ending date)
Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Total Program Cost $10,995:
Includes Tuition: $10,256, Books & Supplies: $482, Materials & Assessments: $257
Cost includes textbooks and certification examination fees. Students may expect the following additional costs: uniform, immunizations/titers and radiology license exam fee. At the discretion of the externship (work-based activity) location, a background check may be required.

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

Dental Assisting 2022-2023 Advisory Members

Mrs. Sonja Blackwell, Dr. Brian K. Smith D.D.S, M.D. Inc
Mrs. Lisa Blatnik, Strongsville Dental and Laser Aesthetic
Dr. Libby Buckley, Berea Family Dental
Ms. Rachel Cipolla, Brian J. Brit and Associates
Ms. Amber Dell, Bright Now Dental
Ms. Shayla Gavin, West Park Dental
Ms. Kelsey Rechnitzer, Shaia Dental Care
Mrs. Jessica Sapara, West Park Dental
Ms. Phyllis Skelley, Retired