The University of Maine at Augusta offers a two-semester dental assisting certificate program that teaches students how to take dental radiographs and participate in four-handed dentistry. This is the only dental assistant program available in Maine. In addition to receiving classroom instruction, students also gain hands-on experience in dental laboratories, hospital/community dental clinics and general and specialty dental offices. Students learn to perform various procedures, such as irrigating and drying root canals, placing temporary fillings and re-cementing temporary crowns. Students also learn to complete basic business office procedures.
To enter the dental assisting program at UM-Augusta, students must have a high school diploma or GED. Following the program, they can seek certification in general chairside assisting and radiology through the Dental Assisting National Board. The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
University of Maine
Augusta Campus
46 University Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
207-621-3000
uma.edu/catalog-dentalassistingcert.html
New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, New Hampshire, offers a dental assisting certificate program that lasts 11 months. The school is located about six hours from Maine and is New Hampshire's only dental assisting program. Courses in the program cover topics such as dental assisting theory, dental radiology, dental materials, psychology and oral hygiene. Students also study office procedures and management with computer applications, as well as communications and medical emergencies for dental assisting. Students hone their lab skills and gain clinical experience in actual dental practices. The New Hampshire Technical Institute dental assisting program was established in 1971 and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
New Hampshire Technical Institute
31 College Drive
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-6484
www.nhti.edu/academics/academicprograms/degdentassis.html
Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, offers a dental assisting program that provides students with the skills they need to become entry-level dental assistants. The school is located a little more than five hours from Maine. Students in the program practice taking X-rays on mannequins and learn to manipulate and apply dental materials. They also study oral anatomy, embryology and histology. Students must complete 300 hours of practical experience in dental offices and are eligible for voluntary certification in this field after they graduate. The Northern Essex Community College dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Northern Essex Community College
100 Elliott St.
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-556-3000
necc.mass.edu/programscertificates/dentalassistant.shtml