Penn Foster's self-paced online dental assisting program consists of nine instruction sets.
Set 1: Learning Strategies; Introduction to Dentistry and the Dental Assistant
Set 2: Dental Terminology and Anatomy; Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
Set 3: Cavity Classification and Charting; Dental Law and Ethics
Set 4: Dental Operatory: Patients, Instrumentation, Moisture Control; Disease Transmission, Pathology and Dental Emergencies; Infection Control
Set 5: OSHA Regulations; Radiology I and II
Set 6: Pharmacology and Anesthesiology; Dental Materials
Set 7: Endodontics/Periodontics; Pediatrics/Orthodontics; Prosthodontics/Oral Surgery
Set 8: Communicating in the Dental Office; Business Administration for the Dental Assistant
Set 9: Becoming a Professional; Practice Management Software
All textbooks, supplies and study materials are included in the tuition. Financing is available at 0 percent APR. U.S. military personnel qualify for tuition reimbursement, and reservists may qualify for veterans education benefits. The program can be completed in six months by students who study one hour per day. Online and toll-free telepnone instruction support is available in addition to an online library and librarian. Graduates receive a career diploma.
Penn Foster Career School
925 Oak Street
Scranton, PA 18515
800-275-4410
pennfoster.edu
The self-directed program at U.S. Career Institute can be completed in four months, and trains the student in front office procedures as well as dental examinations and treatments. The curriculum consists of five instruction packs:
* Pack I: Welcome to the World of Dentistry; The Role of the Dental Assistant;
Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition; Welcoming the Dental Patient; Dental Equipment; Dental Instruments; Dental Materials; The Dental Examination
* Pack II: Front Office Procedures; Disease Transmission; Safety in the Dental Office; Introduction to Oral Anatomy; Dental Anatomy and Terminology; Charting and Classification; Chairside Assisting; Dental Pain Management
* Pack III: Pediatric Dentistry; Orthodontics; Oral Pathology; Medical Emergencies; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
* Pack IV: Dental Insurance; Radiology Part I; Radiology Part II; Impressions; Restorative Dental Procedures
* Pack V: Prosthodontics; Periodontics; Endodontics; The Dental Assistant's Guide to Law and Ethics; Comprehensive Practicum
Books, supplements, learning aids, tools and equipment are included in the tuition cost; interest-free monthly payment plans are available. After completing the program, students are awarded a certificate and receive resume building software to assist in their job search.
U.S. Career Institute
2001 Lowe Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525
866-250-6851
uscareerinstitute.edu
Stratford's home-based program can be completed in six months to two years. All books, learning aids and study guides are included and are delivered to the students' homes. The program consists of five modules:
Module 1: Introduction to the Profession
Module 2: The Dental Profession--Infection Control, Emergencies, Nutrition, Anatomy, Mouth Tissues, Eruption and Resorption of Teeth
Module 3: Essentials--Exams, Charting, Instruments, Materials and Restorations
Module 4: Techniques and Specialties--Pharmacology, Anesthesia, Specialty Practices, Pediatrics, Surgery, Pathology, Radiography, Mounting, Labeling and Filing X-rays
Online and toll-free access to instructors is available. Students are awarded career diplomas when they complete the program.
Stratford Career Institute
12 Champlain Commons
Saint Albans, VT 05478-5560
800-254-4070
scitraining.com
GES partners with other colleges and universities to provide online training. The 240 hour clinical dental assisting program is designed to be completed in six months, and prepares the student to take the radiology and infection control portions of the Dental Assisting National Board Examination. Prospective students must have a high school diploma and basic computer skills. Internet access and an email address are required for the program. The partner schools determine tuition cost; however, all students may request a six-month extension at no additional charge. Graduates receive a clinical dental assistant certificate.
A six-month 150 hour administrative dental assistant program is also available to prepare students for front office procedures, coding, scheduling, terminology and insurance. Graduates receive an administrative dental assistant certificate.
Gatlin Education Services
109 East 3rd Street, Suite 350
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-870-2870
gatlineducation.com