Course Description

Clinical Dental Assistant

When you become a dental assistant, you'll enjoy a career that is not only fulfilling, but also rewarding. Caring dental assistants truly make a difference with clients, providing comfort and education. Plus, this field offers flexible hours and is expected to grow exponentially in the future. Dental assistant school is the first step you need to take, and this online Clinical Dental Assistant course will prepare you to become a productive and successful member of a dental hygienist team.

This online dental assisting course is the most comprehensive you'll find. You'll learn about every aspect of professional dental assisting, including invaluable real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants and essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and much more.

Upon course completion—you will have the opportunity to apply for an externship, where you'll get real-life clinical assistant experience. You'll also be ready to pursue certification as a dental assistant by passing the radiology and infection control portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examination. The exam or one or more of its components is necessary in states where registration is required for dental assistants.

Course Outline

1. Overview of the Dental Profession
   1. Introduction to the Practice of Dentistry
   2. The Dental Patient
   3. Dental Practice
   4. Employment Strategies
2. Dental Health and Disease
   1. Oral Health and Preventative Techniques
   2. Nutrition
   3. Etiology of Dental Disease
3. Anatomy and Physiology
   1. Basic Human Physiology
   2. Head and Neck Anatomy
   3. Embryology and Histology
   4. Tooth Morphology
4. Infection Control
   1. Microbiology
   2. Infection Control
   3. Management of Hazardous Materials
5. Basics of Dental Assisting
   1. Patient Care
   2. Dental Charting
   3. Pharmacology
   4. Emergency Management
   5. Chair-side Assisting
   6. Dental Instruments and Tray Setups
   7. Instrument Transfer and Maintaining the Operating Field
   8. Anesthesia and Sedation
6. Radiology
   1. Producing Quality Radiographs
   2. Processing Quality Radiographs
   3. Extraoral and Digital Radiography
7. Dental Materials
   1. Dental Cements, Bases, Liners, and Bonding Agents
   2. Restorative Materials, Dental Dams, Matrix, and Wedges
   3. Laboratory Materials and Techniques
8. Dental Assisting in the Specialty Practice
   1. Endodontics
   2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
   3. Oral Pathology
   4. Orthodontics
   5. Pediatric Dentistry
   6. Periodontics
   7. Prosthodontics
   8. Oral Radiology
   9. Public Health
   10. Cosmetic Dentistry
9. Dental Office Management

JOB OUTLOOK FOR CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANTS

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistants’ jobs are projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030 due to an increase in the aging population and the growing awareness of the importance of oral health.? 

On average, about 44,000 vacancies for dental assistants are expected annually, over the decade. There is a need to fill these positions with qualified clinical dental assistants, which is only possible if educational institutes expand their course catalog and add dental assistant courses.?? 

The pay scale for clinical dental assistants has also increased over the years and now averages at $41,180 per year ($19.80 per hour). However, this number is based on many factors like experience, educational background, certificates obtained, and more.  

Learner Outcomes

1. Gain knowledge and skills in preparation to pass the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam
2. Discuss tooth numbering systems, dental charting, and scheduling patients according to treatment plan
3. Identify important head, neck, and oral anatomy related to patient care, including anomalies and radiographic landmarks
4. Demonstrate essential dental assisting skills needed for patient preparation, measurement of vital signs, and four-handed dentistry, as well as the dental assistant’s role in medical emergencies

Notes

Registered Dental Assistant Certification Detail

The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential is awarded by the private certification organization, American Medical Technologists (AMT), and taken in addition to any state licensing or regulatory requirements.

The purpose of this exam is to demonstrate entry-level competence in basic dental assisting duties; it does not qualify candidates, however, for any advanced procedures or expanded functions in the role of dental assisting.

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a national credentialing organization for medical assistants, clinical laboratory practitioners, dental assistants and other allied health professionals. Incorporated in 1939 in the State of New Jersey, AMT has over 87,000 active members holding multiple AMT certifications in good standing. The organization has its headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois.

AMT's Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification program has been in existence since 1990. The program has been fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a division of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. NCCA approval is an independent recognition that AMT's certification process conforms to a prescribed set of rigorous credentialing standards.

State Regulations: 

Each state's dental board implements regulations and establishes rules for delegating legally allowable duties to dental assistants. It is important for students to research the state requirements, including eligibility to perform advanced/expanded functions.

Additional RDA Certification Requirements:

IMPORTANT: Graduates are eligible to attempt the RDA, gaining certification status requires the following additional requirements: 

1. Must provide proof of completion (Transcript) an AMT approved training program (MedCerts' training program is approved by the AMT)
2. Must provide proof of CPR Certification.