Dental Assisting
Dental Assisting Program Overview
A dental assistant performs a variety of roles in a dental office and must possess clinical and administrative skills. The Delta Tech Dental Assisting Program accomplishes both, with entry-level theory and hands-on training in clinical and clerical tasks.
In the Dental Assisting Program, instructors with real-world experience train students to learn how to assist in lab and x-ray procedures, CPR, patient assessments, sterilization and infection control techniques, clinical procedures, and maintenance of the equipment. The students’ training will also provide a complete understanding of dental-related ethics and business principals integral to the doctor’s relationship with the patient. A dental assistant must be detail-oriented, have strong interpersonal and listening skills, and balance the varied tasks ranging from patient care to assisting with clinical and laboratory procedures.
For those interested in further specialization within this allied health career, Delta Tech offers a continuing education option in dental radiology.
For dental assistant certification, students at the Ridgeland, MS campus are required to take two of the three DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) certification exams: RHS (Radiology Health & Safety) and ICE (Infection Control Exam).
*Not all programs and courses are available at all campuses.
- Orientation and Introduction to Infection Control
- Restorative Dentistry & Dental Charting
- Prosthodontics & Dental Office Lab
- Dental Radiology & Office Administration
- Dental Specialties & Preventative Dentistry
- Employment Preparation & Review and Externship
*The first training module taken will be Orientation and Introduction to Infection Control and the last training module taken will be Employment Preparation & Review and Externship. All other modules can be taken in any order.
Which Schools Offer Dental Assisting Training?
Dental Assistant FAQ
- A dental assistant is important to the successful flow of work at a dentist’s office, because their role often includes administrative and clinical responsibilities. These tasks can include electronic record keeping, keyboarding, billing, coding, insurance claims, scheduling and acting as a patient liaison and educator on behalf of the dental practice where they are employed. They must also have training in and be comfortable with clinical skills including assisting the dentist during exams, x-rays, lab work, sterilizing instruments, and performing basic four-handed dentistry, among many other daily tasks.
The median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Dental Assisting Program at Delta Tech will prepare students for entry-level careers in a dental facility, where most dental assistants find employment. A small amount of dental assistants may also work at hospitals or on military bases. Job titles could include clinical dental assistant, dental laboratory assistant or dental office administrative assistant.
As the population continues to live longer and there are advancements in treatments, prevention, procedures, and cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry, the dental profession will continue to evolve and grow. The BLS predicts the job outlook for dental assistants will increase by 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than average.
For more information on DTC program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost.
Dental Assisting at Delta Technical College
Dental assistants provide clinical and clerical support to dentists, and may choose to specialize with other dental professionals like endodontists and orthodontists. Students will earn the experience and skills needed at Delta Tech (DTC) for entry-level positions working alongside dentists and hygienists. The Dental Assisting Program at DTC is taught by instructors with experience in the field. Hands-on training includes lab and classroom instruction along with an externship program that gives students in-the-field experience, helping them decide what type of position they may want to pursue after graduation. Watch this two-minute video to see what it’s like to begin your career in dental assisting with Delta Technical College.
Delta Tech offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students. Financial Aid Representatives are available at each of our campuses to assist you. Please contact your nearest Delta Tech campus today to learn more.
Enrollment and outcome information and the ACCSC annual reports for each program in Adobe PDF format. Please note, all programs are not offered at all campuses.
Dental Assisting Careers
The DTC Dental Assisting Program offers the necessary training for dental assistant graduates to enter the field of dental assisting at the entry level. Most graduates of dental assistant programs work in dentist’s office as dental laboratory assistants, clinical dental assistants, and dental office administrative assistants. Military bases and hospitals may also provide opportunities for dental assistants, and some graduates may choose to specialize by working with oral surgeons or in geriatric and pediatric specialties.
Dental assisting is a growing field that requires clinical and clerical skills ranging from assisting dentists and dental hygienists working with patients, lab and x-ray procedures, patient assessments, and maintenance of the equipment. Dental assistant training at DTC prepares graduates to perform these clinical and clerical tasks. The Dental Assisting Program also prepares students for dental assistant certification.
The dental field continues to grow as a result of the population living longer and advancements in procedures, treatments, prevention, and cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook for dental assistants will increase by 7% from 2019 to 2029. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4%. *www.bls.gov
Accreditations
Delta Tech is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC).
Delta Tech is approved by the United States Department of Education to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program.