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 must take the DANB certification (Dental Assisting National Board) which includes: 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
- What is the Role of a Dental Assistant?
- 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.
- What is the Salary of a Dental Assistant?
- The median annual wage for dental assistants was $37,640 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. For more information on the median earnings of Delta Tech program graduates who received federal aid, visit our Gainful Employment Disclosures.
- Where Can Dental Assistants Find Employment?
- 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.
- Are Dental Assistants in Demand?
- 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 [1] predicts the job outlook for dental assistants will increase by 19% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than average.
- What is the Cost of the Dental Assisting Program?
- For more information on Delta Tech program costs, visit our Gainful Employment Disclosures.
Dental Assisting at Delta Technical College
See what it’s like to begin your career as a dental assistant with training at Delta Tech.
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.
For information about our graduation rates, program costs, the median debt of students who completed this program and more, please click on a campus below to see our Gainful Employment Disclosure.
Dental Assisting Careers
A dental assistant will most likely find work in a dentist’s office, although there are some positions available in hospitals and on military bases. A dental assistant may enter their field as a clinical dental assistant, dental laboratory assistant or dental office administrative assistant. Other areas where a dental assistant could work may include an oral surgeon or orthodontists’ office, if they choose to specialize. They may also decide to work exclusively with geriatric or pediatric patients. This in-demand career is predicted to grow by 19% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than average [1].
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.