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Our course is unique in that it is the only one taught in an actual practicing dental office. You will learn the state-of-the-art methods in assisting. We have years of experience in teaching people the art of dental assisting and constantly update our course as techniques and the profession changes.

The course is usually given in January. During the weekdays the course is in session, opportunities are provided to the students to observe chairside with a dental office. It is this aspect of our course that enables our students to go to the work place with a real working experience. Our students who have made the effort to master the skills and studied hard to gain the knowledge, have great success finding positions.

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COURSE OUTLINE

The following subjects are covered in depth from both a didactic and practical clinical experience. The morning lecture is followed by an afternoon of clinical, "hands-on" training in the operation of all the equipment, instrumentation and materials used in our state-of-the-art practicing dental office. All students receive in excess of 8 hours of instruction in radiology.

1. Dental Theory and Terminology
1. Dental and oral anatomy, tooth numbering system
2. Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry
3. Dental Terminology
4. Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment usage
2. Receptionist - Front Desk Office Management
1. Phone techniques and appointment book control
2. Billing and accounting systems
3. Billing: accounts receivable and accounts payable, collections
4. Filing insurance forms and pre-treatment estimates
5. Computer system practice
3. Four-Handed Dental Assisting
1. Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and suctioning
2. Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning
3. Tub and tray systems
4. Use of instruments and materials in assisting for:
1. Operative Dentistry
2. Oral Surgery
3. Crown and Bridge
4. Endodontics
5. Periodontics
6. Pedodontics
7. Orthodontics
5. Handpiece care and maintenance
4. Radiology
1. X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn holders and other methods
2. Intraoral, bitewing, panoramic, and endodontic exposure methods
3. Developing x-rays using the automatic processor
4. Darkroom care and maintenance
5. X-ray safety and precautions
5. Impressions and Model Trimming
1. Impression materials and practice in their use; alginates, rubber base, etc.
2. Wax bites, counter impressions
3. Model pouring and trimming
6. Sterilization Techniques
1. Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
2. Instrument and equipment sterilization/disinfection
3. Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
7. Job Interview and Placement Assistance
1. Proper image, dress, resume, and how to prepare for the job interview itself
2. Difficult questions you may face - how to answer them
3. Do's and don'ts during the interview, what to expect.

A certificate will be awarded at the successful completion of the course.

The job opportunities for trained dental assistants are quite good in today's marketplace. While no one can guarantee job placement, the dental profession is currently facing a shortage of trained dental assistants. If one examines the want ads for dental assistants, the majority require experience.

Following your training in this ten week course, you will have the confidence and skills necessary to apply for these positions. Along with your diploma, we will give you a dental assistant pin, and a recommendation based on your course performance.

Part of your training will involve the job interview itself, how to prepare for it, how to dress, what to say, etc. So often jobs are lost during the first five minutes of the interview. We feel it is important to train you in this area as well, so that you will stand out from the rest of those competing for that position.

Additionally, many doctors call our office asking for a list of our recent student graduates. We also inform our current class of any doctors needing dental assistants, so that they may apply directly for the position. Commonly, students have obtained jobs as dental assistants even before finishing the course.

The starting pay scale for experienced dental assistants is considerably higher than non-experienced, and most offices will not even consider anyone with no experience. We are often asked what can a graduate from our course expect to make in their first job? The answer depends on where the office is. Offices in a metropolitan area generally pay higher salaries than those in suburban areas. Graduates of our course can expect to start well above the pay scale of those with no experience, at approximately $12 to $14 per hour, with raises as you prove yourself.

Another factor that is often overlooked is the area of job satisfaction. We have heard many times over the years from our students on how much happier they are working in the dental profession as compared to their previous jobs. One student reported, "I feel literally rescued from a factory job I hated and a future I did not look forward to." A parent of another one of our students thanked us personally for giving his daughter new direction and responsibility in her life. She had been a "fast food" server with a small child to raise and no particular goal or ambition in life. Since completing our course, she has worked in a dental office for two years now, and loves it. Are you happy in your job? If not, then
do something about it!

We are very proud to say that feedback from former students has been very good! We would like to share a few quotes from recent graduates:

"I really enjoyed the course, and I appreciate all the hands-on training we received. It was very informative and helpful. I enjoyed all of the instructors and having Dr. Scardetta explain things to us."

"Due to the good reference that Dr. Scardetta gave to Dr. W., I got the position, and love it!"

"This course offered a lot of knowledgeable information, and hands on training, that was very helpful in my new career. By taking this course, I found a job within 1 week."

"I appreciated your help. This course offered a great opportunity to find a good job."

"I enjoyed the class and would do it again. Everyone was very helpful and nice."