Dental Assistant

February 7, 2023 - April 4, 2023 – Lowville, NY

Entry-Level

The Dental Assistant program prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing healthcare professions. With the national increase in healthcare-related services, and the national shortage of healthcare professionals, the need for dental assistants is growing substantially. With a growing workforce over 300,000 strong, a career in dental assisting ranks as the fourth fastest growing occupation in the healthcare technician field.

The program prepares learners for entry-level positions as a chair-side dental assistant. This program covers the history of dentistry, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, introduction to tooth structure (primary and permanent teeth), the oral cavity; and other areas. The purpose of this program is to familiarize learners with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

Describe the process for gathering and assessing patient health information
Explain the foundations of and procedures used in clinical dentistry
Summarize the use of radiology in dentistry and issues associated with it
Describe the primary materials, instruments, and equipment used in dentistry including basic care and maintenance of instruments
Outline how dental assistants assist with various dental procedures and types of dentistry
Summarize the essential administrative and communication skills required of dental assistants
Explain the anatomy, physiology, and pathology concepts associated with dentistry
Explain infection control, safety, and emergency procedures and regulations in the dental environment
Explain pediatric and orthodontic procedures and tools

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience. As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.

Course Contact Hours: 60 hoursClinical Externship Hours: 40 hours

Lowville Class:February 7, 2023 - April 4, 2023 classes run Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Cost: $1,769 (textbooks and exam cost included).

Funding is available through The Workplace for qualified individuals. Call 315-782-9252 for more information.

MyCAA funding may apply for qualified individuals. Note this scholarship will NOT pay for the textbooks. Textbook expenses will be the financial responsibility of the student. For this course, textbook cost is $200. (Traditional Army tuition assistance, GI Bill® funding and traditional college financial aid does not apply).

Register online or by requesting an application at ced@sunyjefferson.edu or at Jefferson, Extended Learning Center, building E.