1389 - Clinical Dental Assistant

Are you ready to launch your career in an in-demand field that is fulfilling and rewarding? Becoming a dental assistant could be just the right path for you, with flexible hours and strong job growth predicted. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11% through 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $41,180. Dental assisting education is your first step towards providing comfort and education for patients—and the online Clinical Dental Assistant course will prepare you to become a productive and successful member of a dental team.

This online dental assisting course is the most comprehensive you will find. You will 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. You will even have the opportunity to explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software.

After completing the course, you will have the opportunity to apply for an externship, through which you will get real-life clinical assistant experience. You will also be ready to pursue certification as a dental assistant by passing the radiology, infection control, and anatomy and physiology portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations – NELDA or CDA. Once you have gained clinical experience and in-person hours, you will be prepared for the general assisting exam.

Learner Outcomes

What you will learn

• Describe the roles for each member of the dental team and twelve dental specialties
• Define the legal and ethical practice of dental assisting, including HIPAA
• Explain deciduous and permanent dentition along with their functions in dental anatomy and pathology
• Describe the chain of infection, transmission routes, and infection control for the dental practice, along with OSHA regulations
• Summarize the role of the dental assistant in pharmacology, nutrition, and interaction with a variety of patients in normal daily activities and emergency situations
• Describe the use, care, and preparation of dental instruments for patient care
• Outline the necessary components of a patient record prior to dental charting
• Use charting techniques to identify dental restorations and disease to create a treatment plan to prevent future disease progression
• Set up equipment for anesthesia and sedation.
• Describe patient clinical methods and techniques to prevent dental disease
• Identify the process of exposing high-quality radiographs in both traditional and digital formats
• Describe dental materials, their uses in dental treatment, and skills needed to use them efficiently
• Define the dental assistant's role in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry
• Explain the communication and business needs to maintain a dental business office
• State transferable hard and soft skills in order to complete a résumé for a dental assistant position

How you will benefit

• Real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants
• Essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care, and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and much more
• Explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software