This fully online dental assistant program is designed to provide aspiring dental professionals with essential skills in a self-paced format. Students complete 300 hours of coursework over 12 months, gaining skills in patient care, radiology, and infection control. Upon completion, participants receive vouchers for key exams in radiology, anatomy, and infection control.
Program Overview
The Online Clinical Dental Assistant Training program at SDSU Global Campus focuses on preparing students for a career as a clinical dental assistant. The course covers core topics, such as dental anatomy, patient care, preventive dentistry, and essential software like Dentrix. By combining self-paced online study with real-world perspectives from seasoned professionals, the program equips students to assist effectively in a dental office environment.
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Course Content
The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including:
- Dental Sciences & Anatomy: Basics of dental anatomy, pathology, and procedures.
- Infection Control: Key practices for sterilization and handling hazardous materials.
- Dental Instruments and Radiology: Introduction to instruments, radiology, and patient safety protocols.
- Office and Patient Management: Record-keeping, patient communication, and using Dentrix software for managing dental practices.
Additionally, students learn about specialized areas like orthodontics, prosthetics, and pediatric dentistry, gaining an understanding of various dental specialties and assisting techniques.
Prerequisites
- High School Diploma or GED: Required for those aiming to sit for certification exams.
- No prior experience necessary: The program welcomes beginners with a strong interest in dental assisting.
Certification and Vouchers
Students receive vouchers to take three parts of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams: Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP); Infection Control (ICE); and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS). These exams help students achieve the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification, a key credential for entry-level dental assistants.
Benefits and Career Outlook
The program supports students’ transition into the workforce with optional clinical experience through Ed2Go. While placement is not guaranteed, this experience provides a pathway to hands-on learning. Demand for dental assistants is expected to grow by 7% nationally through 2032. In California, clinical dental assistants can expect an average salary of around $46,540 annually, and even higher in areas with increased demand.
Reasons to Consider SDSU Global Campus
This program is ideal for students seeking affordable, flexible online training that leads to national certification. With job placement support, vouchers for national exams, and a reputable online platform, this program offers a solid start to a dental assistant career. A potential drawback is the lack of in-person instruction, which may not suit everyone; however, for self-motivated learners, this format provides both flexibility and a broad foundation in dental assisting.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $2,995 |
| Program Duration | 12 months (self-paced) |
| Class Schedules | Open enrollment; 100% online, self-paced |
| Classes Offered | Clinical Dental Assistant Training |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or GED |
| Online Classes? | Yes |
| Job Placement? | Optional clinical experience through Ed2Go (placement not guaranteed) |
| Financial Aid Options | Tuition assistance through Workforce Partnership; does not qualify for federal financial aid |
| Location | 5250 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182 |
| Phone | (619) 594-0000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://ces.sdsu.edu/explore/online-learning/featured-online-training-programs/online-clinical-dental-assistant-training/ |
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