Dental Assistant Program Overview

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This is a 12 week program (2 days a week, 3 hour classes) 

CSS has partnered with a registered Pennsylvania apprenticeship group known as OAT. Call us to find out how you can get started.

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The mission of the Dental Assistant program is to prepare academically competent students who are prepared for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam* through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and to make students occupationally proficient for employment, while establishing a sound foundation for continued learning.

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The Dental Assistant program integrates lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences to teach students a variety of dental-related subjects. The major areas of study include anatomy and physiology, chairside dental assisting, radiology, dental materials, and microbiology/sterilization.

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The program also covers pharmacology, oral pathology, dental anatomy, computer introduction, medical/dental emergencies, dental office business procedures, legal/ethical management, and communications. Experience gained in the Dental Assistant program prepares students for the national certification testing in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE), which are required prior to taking the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

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OAT Dental Assistant students are provided the opportunity to obtain the following Certifications:

• Certified Dental Assistant Certification through DANB

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 

• CPR with Automated External Defibrillator, American Heart Association, Basic Life Support

• DANB Radiation Health and Safety certification

• DANB Infection Control Examination

 

* Subject to passing

Maximum # of Students Per Class:  16

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Entry-Level Career Opportunities:

• Dental Assistant

• Dental Lab Technician

• Medical Receptionist

• Medical / Dental Billing Specialist

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Courses will include

Anatomy and Tooth structure 

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines the anatomy and physiology of the teeth and oral structures. There will be emphasis on identification of primary and permanent teeth, classification of occlusion, and description and location of anatomical structures of the head and neck. 

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Dental Administration and Communication 

Course Description: This course will teach you the essential skills for managing the business aspects of a dental practice and becoming an administrative dental assistant. You will build effective communication skills and gain knowledge to assist dentists with organizational duties such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable. 

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Occupational Health and Safety

This course is designed to help provide a solid foundation for employees working in dental offices. It will look at the potential health risks of working in a dental setting and ways you, as an employee, can protect yourself and other co-workers from potential health problems.

 

Laws and regulations 

Ethics in Dentistry: Principles and Values will review the health care principles used in dentistry to help identify, clarify and support choices when faced with an ethical problem or dilemma. A principle is a general normative standard of conduct that is derived from morality and traditions in health care. Each principle will be presented and discussed with examples from the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. ​

 

​Preventive Dentistry 

Individuals gain an understanding of how nutrition plays a factor in oral hygiene. This course discusses the value of a proper diet and the use of vitamins to achieve nutritional balances. Students learn how an inadequate or improper diet can result in oral problems, including cavities and periodontal disease. Participants learn to counsel patients about the importance of good eating habits and proper oral hygiene.​

 

Patient Information and Assessment 

This course introduces fundamental concepts related to dental caries, its prevention, diagnosis and appropriate management. Emphasis is also placed on the preventive aspects of other oral diseases as well as on dental public health and nutritional sciences. 

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Dental Materials 

Introduces dental materials and laboratory equipment used in the dental office. Covers the physical and chemical properties, manipulation, and uses of gypsum products, restorative materials, and impressions materials. Includes an overview of crown and bridge preparation procedures. 

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Comprehensive Dental Care 

Clinical Dentistry/Assisting in Comprehensive Dental Care​

Dental Theory and Science

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Radiology Review  

Theory, techniques and procedures for exposing and processing dental radiographs; interpretation of dental radiographs, radiation safety, and practical application in dental radiography lab and clinical

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CSS has partnered with a registered Pennsylvania apprenticeship group known as OAT.  Call us to find out how you can get started. 

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Open Enrollment 

Call today to find out how you can get started

(215) 769-1199