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Dental Assistant Certificate

COMMITMENT

350 hours total, including 150 hour clinical requirement

MODE OF STUDY

On-Ground, Hybrid

TERMS OFFERED

Fall, Spring

CAREER FIELD(S)

Health Careers

COST

$4,999

Please note the new price for this course starting after June 1:

$4,475
WDCE-Prices Caveat

Exams and textbooks are not included in price.

FUNDING

WIOA, SNAP

Learn more about funding options for Workforce Development courses.

CAMPUSES

Asnuntuck, Gateway, Norwalk, Three Rivers

Interested in a career in oral health care but don’t have years to dedicate to training as a dentist or hygienist? A Dental Assistant certificate may be just what you’re looking for.

A dental assistant works on the delivery of quality oral health care and is a valuable member of the dental care team. Responsibilities include performing tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills, assisting the dentist with the patient, developing dental radiographs (x-ray), collecting information about patients’ medical history and helping patients to feel comfortable when entering the office and during treatment.

The Dental Assistant certificate program is designed to prepare you for this exciting and fast-paced career. In the classroom you’ll study topics including infection control, dental charting, preparing patients, basic chairside assisting, identifying and using various dental materials, instruments and handpieces, tray set-up and procedures, and business administration procedures. You will then have the opportunity to practice your new skills in clinical rotations.

Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the “Radiation Health & Safety” (RHS) and the “Infection Control Exam” (ICE) portions of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification, as required by law, in the state of Connecticut. The DANB, RHS, and ICE exams are administered by computer at PROMETRICS Testing Centers.

In This Course You'll Learn To:

  • explore the historical evolution of the dental profession and its legal and ethical frameworks
  • understand the educational requirements and examinations for dental assistants
  • gain foundational knowledge of body systems, oral embryology and histology
  • familiarize yourself with dentitions, dental terminology, tooth numbering systems and radiographic equipment
  • identify and apply OSHA regulations, conduct medical histories, assess vital signs and read treatment plans for patient education

Admission Requirements:

  • Completed health form, signed by your physician
  • A GED or high school diploma is not required for admission to the program. However, students must have one of these to take the National Exam.
  • Proof of Covid Vaccine and Booster may be required depending on clinical location

Upcoming Courses

Next Steps

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Find Your Course

Use our course finder to get info about upcoming classes including dates, times, locations, and more. Select WFD/CE 2024-2025 for winter and spring courses (summer to be announced soon).

Register

Registering for a course is easy and can be done in-person, online, or by mail.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

Students in our non-credit career programs are not eligible for federal financial aid or free college funding. However, there are alternative funding options available, such as WIOA, SNAP, and scholarships.