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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

Next Steps

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 summer, fall and winter courses.)

Register

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

Learn About Funding Options

Many of our courses have funding options available for qualifying students.