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Dental Assisting Diploma Program
Train to be a
Dental Assistant
Complete our
Online
Pre-Application
I am currently an office manager at a rapidly growing dental practice in Arlington, VA.
Take all of the knowledge given at ACT College and carry it far!
~ Valeria Mesias
The Right Skills
The Dental Assistant diploma program provides students with the dental office and laboratory skills required to gain successful employment in dental offices and clinics. Training includes:
- Chairside assisting (using four-handed dentistry)
- Taking and exposing radiographs
- Preliminary examination procedures
- Charting and maintaining patient records
Dental Assisting Program Accreditations & Approvals
Extensive Hands-On Clinical Experience
Students will be required to attend a 60 hour clinical internship during their third quarter of coursework (one day per week).
Upon completion of all coursework, students will be required to complete an additional 180 hours at the same or another facility affiliated with the institution.
Private practices and clinics represent the majority of clinical sites for the program.
Get It Fast: The Schedule
The Dental Assisting diploma program is available in both day and evening sessions.
Day Sessions: 40 Weeks including 180 hours of hands-on clinical experience
Evening Sessions: 58 Weeks including 180 hours of hands-on clinical experience
Evening/Weekend Sessions: 70 Weeks including 180 hours of hands-on clinical experience
Are You Qualified?
- No High School Diploma or GED Required - Learn More
- Students under 18 years of age must have the signature of a parent or guardian
- Students must acheive a passing score on the admissions evaluation
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Clinical coursework includes: Basic and Advanced Clinical Skills, Radiography and related techniques, Administrative office procedures for the Dental Practice, Patient Care Protocols and Techniques, Infection Control, Four-handed Dentistry, Dental Materials, CPR, Medical Emergencies |
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Clinical Education: Required Clinical Externship |
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Theory coursework includes: Dental Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology of the Head and Neck, Pharmacology/Anesthesiology |
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Professional Foundations coursework includes: Computer Basics, Career Development, and Human Relations |
Get Your Credentials
Graduates with a GED or High School Diploma will be eligible for the following certification exams:
- Registered Dental Assistant Exam (American Medical Technologists)
- Infection Control and Radiography components of the DANB CDA exam
Graduates interested in the Chairside component of the CDA (DANB) exam must work as a full-time Dental Assistant for approximately 2 years.
Get Started In A Growth Industry
Virtually all dental assistants work in a private dental office. A small number work in dental schools, private and government hospitals, state and local public health departments, or clinics.
Industry Statistics
- The US Department of Labor expects employment to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2010. In addition, numerous job openings will occur due to the need to replace assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Many opportunities are for entry-level positions.
- The demand for dental services will be fueled by population growth and the greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people. This demand will drive the need to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks and allow the dentist to devote time to more profitable procedures. Also, older dentists less likely to employ assistants will retire and be replaced by recent graduates more likely to use multiple assistants.