Dental Assisting Technology & Management - ATD H170105 (Full-Time)
Classes
 | March 29, 2011 |
M-F; 8am-2pm (Clinicals: M-F; 8am-3pm)
|
$3,319.78 / $1,311.00
| Tuition: |
$2,792.00
|
| Startup Costs: |
$1,311.00 |
| Fees: |
$18.00 |
| Insurance: |
$128.78 |
| Books/Supplies: |
$381.00 |
|
|
More Info |
Course Info
Length
12 Months (1230 Clock Hours)
Schedule
Classroom (1st, 2nd and 3rd Grading Periods): 8 am-2 pm
Clinicals (4th and 5th Grading Periods): 8 am-3 pm
(This program begins every 18 weeks.)
This program is accredited by the American Dental Association and certified by the Council of Dental Education of the American Dental Association.
Basic Skills Exit Requirements
TABE Test Scores: 11th Grade Reading, Math, & Language
(In lieu of the TABE test, degreed applicants may submit proof of a U.S. college degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete the Application for Admission. Please click here to view a list of approved regional accrediting agencies.)
Other Requirements
Possess a GED or standard U.S. high school diploma from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
OR
Possess a college degree from an approved regionally accredited institution
Physical examination/immunizations
Random drug screenings
PLEASE NOTE:
A history of substance abuse may adversely affect your ability to gain employment or take licensing exams in the medical professions. We encourage you to consider your personal history when making appropriate career choices.
Students entering all health programs with a clinical study requirement are subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or random drug screenings at their own expense.
If problems arise with the results of the drug screenings, students will not be permitted to attend the clinical portion of the program which then results in program non-completion.
Refunds for the costs of the drug screenings are NOT granted for these circumstances.
Program Description
Students are trained in subject areas such as dental terminology, ethics and jurisprudence, pharmacology and anesthesia, dental anatomy and physiology, dental laboratory procedures and equipment, instruments and materials, dental radiography, aseptic techniques, preventive dentistry, dental chairside assisting and expanded functions, and office management.
Practical on-site clinical experience is one of the program's many strengths. Several thousand patients are treated in the dental clinic yearly. These conditions allow students to experience most every conceivable situation in the school clinic that occurs in the private dental office.
Completers who achieve a "C" or better cumulative GPA, receive an Erwin Technical Center Diploma, an Expanded Functions Certificate for Dental Assistants, and a Dental Radiographer Certificate.
Book and Supply Information
The following books and supplies are required for this program. All items listed on the fee sheet (see link below) are available at the Erwin Technical Center Bookstore. The ISBN number is located after each textbook. For the most current fee sheet, please contact the Student Services Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore.
Dental Assisting Books and Supplies
Employment/Career Opportunities
This program prepares students for employment in all phases of the dental office; patient management, laboratory procedures and chairside assisting.
Salaries
Salaries for graduates range from $12.00 - $16.55 per hour.
Placement Rates
2006-07…………97%
2007-08…………83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Dental Assisting field challenging and rewarding?
This field affords individuals opportunities to work in a professional and stimulating environment, while contributing to the health and well-being of a variety of patients.
How is a Dental Assistant different from a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Assistants typically go to an accredited school for approximately one year. They work closely with the dentist and very often independently when they are utilizing their "Expanded Function Skills".
Upon graduation Dental Assistants receive a certificate for Expanded Function Skills and Dental Radiology and are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board. If this optional Florida test is passed, they become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA).
Dental Hygienists are licensed by the state they are working in and take a National Board Exam before they take their state board exam. They attend at least two years of college for the hygiene curriculum.
Most hygiene programs usually require one year of prerequisite courses prior to course entry. They work independently from the dentist and typically are responsible for oral prophylaxis (cleanings), patient education and dental radiographs.
Is clinical training provided in the course?
Students train for 360 hours on-site in Erwin's 8-chair Hillsborough County Dental Research Clinic.
What career opportunities beyond Dental Assisting exist?
Dental Assistants can go into dental sales, become dental office managers, educators, dental hygienists or dentists.
What are some essential personal qualities of a good dental assistant?
Some essential personal qualities are punctuality, kindness, caring, compassion, enjoying people, and strong manual dexterity skills.
How are the job opportunities in the local area?
Excellent.
Where have graduates found employment?
Graduates have been employed by many local dentists, including Dr. Terry Buckenheimer, Dr. Thomas Yoho, Dr. Gerald Copeland, Dr. Joe Boda, Dr. Lawrence Posner, Dr. Michael Abdoney, Dr. Barry Levine, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Coast and Heartland Dental.
Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and recommendations.
How can I learn more about this career field?
Click here for more information.