If you’ve ever thought about becoming a dental assistant, it’s probably because you enjoy working with people and you like the atmosphere at your own dentist’s office. Maybe you have aspirations of becoming a dentist yourself one day, and working as an assistant seems like a great way to become better acquainted with the industry and all that job entails.
Whatever the reasons for your interest in this career path, there is a lot you have to prepare for before taking your place next to that dental exam chair.
The modules have been created to help you better understand both how to enter the field, and what will be expected of you once you do. We’ll walk you through education and training requirements, and then guide you in on-the-job expectations, granting you a better understanding of the career itself and how you might fit within it.
Because we could all use another friendly face making that visit to the dentist’s office that much more pleasant to endure.
Requirements
International Open Academy courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.
Module 1: Career Outlook
- Range of salaries/average salaries
- Diversity of dental assistants/nurses
- Potential for growth
- Job availability
- Perks of the Job
- Work/Life Balance
- Pre-planning for a career as a dental assistant/nurse
Module 2: Required Training
- Basic Dental Assisting Coursework
- Expanded Functions Coursework
- On the Job Training
- Accreditation and Certification
- Understanding Laws and Regulations
- Ongoing Licensure Requirements
Module 3: Finding A Job
- Getting started
- Checking Specific State Dental Laws and Statutes (U.S. only)
- What to Look for in a Dental Assisting/Nursing Position
- Letters of recommendation/References
- Cover Letters
- Resumes/CVs
- Interviewing
- Job Advancement
Module 4: Patient Care
- Positive Professional Dental Attitude
- Professional Attire
- Direct Patient Care Interactions
- Indirect Patient Care
- Communicating with the dentist
Module 5: Beyond The Dental Chair
- Maintaining Records
- Scheduling Appointments
- Processing X-rays and Lab Orders
- Assisting with Billing
- HIPAA Requirements
Who is this course for?
- Anyone hoping to find out about the career prospects of a dental assistant
- Those who are curious about what it takes to become a dental assistant
- People interested in learning more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a dental assistant
Career Path
After completing this course, you could:
- Continue on the path towards becoming a dental assistant
- Explore the dental industry, and decide if it is the career for you
You will be required to complete each lesson in full, and answer exams at the end of each course module. If your pass rate exceeds 55% on each exam then you are eligible to access a certificate of achievement or other accreditation options to recognize your achievement.
Most of our courses will earn you credits through Continuing Education (CE) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CE/CPD points are accepted and recognized by professional member bodies and academic institutions across the US and internationally.
All courses are accredited by the International Council for Online Educational Standards (www.icoes.org) and the The International Association of Private Career Colleges (www.iapcc.org). When successfully completing a course, students can choose to purchase an ICOES certificate that recognizes the achievement, from this third-party institution.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a dental assistant, it’s probably because you enjoy working with people and you like the atmosphere at your own dentist’s office. Maybe you have aspirations of becoming a dentist yourself one day, and working as an assistant seems like a great way to become better acquainted with the industry and all that job entails.
Whatever the reasons for your interest in this career path, there is a lot you have to prepare for before taking your place next to that dental exam chair.
The modules have been created to help you better understand both how to enter the field, and what will be expected of you once you do. We’ll walk you through education and training requirements, and then guide you in on-the-job expectations, granting you a better understanding of the career itself and how you might fit within it.
Because we could all use another friendly face making that visit to the dentist’s office that much more pleasant to endure.
Requirements
International Open Academy courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.
Module 1: Career Outlook
- Range of salaries/average salaries
- Diversity of dental assistants/nurses
- Potential for growth
- Job availability
- Perks of the Job
- Work/Life Balance
- Pre-planning for a career as a dental assistant/nurse
Module 2: Required Training
- Basic Dental Assisting Coursework
- Expanded Functions Coursework
- On the Job Training
- Accreditation and Certification
- Understanding Laws and Regulations
- Ongoing Licensure Requirements
Module 3: Finding A Job
- Getting started
- Checking Specific State Dental Laws and Statutes (U.S. only)
- What to Look for in a Dental Assisting/Nursing Position
- Letters of recommendation/References
- Cover Letters
- Resumes/CVs
- Interviewing
- Job Advancement
Module 4: Patient Care
- Positive Professional Dental Attitude
- Professional Attire
- Direct Patient Care Interactions
- Indirect Patient Care
- Communicating with the dentist
Module 5: Beyond The Dental Chair
- Maintaining Records
- Scheduling Appointments
- Processing X-rays and Lab Orders
- Assisting with Billing
- HIPAA Requirements
Who is this course for?
- Anyone hoping to find out about the career prospects of a dental assistant
- Those who are curious about what it takes to become a dental assistant
- People interested in learning more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a dental assistant
Career Path
After completing this course, you could:
- Continue on the path towards becoming a dental assistant
- Explore the dental industry, and decide if it is the career for you
