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Registered Dental Assistant Certification

We offer interested students the Dental Assistant Certification program. We have tailored this program to fit the busy schedules of students with career, life and family obligations.

This 12-week program is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) state exam and directly enter the field of dentistry. This program includes a well-blended mix of classroom, audio-visual presentation and hands-on experience at local dental offices. Instruction is provided by experienced, dental hygienists and dental assistants who are current practitioners in the field of Dentistry.

Curriculum

  • Law and Ethics
  • Dental Terminology
  • Dental Radiology
  • Chairside Assisting
  • Sterilization Procedures
  • Preventative Dentistry
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Laboratory Procedures
  • Infection Control and OSHA Regulations
  • Patient Care
  • General Dentistry and most specialty procedures
  • Communication Skills
  • CPR
  • Preparation for Employment

Schedule and Format

The Dental Assistant Certification program offers our students both theoretical and practical training through hands-on experience. Classes meet two days a week, for three hours each session. Generally, classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The duration of the course is 12 weeks and includes the preparation necessary to pass the Registered Dental Assistant examination and provides the skills necessary to become an entry-level dental assistant.

In addition to 72 hours in the classroom, and homework study time, our students are eligible to complete a 40-80 clock-hour externship experience. The externship serves as working experience, as well as a reference for future employment.

Externship

After completion of the class portion of the program, our class coordinator will work with you to place you in a local dental office to gain hands-on experience vital for your success. The location of the dental office and the times you work will be based on where and when you can work. Once you complete the externship, you will receive your certificate of completion from the University of the Incarnate Word School of Professional Studies.

Admissions

Below is a brief explanation of the course and the requirements for enrollment. Prerequisites for the course include:

  • A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
  • No felony or misdemeanor related to the sale of drugs. Traffic violations and any other issues must be cleared up before the externship. This is the sole responsibility of each student.
  • Proof of Hepatitis B vaccinations
  • Students under the age of 22 are required to have proof of Meningitis vaccination
  • Commitment to the rigorous 12-week course schedule.

Upcoming Online Class Dates

Spring Session 2022

March 28, 2022 to June 20, 2022 (Open for Registration)

*No classes on 4/21/22, 5/30/22

Mon./Wed. from 6 - 9 p.m.

To maintain a low teacher-student ratio, seating is LIMITED. We will only accept 20 applicants at each location into this program.

Enroll Now

Cost

The total cost of the Dental Assistant Training Course: $4,500

The program fee includes all live instruction, labs, externship and the following:
  • Essentials of Dental Assisting Textbook
  • Pocket Guide of Dental Instruments Textbook
  • Dental Assisting Manual Course Handouts
  • All training aids, instruments, materials for lab and clinical portion
  • Course Syllabus

Our courses offer financial assistance with Sallie Mae loans, payment plans, MyCAA (military spouses) and Workforce funding (contact your nearest Texas Workforce Center).