A Dental Assistant is an oral healthcare professional trained to provide supportive procedures for the dentist and for patients. Stellar Career College’s Dental Assistant program is designed to introduce dental assisting students to the field of dentistry and dental assisting skills. Students are trained to provide quality dental services under the direction of a licensed dentist. The course covers the basics of dental anatomy, tooth morphology, dental radiography, teeth and gum diseases, infection control management, chairside assisting procedures, dental hygiene and patient education.

Upon completion of the Dental Assisting course graduates will be able to:

• Prepare, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients 
• Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using a computer.

• Program duration is 36 weeks in length and current class hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Hands-on training includes: performing diagnostic testing, taking x-rays, creating laboratory molds, recording preliminary vital signs and symptoms.
• 200 hours of clinical externship.
• Infection & Disease control certification
• Radiation (X-ray) Safety Certification
• CPR Certification
• Instrument identification  
• Dentrix Dental Software
• Chairside Assisting
• Patient Education
• Dental Terminology
• Dental Charting  

Students enroll in this program to seek post-graduation employment in positions typically including:

O*NET 31-9091.00 – Dental Assistants

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

Dental Assistant Duties:

Many dental assistants will tell you that there is no typical day because every day brings something different. Depending on where you work, you may perform many tasks including providing care to patients, setting up for dental procedures and running the front office. The dentist you work for will determine which responsibilities to assign you. In addition to your duties as a dental assistant, you will also treat and work with many people in your practice.

Is there room to move up in the field?

Being a valued dental assistant can lead to promotions. You may decide to get additional training or become a registered dental assistant by passing the State exam. A dental assisting job can also lead you to other careers in the dental office. Once you have experienced working in a dental office you may want to pursue a career in dentistry with more responsibilities such as a registered dental assistant, registered dental assistant in extended functions, dental hygienist or dentist.

Is there job security as a Dental Assistant?

The dental field is growing at a rapid pace. U.S. News and World Report ranked Orthodontist and Dentist in the top 5 of the 100 Best Jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for dental assistants will include 19% between 2016 and 2026. With more demand for orthodontists and dentists, there are more opportunities for dental assistants and other careers in the dental office.

What are the major differences between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

Dental assistants check-in the patient and prepare them for their appointment, while a dental hygienist will work with the patient by cleaning their teeth and checking the mouth for any dental hygiene issues.