Dental Assistant Certification Training
- $50 Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)
- Copy of State Issued Photo ID & Social Security Card
- Verifiable Proof of High School Diploma or Transcripts or GED
- Evidence of current CPR Certification (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers)
- Payment of the 1st Installment of required fees
- Proof of current, negative TB skin test or negative Chest X-Ray (Must be no more than 6 months old)
- Physical exam from a physician-stating student is physically able. (Must be no more than 6 months old)
- Proof of Hepatitis B Vaccine or Signed waiver
- Proof of personal health insurance coverage or sign a waiver form
Note: If you already have the shots/immunizations mentioned here, including your CPR & First Aid Card just bring copies of your records.
A dental assistant in Maryland may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Quick Facts: Dental Assistants | |
2019 Median Pay | $40,080 per year $19.27 per hour |
Typical Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
On-the-job Training | None |
Number of Jobs, 2019 | 354,600 |
Job Outlook, 2019-29 | 7% (Faster than average) |
Employment Change, 2019-29 | 23,400 |
What Dental Assistants Do
Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.
Work Environment
Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices. Most work full time.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
There are several possible paths to becoming a dental assistant. Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. In other states, there are no formal educational requirements, and dental assistants learn through on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The aging population and ongoing research linking oral health and general health will lead to continued increases in the demand for preventive dental services.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dental assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dental assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about dental assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Registration Fee Due when student applies. Textbooks Due by First Day of Class.
Textbooks – $390
A. Entry Level $2850
1st payment $1000
2nd payment $1000
3rd payment $850
B. Dental Radiology $650
1st payment $350
2nd payment $300
C. Orthodontic $850
1st payment $500
2nd payment $350
D. Expanded Function $850
1st payment $500
2nd payment $350
Note: Students who do not complete their tuition (a) Will not be allowed to take the final exam (b) Will not graduate (c) Will not be given any letter of reference.
Payment Options: We accept money orders, certified bank checks, business checks, debit and credit cards. No personal checks and cash please!
Payment Receipts: Students are entitled to and must request a receipt for all payments made to GHC. No refunds will be made without a receipt.
Refunds: No cash refunds. All refunds will be made by CHECK, not withstanding the form of payment used. All refunds will be based on the School Refund Policy.
Dental Assistant Board Certification Fees:
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) = $225 PAID TO THE STATE BOARD
- General Chair Side Assisting(GC)=$250 PAID TO THE STATE BOARD
- Infection Control(ICE)=$250 PAID TO THE STATE BOARD
- Certified Dental Assistant(RHS+ ICE + GC) = CDA For $425 PAID TO THE STATE BOARD
- CJIS Finger Print and Criminal Background Check = $ 57 PAID TO CJIS
A dental assistant working under the general supervision for a sealant program must do all of the following:
- Maintain American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) or American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers
- Have at least 400 hours of dental assisting clinical practice in dental patient care
- Successfully complete a Board-approved course of at least two hours in infection control with OSHA protocol, or be Qualified in General Duties or Orthodontic Duties (see requirements below), or hold current DANB CDA or COA certification
- Enter into a written agreement with the supervising dentist setting forth the terms and conditions of practice under general supervision
Please Visit: https://www.danb.org/Meet-State-Requirements/State-Specific-Information/Maryland.aspx
It is HIGHLY encouraged that all students have a Google gMail Account as well as functioning computer or laptop with a stable internet connection as well as the Zoom Video Conferencing app installed on their device.
(Please REFRAIN from using your cell phone for these Online classes as unexpected calls, text message, low batteries and other unwanted alerts often disrupt class sessions and the flow of learning.)
Study Materials, Exams and Grades will all be hosted and manged via Google Classroom.
Class Sessions will be held daily on Zoom. Links will be sent upon registration of course
Cost of Training
EXPANDED FUNCTION DENTAL ASSISTANT
(This program is made up of 4 Modules )
Registration Fee…………..$50
(due with initial application to the school)
MODULE 1:
ENTRY LEVEL DENTAL ASSISTANT
TUITION…………$2850.00
Module 2:
GENERAL EXPANDED FUNCTION
TUITION…….. $850.00
Module 3:
DENTAL RADIOLOGY
TUITION…….. $650.00
Module 4:
ORTHODONTICS
TUITION….. $850.00
Dental Assistant Text Book & Pocket Guide………………………$270.00
(Mandatory; Students must bring on the first day of class.)
Length Of Training
DAYS REQUIRED EACH WEEK & HOURS OF INSTRUCTION
Week Days: Monday – Thursday
- Morning Class 9am – 2pm
- Evening Class 5pm – 9pm
Weekend: Saturday & Sunday
- 9am – 5pm
ENTRY-LEVEL DENTAL ASSISTANT
144 Clock Hrs | 10 Weeks
The following Modules Require Completion of the Entry – Level Dental Assistant Certification
GENERAL EXPANDED FUNCTION
36 Clock Hrs | 2.5 Weeks
DENTAL ASSISTANT RADIOLOGY
24 Clock Hrs | 2.5 Weeks
ORTHODONTICS
36 Clock Hrs | 2.5 Weeks
Graduation Requirements
FOR EXPANDED FUNCTION DENTAL ASSISTANT
- Achieve at least a 90% ( 342 Clock hours) or better attendance rate for the theory / skills lab portion and
- Complete all 160 clock hours of the externship hours with at least a 90% (144 Clock hours) rate of attendance and
- Achieve a passing score of at least 80% score or better on cumulative score on all quizzes, and final written exams in all areas of the theory and
- Achieve a “PASS” on all areas listed on the Skill Lab and Externship competencies/skills check list.
- Students will need a minimum of 4 adults and 1-child patients for DA, Dental Radiology Lab program session.
- Satisfy all financial obligations to American Health Career institute.
Important: Gandhi Health Care will only issue an Achievement Award when all above criteria are fulfilled.
Program Module Outlines
ENTRY-LEVEL DENTAL ASSISTING
Module One: Entry-Level Dental Assisting All modules provide an overview and introduction to the topics taught. These short classes are not intended to cover the subject matters in-depth. As mentioned, there will be six modules to successfully complete the entry-level program. Each class period is 4 hours in length including lecture and lab for the total of 20 sessions which does not include a 4 hour CPR Certification. Classes are taught as shown in the syllabus given on the first day of class. Successful completion of the course satisfies the requirements of the DANB (Dental Assistant National Board) and qualifies the student to apply to take the State approved Radiation Health and Safety Exam (RHS) given by DANB. Intro To Dental Assisting, History, And Terminology |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB HOURS
|
CHAPTER
|
History of dentistry, Professional Dental assistant (Wk1) |
3 |
1 |
1,2 |
The Dental Health care Team, Dentistry and the Law (wk1) |
3 |
1 |
3,5 |
General Anatomy, General Physiology (WK2) |
2 |
2 |
6,7 |
Oral Embryology and Histology, Head and Neck Anatomy, Landmarks of the facial and Oral Cavity (WK2) |
2 |
2 |
8,9,10 |
Overview of Dentitions, Tooth Morphology, Dental Caries (WK3) |
2 |
2 |
11,12,13 |
Periodontal Disease, Preventive Dentistry, Delivering Dental Care, Oral Diagnosis and treatment Planning (WK3) |
2 |
2 |
13,14,15,28,33 |
|
|
|
|
MODULE TWO: Chairside Conduct And Dental Assisting Protocol |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB HOURS |
Chapters |
Ergonomics, Dental Hand Instruments(WK4) |
2 |
2 |
25,34 |
Dental Hand-pieces and Accessories, Vital signs (WK4) |
2 |
2 |
27,35 |
Moisture Control, Anesthesia and Pain Control, General Dentistry, (WK5) |
2 |
2 |
36,37,48 |
Restorative and Esthetic Dental Materials, Dental Liners and Bonding, Matrix System for Restorative Dentistry (WK5) |
2 |
2 |
43,44,49, |
Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (WK6) Impression Materials, Laboratory Materials and Procedures(WK6) |
1 1 |
3 3 |
54,56 46,47 |
MODULE THREE: Infection Control-OSHA-HIPPA Compliance Job Training Safety and cleanliness of the clinical work areas is arguably the most important daily task of any dental assistant. The protection and privacy of patient information is of top priority in the dental office. In this module student will learn sterilization guidelines, proper use of protective gear as it pertains to the safety of dental workers and patients, prevention of contamination, infection control, handle and disposal of hazardous waste, disinfecting techniques, and hand-on care of treatment room. Students will be educated on OSHA standards and occupational safety. Students will also learn of HIPPA laws designed to provide privacy standards to protect patient medical records and other health information given to healthcare providers |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB HOURS |
Chapters |
Disease Transmission and Infection, Regulatory and Advisory Agencies, Clinical and Waste Management, , Principles and Techniques of Disinfection, Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization, Dental Unit Waterlines (WK6) |
3 |
1 |
19,22,23,20,21,24 |
Communication in Dental Office, Financial Management in Dental Office, Marketing Your Skills (WK7) |
3 |
1 |
61,63,64 |
MODULE FOUR: Externship ( 40 HOURS) |
|
|
|
MODULE FIVE: Oral Radiology Technician Description: This course is approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to take their DANB Board Exam and apply for their Radiology license in Maryland. There is no required externship for Maryland. Radiology students are not allowed to practice taking radiographs on patients. They may set up, place film, but NOT press the exposure button. Until receiving Radiology license in Maryland. Course topics described in module 5 of Entry-Level Program
|
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB/VIDEO HOURS |
Chapters |
Foundation of Radiography (WK7) |
3 |
1 |
*38 |
Digital Imaging (WK8) |
1 |
3 |
39 |
Infection Prevention (WK8) |
3 |
1 |
40 |
Intraoral Imaging (WK9) |
3 |
1 |
41 |
Extra Oral Imaging (WK9) |
1 |
3 |
42 |
Review and Examination (WK10) |
4 |
0 |
|
MODULE SIX: CPR (WK11) |
2 |
2 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS |
47 |
37 |
|
General Expanded Function Course Outline (6 Wks)
General Expanded Function Description: Expanded Functions Dental Assistants, as they are known in the state of Maryland, may work one on one with the patient. Ideally an expanded function dental assistant should have both administrative and clinical skills although it’s still acceptable to have one or the other. Duties may also include seating and preparing the patient, charting, mixing dental materials, taking impressions, fabricating provisional crowns, patient education and post-operative instructions. Under supervision, the expanded role of the dental assistant allows the dental practice to schedule more patients. Course Completion: Completion of this program allows qualified assistants to apply for the DANB Maryland General Dental Assisting Expanded Functions Exam (MDG) |
LECTURE HOURS |
Lab/Video Hours |
CHAPTERS |
|
Dental Ethics, Overview of Dentitions, Tooth Morphology (WK1) |
2 |
1 |
4,11,12 |
|
Dental Caries, Preventive Dentistry, Nutrition (WK1) |
2 |
1 |
13,15,16 |
|
Infection Control, Anesthesia and Pain Control (WK2) |
3 |
0 |
19,20,23,24,37 |
|
Endodontics, Moisture- Dental Dam Placement |
1 |
2 |
36,54 |
|
Dental Liners, Bases and Bonding Systems, Dental Cements |
1 |
2 |
44,45 |
|
Matrix Systems for Restorative Dentistry |
1 |
2 |
49 |
|
Impression Materials |
1 |
2 |
46 |
|
Lab Materials, Intermediate Restoration |
2 |
1 |
47,48 |
|
Fixed Prosthodontics, Provisional Coverage |
2 |
1 |
50,51 |
|
Removable Prosthodontics |
1 |
2 |
52 |
|
Oral Surgery- Removal of Suture |
1 |
2 |
56 |
|
Review and Exam |
3 |
0 |
|
|
TOTAL HOURS |
20 |
16 |
|
Orthodontics Expanded Function Course Outline (6 Wks)
Orthodontics Expanded Function Description: Assistants work in an Orthodontist office. Ortho assistants specialize in working with patients receiving or wearing dental gear. Duties may also include taking X-rays, adjusting braces, and make teeth impressions. Course Completion: Completion of this program allows qualified assistants to apply for the DANB Maryland Orthodontic Assisting Expanded Functions (MDO) |
LECTURE HOURS |
Lab/Video Hours |
CHAPTERS |
Dental Ethics, Overview of Dentitions, Tooth Morphology (WK1) |
2 |
1 |
4,11,12 |
Dental Caries, Preventive Dentistry, Nutrition (WK1) |
2 |
1 |
13,15,16 |
Infection Control, Anesthesia and Pain Control (WK2) |
3 |
0 |
19,20,23,24,37 |
Endodontics, Moisture- Dental Dam Placement |
1 |
2 |
36,54 |
Dental Liners, Bases and Bonding Systems, Dental Cements |
1 |
2 |
44,45 |
Matrix Systems for Restorative Dentistry |
1 |
2 |
49 |
Impression Materials |
1 |
2 |
46 |
Lab Materials, Intermediate Restoration |
2 |
1 |
47,48 |
Oral Surgery- Removal of Suture |
2 |
1 |
56 |
Orthodontics |
1 |
2 |
60 |
Orthodontics |
1 |
2 |
60 |
Review and Exam |
3 |
0 |
|
TOTAL HOURS |
20 |
16 |
|
Oral Radiography Techniques Course Outline (24 Hours)
MODULE ONE: Oral Radiology Technician |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB/ VIDEO HOURS |
CHAPTERS |
Foundation of Radiography (WK1) |
3 |
1 |
*38 |
Digital Imaging (WK1) |
3 |
1 |
39 |
Infection Prevention (WK2) |
3 |
1 |
40 |
Intraoral Imaging; Extra Oral Imaging |
3 |
1 |
41,42 |
|
|
|
|
MODULE TWO: Infection Control-OSHA-HIPPA Compliance |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB HOURS |
CHAPTERS |
Disease Transmission and Infection, Regulatory and Advisory Agencies, Clinical and Waste Management, , Principles and Techniques of Disinfection, Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization, Dental Unit Waterlines (WK3) |
3 |
1 |
19,22,23,20,21,24 |
Review and Examination (WK3) |
3 |
1 |
|
TOTAL HOURS |
18 |
6 |
|
8 Hour Radiation Safety Reinstatement and 2 Hour ICE
MODULE ONE: Oral Radiology Technician |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB HOURS |
CHAPTERS |
Foundation of Radiography |
4 |
|
*38 |
Digital Imaging |
2 |
|
39 |
Infection Prevention |
2 |
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
MODULE TWO: Infection Control-OSHA-HIPPA Compliance and Job Training |
LECTURE HOURS |
LAB HOURS |
Chapters |
Disease Transmission and Infection, Regulatory and Advisory Agencies, Clinical and Waste Management, , Principles and Techniques of Disinfection, Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization, Dental Unit Waterlines (WK3) |
2 |
|
19,22,23,20,21,24 |
TOTAL HOURS |
10 |
|
|
Successful completion of any these course satisfies the requirements of the DANB (Dental Assistant National Board) and qualifies the student to apply to take the State approved Exams given by DANB www.DANB.org. There is a separate cost for this test. You will be provided with the appropriate information during your course. Since a state license is required, criminal convictions may affect a student’s ability to be licensed and certified.