If our exceptional course outline and friendly environment speak to you, call us at (845) 623-0826 or contact us online. We’d love to chat with you more about our course and the job opportunities it offers. We know you’re ready to leave your dead-end job for a career that matters, so take the plunge and start your career as a dental assistant.

The following subjects are covered in depth from both a didactic and a practical clinical experience. The morning lecture is followed by an afternoon of clinical, “hands on” training in our state-of-the-art practicing dental office. During their course of study, the students learn the operation of all equipment, instrumentation and materials commonly used in a general dental practice. Details of the subjects covered are outlined below.

I Dental Theory and Terminology

  • Dental and oral anatomy, tooth identification and numbering system
  • Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry
  • Dental terminology
  • Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment usage
  • Treatment options available, depending on oral conditions

II Receptionist-Front Desk Office Management

  • Phone techniques and appointment book control
  • Patient charting and scheduling
  • Insurance terminology scheduling

III Four- Handed Dental Assisting

  • Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and patient suctioning
  • Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning
  • Tub and tray systems of instruments and materials

IV Familiarity and use of instruments and materials in assisting for:

    1. Operative Dentistry-amalgam and composite restorations
    2. Oral Surgery-instruments, procedures and post-op-protocol
    3. Crown and Bridge-polyvinyl “gun type” impression taking, temporary fabrication, cord packing, hemostatic agents, introduction into various crown types
    4. Endodontics-instruments, medicaments and materials: how and why they are used
    5. Periodontics-disease origin and usual treatment methods
    6. Pedodontics-commonalty and differences in treating children vs. adult patients

V Radiology

  • X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn holders and other methods
  • Intraoral, bitewing, panoramic, and endodontic exposure methods
  • Developing x-rays using the automatic processor
  • X-ray identification, interpretation, safety and precautions

VI Impressions and Model Trimming

  • Impression materials and practice in their uses: alginates, poly vinyl siloxane, etc.
  • Wax bites, counter impressions
  • Model pouring and trimming

VII Cements and liners

  • Introduction to various cements and liners used in dentistry
  • Practice mixing cements and liners

VIII Sterilization Techniques

  • Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
  • Instrument and equipment sterilization/disinfection
  • Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
  • Handpiece care and maintenance
  • Covid preventative practices

IX Job Interview and Placement Assistance

  • Proper image, dress, resume, and how to prepare for the job interview itself
  • Difficult questions you may face-how to answer them
  • Do’s and don’ts during the interview, what to expect