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Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

In this program, you will be introduced to the field of dental care by exploring head and neck anatomy, tooth identification, and dental instruments/materials. You will gain clinical experience practicing chair-side assisting techniques, capturing and interpreting dental radiographs, and creating dental impressions. You will build valuable front-office and professional skills by learning to maintain patient records, manage appointments, and effectively communicate comprehensive dental care instructions to patients.

A person wearing glasses and a mask uses a computer at a desk in an office setting.

Career Expectations

  • Understand infection control, sterilization, HIPAA, and OSHA health/safety standards
  • Know dental/facial anatomy and tooth morphology
  • Demonstrate fine motor skills; identify, select, and transfer precision dental instruments/equipment
  • Create dental molds using gypsum products
  • Frequently work while standing
  • Collaborate as part of a team using dental terminology
  • Calm anxious patients and deliver courteous, professional care
A healthcare worker wearing blue gloves and a mask examines a patient in a clinic setting.

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Development Courses

Year 1

  • Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Dental Technology

Year 2

  • Dental Radiology
  • Medical and Dental Office Technology

 

View complete course guide here

Next Ready Skills

At Great Oaks, you’ll do more than learn a trade; you’ll master NextReady skills like clear communication and problem-solving that help you get hired. You will get a head start on building a professional reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and technically skilled before you even graduate

Effective Communicators

Maintain accurate patient records, use active listening skills to comfort patients, professionally address anxieties, and use precise communication with dental care team members.

Critical Thinkers

Maintain/organize technical information regarding dental materials, review/apply advancements in dental technology to provide quality care, and analyze procedural challenges to develop effective care/treatment solutions.

Adapt­able Navigators

Adapt to changing dental care technologies, shift patient care strategies based on need and respond quickly to unexpected changes/discoveries during exams.

Account­able Employees

Take responsibility for clinical tasks, strictly follow infection control protocols to ensure patient safety, and demonstrate integrity in all situations.

Skilled Professionals

Master dental science skills and take pride in high-quality service while providing compassionate patient care.

Bottom Line: If you have good hand-eye coordination, enjoy helping people smile, and want a precise, hands-on healthcare career, Dental Assisting may be right for you.

Contact the Instructors

Echo Howard

Diamond Oaks

Heather Morris-Tate

Laurel Oaks

Suzie Neise

Scarlet Oaks