Thompson Institute

Dental Assistant: Diploma

The demand for this field has dramatically increased with the discovery of the link between good oral hygiene and your complete health. Because many dentists require Dental Assistants to perform administrative job requirements as well as clinical tasks, there is a tremendous demand for certified individuals with training from accredited training academies.

A Career-Focused Curriculum

An instruction in both the clinical and administrative sides in dental assisting is offered in the dental assistant program. The basic training offered at the Thompson Institute will include instruction in:

• Chairside assisting techniques
• Office inventory, records management, communications, and ethics
• Basic computer skills, including the use of the Microsoft Office Suite
• Dental radiology with preparation for certification
• Office emergencies and procedures - including CPR
• Preventive dentistry with emphasis on community health, fluoridation, nutrition, and oral hygiene.

Completing an externship as a way to gain practical experience is a requirement for graduation.

Responsibilities on the Job

The dental assistant has a variety of responsibilities which may include instrument sterilization, tray set up, equipment maintenance, model trimming, charting dental findings in patient records, taking radiographs and impressions, and assisting the dentist chairside. You may also be called upon to perform reception duties, schedule appointments, file, prepare correspondence, greet patients, and explain insurance company requirements to patients.

Prepare for Certification

This program will have you ready to complete the following certification examinations:

• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam by the American Medical Technologists
• Radiology exam for the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry