Dental Assistant Certificate
At a Glance
In response to the recent conversion of the national certification exam to a digital platform, Carroll’s fully equipped, state-of-the-art dental lab now features a fully functioning x-ray arm, digital sensor and dental x-ray manikin. Students in the College’s Dental Assistant program are able to practice taking digital x-rays in the classroom throughout their training. This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing students for the workplace and for the national exam. Total coursework – ‘Introduction to Dental Assisting’ and ‘Oral Radiography’ – only takes 3 months to complete.
Approx. Number of Hours/Months:
90 hours/3 months
Program Cost:**
$1,870
Est. Hourly Wage:*
$20 per hour
Min. Occupational Requirements:
18 years old or older; high school diploma or equivalent; pass the Radiation Health and Safety Exam
Dental Assistant Job Overview
Dental assistants play a vital role in dental offices helping dentists and dental hygienists provide services to patients. Duties may include maintaining medical records, assisting with collection of patient information, instrument and patient preparation, taking and developing x-rays, and casting impressions.
Hours are generally standard daytime with some evening and weekend flexibility depending on the facility.
Financial Assistance
Licensure/certification earned
Students who successfully complete Oral Radiography are eligible to take the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) examination through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This certification is required to operate dental x-ray equipment and take x-rays in Maryland as a dental assistant.
Curriculum
View all current course offerings. Not all courses are offered within every term schedule.
Prerequisite Courses
Learn the essentials of becoming successful as a student and employee in today’s healthcare systems. Topics include communication, working well on teams, respecting and valuing differences, and the importance of professionalism. Discuss the availability of healthcare careers in the local region, marketing your skills to potential employers, resumes, application letters and how to prepare for interviews.
Core Courses
Gain entry-level dental assisting job skills. Topics include terminology, anatomy, charting and medical history, instruments, four-handed dentistry, restorative materials, oral hygiene, infection control, sterilization and OSHA regulations. This hands-on course provides practice on equipment in a dental operatory/lab and practice using dental software. Prerequisite: Professional Preparation in Healthcare AHE-196. Course includes an online component; internet access required.
Further your dental assisting career by learning to take dental x-rays and prepare to sit for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. This course is approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Course includes an online component; internet access required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Dental Assisting (AHE-063) or another basic dental assisting course, or you must be currently working as a dental assistant.
Additional Information & Program Requirements
Courses are approved by Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Training includes practical experience in a dental lab and practice using dental software in a computer lab. Clinical portion of Oral Radiography may be completed at place of employment or at Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA).
Interested in enrolling?
410-386-8100 | cet@carrollcc.edu
*Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.
**Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.