Dental assistant training requires students to complete coursework on a wide variety of subjects related to the dental profession and health care in general. Although courses may vary from school to school, the classes described below are likely to be a part of your dental assisting education. Students who complete courses at an accredited dental assistant school are more like to earn a higher dental assistant salary and find dental assistant jobs more easily.

First Aid and CPR

As healthcare professionals, dental assistants must learn the basics of CPR and first in case emergencies ever occur during patient care.

Dental Profession

This course serves an introduction to the dental industry and helps assistants become familiar with the industry basics.

Clinical Chairside Assisting

This course provides students with knowledge of chairside assisting techniques and procedures. It provides a preview of the day-to-day responsibilities of a dental assistant.

Dental Materials

This course familiarizes students with the materials of the dental profession. The goal is mastery of the industry vocabulary and the use of important tools and materials.

Infection Control

Dental assisting students learn to prevent and fight infection in patients. They learn about maintaining sterility in the dental environment and treating infections with various anti-biotics.

Specialties

Students learn about the various dental specialties they might encounter during their careers, including pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics.

Labratory Procedures

Students take a hands on approach to mastering routines laboratory procedures.

Business Administration

This course teaches students the business skills needed to work effectively in a dental office. This includes effectively dealing with patients and suppliers over the phone, scheduling appointments, and providing customer service.

Head and Neck Anatomy

Students learn the various body parts of the head and neck.

Oral Anatomy

Students learn the anatomy of the mouth and teeth.

Tooth Morphology

This course teaches students the anatomic topography of the teeth.

Microbiology

This course focuses on the microbes the causes tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Anatomy and Physiology

This course provides a general overview of the anatomy of the human body.

Oral Pathology

In this course, dental assisting students learn the various diseases and afflictions the infect patients.

Embryology and Histology

Histology deals with microstructures of the human body and their related functions, while embryology mainly concerns the developmental processes of a human being.

Psychology and the Special Patient

This course helps dental assistants learn to deal with patient psychology, in order to keep them in a calm and relaxed state and make their visit as peaceful as possible for all parties.

Pharmacology, Pain Control, and Therapeutics

In this course, dental assistants learn about the various drugs and medicines used in dentistry and how to administer them to patients correctly.

Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition

This course gives dental assistants the knowledge to advise patients on proper preventative dental care.

Radiology

This course teaches dental assistants the basics of x-rays and how take and evaluate patient x-rays.

Human Relations

This course helps dental assistants with the business aspects of the dental profession.

Job Seeking Skills

This provides tips and strategies to help dental assistants find employment after graduation.

Internships

Many programs also include internships at local dental offices. These programs help assistants get real world work experience and become more attractive to employers.