In the Chicago metro area, the average cost of a Licensed Dental Assistant class is $4,215. The average class length is approximately 10 weeks long.
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Admission into the Dental Assistant program is based on a rolling admissions system of accepting applicants who meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA for the part-time 2yr option and a 2.75 cumulative GPA for the accelerated 1yr program option. All applicants must meet college level reading/writing requirements and have taken Biology with a ‘C’ or higher within the past five years, calculated from the Fall Semester in which you plan entry into the Dental Assistant Program. Click Admission for more information about admissions requirements. Admissions window opens in January for fall start.
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Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Online offers a comprehensive Dental Assistant certification program that prepares students for successful careers in healthcare. The program covers both clinical and administrative dental procedures, providing students with a solid foundation in dental anatomy, oral hygiene techniques, dental materials, radiography, and infection control protocols. Hands-on training opportunities allow students to develop practical skills and gain confidence in working with patients. The program also emphasizes dental office management and patient communication skills. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant exam, enhancing their employment opportunities. The online format offers flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for individuals with busy schedules. Overall, the program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the dental industry and positively impact oral health in their community.
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The 3-semester certificate program provides a foundation in the health sciences along with extensive training in the technology necessary to perform those tasks delegated to dental assistants by the State Dental Practice Act. Clinical training experiences working with dentists and patients are provided in private offices of practicing dentist, at community health centers, and at the Dental Center on the Chattanooga State campus on Amnicola Highway. Students who successfully complete this program are eligible for Registration as a dental assistant in Tennessee with state certifications in Dental Radiology, Sealant Application, Monitoring Nitrous Oxide, and Coronal Polishing. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
The Dental Assisting program is a 1-year certificate program with an option to earn an Associate of Applied Science, which is designed to provide a career ladder for individuals who have graduated from or who are currently enrolled in an American Dental Association accredited dental assisting certificate program and seek to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to broaden the student’s education through the addition of a broad general education core and additional electives. There are two pathways by which students may meet the requirements of this degree. The traditional pathway, in which the student completes the 1-year certificate program and continues to take the additional courses required to complete the degree requirements, and the Advances placement pathway, in which the student is awarded 36 semester hours of advanced placement for holding current state or national certification or registration as a result of graduation from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
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Our online Dental Assistant Training combines coursework and hands-on experience to help you prepare to take the next steps toward a new career with confidence. You’ll learn essential knowledge and clinical skills that are aligned to industry certification exams, like the NELDA component exams and can also help you prepare to sit for the AMT Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification. Then you’ll participate in a 100-hour externship to practice what you learned in real-world situations!
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As the primary point of contact for patients, dental assistants play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the office. They manage patient records, schedule appointments, take X-rays and imprints, and even help the dentist during procedures. A good dental assistant provides professional and courteous customer care that makes every patient feel comfortable and informed.
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U.S. Career Institute's Online Dental Assisting Program provides graduates with theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare students to obtain entry-level dental assistant positions in a dentist’s office. Work alongside dentists, orthodontists, and other oral healthcare specialists. You will receive complete step-by-step illustrated lessons and virtual labs that prepare you for this rewarding, in-demand dental assistant career.
$1,239 total
$1,620 total
Anderson University in Indiana provides a comprehensive Dental Assistant Certification program that prepares individuals for a successful career in healthcare. The program meets the growing demand for qualified dental professionals and covers topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting techniques. Hands-on training in a clinical setting allows students to gain real-world experience, while the program also emphasizes the development of communication and interpersonal skills. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Anderson University offers a supportive learning environment. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for employment in various dental settings. Overall, the program at Anderson University offers a well-rounded education and prepares students for a rewarding career in dental assisting.
$4,000 total
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The Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago delivers a top-tier Dental Assistant training course. It offers an excellent practical syllabus, equipping learners for a prolific career in healthcare. The academy's up-to-the-minute facilities give students first-hand experience in a contemporary setting. The program caters to the distinct needs of each student, ensuring high-quality education. Expert tutors at the academy enable profound understanding, highlighting the significance of intricate learning. Diverse curriculum designs enhance comprehension, emphasizing the benefit of varied sentence structures in educational techniques.
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Chicago, a bustling hub in the Midwest, offers abundant opportunities for those aspiring to become Dental Assistants. The city's rich educational landscape caters to diverse learning needs, making it convenient to pursue your dream career as a Dental Assistant near you. Whether you're actively seeking to become a Dental Assistant or simply exploring options, this guide will equip you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your career journey, ensuring a job with a good dental assistant salary.
A Dental Assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team, responsible for providing support to dentists during various procedures. Their duties may include sterilizing instruments, preparing treatment rooms, assisting with dental procedures, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Dental Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of a dental practice.
In Chicago, the path to becoming a Dental Assistant typically involves completing a formal training program. These programs can be found at various educational institutions, such as community colleges and vocational schools. The training requirements may vary, but generally, students can expect to complete a program that lasts anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the specific curriculum.
The fastest way to become a Dental Assistant in Chicago is by enrolling in an accelerated program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary training in a condensed timeframe, often within a few months. This option can be particularly appealing for individuals who are looking to enter the workforce quickly or who have prior experience in the healthcare field.
Chicago offers a diverse range of Dental Assistant classes and programs to choose from. Here are a few examples:
City Colleges of Chicago: The City Colleges of Chicago offer a Dental Assisting Certificate program at their Daley College campus. The program is approximately 11 months in length and covers topics such as dental anatomy, dental materials, and clinical procedures. The program also includes an externship component, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a dental practice.
Everest College: Everest College, with a campus in Chicago, provides a Dental Assisting Diploma program. This program can be completed in as little as 9 months and covers a comprehensive curriculum, including dental radiography, dental materials, and dental office procedures.
Kaplan University: Kaplan University, which has a campus in Chicago, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting degree program. This program can be completed in as little as 18 months and prepares students for a career as a Dental Assistant, including topics such as dental radiography, dental materials, and dental office management.
Each of these programs may have specific admission requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED, and may also require students to complete prerequisite courses or pass entrance exams. It's essential to research the specific requirements and costs associated with each program to determine the best fit for your educational and career goals.
If you've been reading this article and aspire to become a Dental Assistant, but you reside in a different state, rest assured that achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become a Dental Assistant in Albany, Columbus, Little Rock, Philadelphia, or Tucson. Don't worry if you haven�t found your location among these, because Dreambound makes it easier than ever to pursue your dreams regardless of your location by simplifying the process of finding and comparing Dental Assistant classes through a convenient search by zip code. With dedication and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.
In addition to the traditional on-campus programs, there are also online options available for Dental Assistant training in the Chicago area. These online programs can provide the flexibility and convenience for individuals who have work or family commitments that make it challenging to attend in-person classes.
While free Dental Assistant training options are less common, there may be some community-based or government-funded programs available in the Chicago area. These programs are often designed to provide affordable or no-cost training to individuals who may not have the financial resources to pursue traditional educational programs.
In the state of Illinois, Dental Assistants are not required to be certified or licensed to practice. However, many employers prefer or require Dental Assistants to hold a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, which is awarded by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
To obtain the CDA credential, Dental Assistants in Chicago must pass a series of written examinations administered by DANB. These exams cover topics such as general chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control. Once certified, Dental Assistants must maintain their certification through ongoing continuing education requirements.
The job environment for Dental Assistants in Chicago is generally positive, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. Dental Assistants in Chicago may find employment opportunities in a variety of settings, including:
Private dental practices: Dental Assistants are in high demand at private dental practices, where they work alongside dentists to provide comprehensive patient care.
Dental clinics: Community health centers, federally qualified health centers, and other dental clinics in Chicago often employ Dental Assistants to support the dental team.
Dental schools: Chicago is home to several dental schools, such as the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, which may employ Dental Assistants to assist in the training of future dentists.
Hospitals and specialty dental practices: Dental Assistants may also find employment in hospitals or specialty dental practices, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
Becoming a Dental Assistant in Chicago can be a rewarding career path, offering the opportunity to contribute to the oral healthcare of individuals in the city. With a variety of Dental Assistant training programs available, both on-campus and online, as well as the potential for free or affordable options, aspiring Dental Assistants in Chicago have ample opportunities to pursue their goals. By understanding the training requirements, certification process, and job environment, you can make an informed decision about the Dental Assistant career path that best suits your needs and aspirations.
If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:
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