Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
No cost info
No cost info
Financial aid (may be available)
$25,000 total
No cost info
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.
No cost info
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.
No cost info
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.
No cost info
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!
No cost info
No cost info
Nashville, the lively capital of Tennessee, is a hub of possibilities for individuals aspiring to become a Dental Assistant and secure a competitive dental assistant salary. Whether you're a native Nashvillian or mulling over a move, this city boasts a myriad of avenues to facilitate your journey into the expanding healthcare realm. In this blog post, we'll delve into the process of becoming a Dental Assistant, the prerequisites for training, and the diverse Dental Assistant courses offered in Nashville. Additionally, we'll examine the local job landscape and potential employers in the city, shedding light on the prospects for a rewarding career in the field.
A Dental Assistant is a crucial member of the dental healthcare team, responsible for providing support to dentists and dental hygienists 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 vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of a dental practice.
To become a Dental Assistant in Nashville, you'll typically need to complete a Dental Assistant training program. These programs can vary in length, but most range from a few months to one year, depending on the specific curriculum and certification requirements. The training often includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, covering topics such as dental anatomy, dental materials, and patient care.
In Nashville, the fastest way to become a Dental Assistant can be through a vocational or technical school program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary training and certification in a relatively short period, often within a few months to a year. By completing a Dental Assistant program, you can quickly become qualified to work in a dental office or clinic.
Nashville offers several options for Dental Assistant classes, each with its own unique features and requirements. Here are a few examples:
Nashville State Community College: This college offers a Dental Assistant program that can be completed in two semesters. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, preparing students for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. The program costs approximately $5,000, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Nashville: TCAT-Nashville provides a Dental Assistant program that can be completed in three trimesters. The program covers topics such as dental anatomy, dental materials, and dental procedures. The total cost of the program is around $4,500, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
Fortis College - Nashville: Fortis College in Nashville offers a Dental Assistant diploma program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, preparing students for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. The program cost is approximately $17,000, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
In addition to the traditional in-person Dental Assistant programs, Nashville also offers some online and free options for those interested in the field.
Online Options: While there are no fully online Dental Assistant programs available in Nashville, some schools, such as Nashville State Community College, offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training.
Free Options: Nashville does not currently have any free Dental Assistant training programs. However, some local dental practices may offer on-the-job training or apprenticeship opportunities, which can provide a path to becoming a Dental Assistant without the cost of a formal program.
In Tennessee, Dental Assistants are not required to be certified, but many employers prefer or require Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs). To become a CDA, individuals must pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The exam covers topics such as general chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control.
Nashville's thriving healthcare industry provides ample opportunities for Dental Assistants. The city is home to numerous dental practices, ranging from small private clinics to larger dental groups and hospitals. Some of the potential employers for Dental Assistants in Nashville include:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center: One of the largest healthcare systems in the region, Vanderbilt University Medical Center employs Dental Assistants to support its dental services.
Smile Direct Club: This popular direct-to-consumer dental company has a strong presence in Nashville and employs Dental Assistants to assist with its clear aligner treatments.
Private Dental Practices: Nashville is home to many independent dental practices, ranging from general dentistry to specialized fields, all of which rely on Dental Assistants to support their operations.
Community Health Clinics: Nashville has several community health clinics that provide affordable dental care to underserved populations, offering employment opportunities for Dental Assistants.
Becoming a Dental Assistant in Nashville is a rewarding career path that offers job security, competitive wages, and the opportunity to be a vital member of the healthcare team. With a range of training programs, both in-person and hybrid options, as well as a thriving job market, Nashville provides an excellent environment for those interested in pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant. Whether you're a local resident or considering relocating to the city, the opportunities in this field are plentiful, and the path to becoming a Dental Assistant in Nashville is well-defined.
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