Clinical Dental Assistant (Vouchers Included)

Are you ready to launch your career in an in-demand field that is fulfilling and rewarding? Becoming a dental assistant could be just the right path for you, with flexible hours and strong job growth predicted. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11% through 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $41,180. Dental assisting education is your first step towards providing comfort and education for patients—and the online Clinical Dental Assistant course will prepare you to become a productive and successful member of a dental team.

This online dental assisting course is the most comprehensive you will find. You will learn about every aspect of professional dental assisting, including invaluable real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants and essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care, and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and much more. You will even have the opportunity to explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software.

After completing the course, you will have the opportunity to apply for an externship, through which you will get real-life clinical assistant experience. You will also be ready to pursue certification as a dental assistant by passing the radiology, infection control, and anatomy and physiology portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations – NELDA or CDA. Once you have gained clinical experience and in-person hours, you will be prepared for the general assisting exam.

Externship Information

Clinical Dental Assistant Externship

Clinical Dental Assistant students have an opportunity to participate in ed2go's optional externship support services program. The application for the externship support program is within the course. You must be 80% complete within the course before you are eligible to reach out to an Externship Team (ET) member for program information. As a Clinical Dental Assistant student, you have up to 6 months after course completion to apply, but please note externships are not guaranteed. Externship expectations are based on current professional certification requirements, which are presently a 300-hour commitment. If you meet all the educational, pre-screening checks, and industry qualifications, including a completed application package, you will be considered for placement based on host site availability. You will need to pass a background and drug screening. You will also be asked to purchase liability insurance and be responsible for purchasing this on your own ($40 to $45 for an annual policy). To be considered as an externship candidate, you will need to provide an updated resume, cover letter, current CPR certification, and proof of Hepatitis B vaccinations, or a recent negative Hepatitis B test provided by a doctor. In addition, you may be subject to providing additional vaccination status records as outlined by your state or dental clinic COVID policies or regulations.

NATIONAL ENTRY LEVEL DENTAL ASSISTANT, NELDA, CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT, CDA, AND DANB are trademarks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc (DANB). This course is not reviewed or endorsed by DANB.

Disclaimer: To qualify for the externship applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the externship application process does not guarantee an externship. COVID may be affecting the externship process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.

Voucher Information

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive vouchers to sit for the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations. The exams meet 3 of 3 exam requirements for the NELDA certification and 2 of 3 exam requirements for the CDA. If you already have 3,500 hours of clinical experience and wish to pursue the CDA certification, you will need to acquire the General Chairside Assisting exam. The General Chairside Assisting exam is not included in this voucher package. Included vouchers are prepaid access to sit for the exams upon eligibility.

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Fee Breakdown