Online Education (dental-assistant Online Degreeprogram

By Author: John Srob
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Online dental assisting programs prepare aspiring dental assistants to work in the field. A formal education through a program that has been accredited by the Commission On Dental Accreditation (CODA) provides students with the techniques and skills needed to work as a dental assistant. It also qualifies them to take national certification exams through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Program Information and Requirements for Online Dental Assisting Programs

Students enrolled in online programs typically complete the bulk of the required coursework online. Reading materials are usually available online, and homework and tests can be downloaded and completed online through the program's website. Typically, students must also complete clinical hours at a dental office under the supervision of certified professional.
Common Coursework for Online Programs
Coursework for online programs focuses on the principles of oral anatomy, radiology and dental science. Once students complete the required online coursework they must complete clinical hours at a dental office.
Oral Anatomy Course
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... Students learn the structures and functions of the head, face and neck. This course focuses on the musculature, bones and circulatory system of these structures.
Oral Radiology Course
This course teaches students safety precautions and general components involved in using the dental x-ray equipment. Students study the composition, sizes and types of dental x-ray film.
Clinical Hours Course
Students complete extensive hours of clinical work under the supervision of licensed dentists. Clinical hours are meant to put the principles learned through online coursework to the test in the physical realm of the dental office.
Dental assistants perform a number of different types of services including patient care, administrative duties, and laboratory duties. In essence, a typical day in the life of DAs includes scheduling patients, receiving patients, keeping records, sending bills and receiving payments as well as ordering supplies. Dental assistants must also know how to make casts of a patient's teeth and mouth, as well as how to clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. And as far as patient care goes they must prepare the patient for their procedure and have their records ready as well as hand instruments to dentists, sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, and occasionally remove sutures or apply anesthetics. But they don't perform the same tasks as dental hygienists. Hygienists are certified and perform a number of other duties.
Training for DA's
Most dental assistants gain their knowledge and skills from training programs as well as on the job. They will study subjects including health, biology, and chemistry. As for requirements to become a dental assistant, that is entirely dependent on the state individuals reside or wish to work in. Most states regulate the tasks that assistants perform in the office. In order to become a licensed dental assistant, individuals will need to attend an accredited program and pass a written or practical examination. And many states require assistants to attend continuing education courses in order to maintain their license and registration. But on the other hand, some states allow them to do any task the dentist delegates to them.

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