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In the Ross Dental Assistant school program, students will be instructed on clinical as well as administrative skills relevant to the dental office. Training program instructors with experience in the field provide instruction to students on many necessary skills including radiograph processing, preparing and disposing of anesthetic, taking and recording vital signs, and taking impressions.
Additionally, training program students are presented with important terminology and basic administrative tasks such as preparing a new patient chart, filing medical records, scheduling appointments, and completing insurance claim forms. Once students successfully complete the school program, they should be prepared to seek entry-level positions as dental assistants or receptionists, insurance clerks, supply salespeople, and/or administrative assistants.
Dental assistants are vital members of the dental office staff. Although their responsibilities may differ slightly from one facility to another depending on size and workflow, the demand for them is universal. Often you will find them providing direct patient care as they help to prepare patients for procedures or examinations, perform xrays, or assisting the dentist during treatment. They are also sometimes responsible for a variety of administrative tasks that can range from scheduling appointments and greeting patients to ordering supplies and updating patient records.
After a Dental Assistant program student has completed all of the classroom modules, they continue on to the externship experience. Although all Ross' school courses are hands-on, the externship is extremely important as it offers the opportunity to apply all a student has learned outside the classroom and in a real dental office with other healthcare professionals. On the other hand, it allows local employers the chance to see our students in action and assess their skills before making a hiring decision. Because of how incredibly important this experience is, at Ross it is part of the normal curriculum for every student.
Certification is important to potential employers as they seek to hire the best and most qualified candidates. Becoming certified gives evidence that you have the necessary skills and knowledge as well as high commitment to your field. It shows that you are dedicated to providing excellent patient care and desire to continue growing in your profession.
Ross Medical Education Center and Ross College understand the importance of certification and are confident in the preparation they provide to graduates. Due to this, Ross offers reimbursement to graduates that take the Infection Control (ICE) Exam* and the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam* through Dental Assisting National Board.
*Non-Ohio campuses only. For Ohio campuses, there is the Ohio Dental Assistants Certification Exam (CODA) by The Commission on Ohio Dental Assistants Certification.
I'm a single mother of 3 and work full time. I came to the point of my life where I was ready to change my profession and do something that will better our lives. So I was looking around at different schools, calling around seeing what they offer. Then my mom told me about Ross. I was nervous of course, but I called and the gentleman I talked to was so upbeat and supportive. Made me feel like they were really willing to help me out. I set up an interview with the school and I met with Brandi. Brandi is amazing!! She was so friendly and listened to all of my needs and wants. I started school in May 2018, of course I was nervous, but everyone helped me out with all of my questions. Every time I walk in for class, they are always so friendly and knew my name from day one. I was in the evening MA program. My teacher was very helpful and if I needed help they would sit down with me and work one-on-one. I'm now on my externship with the school. I'm at an ENT and I love it! I'm so glad I took the step and called Ross because now I see everything I learned in school coming out everyday and realize every day that my life will be for the better with this career.
Alycia Murdie Graduate Medical Assistant student at Knoxville, TN campus Graduation: January 23, 2019
Ross Medical Education Center is a great place to learn. The staff and teachers are all very knowledgeable and friendly! I love being a Ross student.
Brian Lloyd Graduate Medical Assistant student at Ontario, OH campus Graduation: July 31, 2019
I came to Ross Medical because I wanted to change my career path; I wanted something more hands on. I have the most amazing instructors who have supported me every step of the way. They are providing me with the skills I am going to need to be successful in the medical field. I am happy I chose Ross Medical Education Center.
Bonika Surline Graduate Medical Assistant student at Port Huron, MI campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
My experience at Ross has been wonderful to say the least. The staff here truly cares for the students' success, and it shows. I am glad to be a part of such a great team! Thank you all for the opportunity to change my tomorrow today!
Sheena Tipton Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Flint, MI campus Graduation: April 2, 2019
I started at Ross Medical in October of 2018. I loved it right away. The staff was very helpful and friendly. I was halfway through my 3rd mod when I had to have heart surgery. Unfortunately, this caused me to have to leave the program. I was very disappointed to say the least. All of the staff was extremely encouraging, telling me not to worry and that they would be there to help me when I came back. I returned June of 2019. True to their word, they were ready and waiting to get me back on track. Mrs. Craft and Mrs. Kerner are extremely knowledgeable in what they teach. They gave me everything I needed to be a successful student and MA. My experience at Ross gave me the knowledge and tools to become a confident MA. I would recommend Ross to everyone! I actually have a friend in KY who just asked about Ross and I made sure to tell her what an amazing experience I had. If you are looking for a career in the medical field, Ross Medical Education Center is a really good option.
Bobbi Moore Graduate Medical Assistant student at Madison Heights, MI campus Graduation: November 12, 2019The Dental Assistant program at Ross is made up of six modules containing classes that combine necessary information with hands-on clinical practice of skills used in the dental office.
View course curriculum detailsStudents are introduced to the basic routines of the dental office.
In this course, students are introduced to OSHA standards for infection control and hazard communication. Students will learn how to take precautions and use a step-by-step method to disinfect and sterilize dental equipment.
Students will learn basic information about the dental health team.
Students are introduced to the basic anatomy of the head and teeth and learn related dental terminology.
Students will learn about cranial anatomy, including cranial nerves, as it relates to administering anesthesia.
This class familiarizes students with dental instruments and equipment and are taught how to place materials on models. Related dental terminology is taught in this course.
This course will help students become familiar with record management. Management systems, billing, banking, and insurance processing are explored.
Students will be familiarized with dental specializations, including periodontics and orthodontics.
Students will become familiarized with the duties required in chairside dental assisting. An emphasis is placed on assisting patients overcome anxiety related to dental treatment, with pediatric dentistry being introduced as a specialty.
This course instructs students on how to recognize dental emergencies and will explain what the role of the dental assistant is during such emergencies. CPR instruction is also given for adults, children, and infants.
In this class, students will be given information about legal, ethical, privacy, security, and confidentiality issues in regard to dental health care.
Students will learn how to take impressions and make casts, and then will practice dental procedures on the casts, including stints and temporary crowns.
This course introduces students to administrative and office procedures like appointment scheduling and telephone communications. Included in this course is career development instruction.
This class explores prosthodontics as a specialty with instruction in crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and various mouth guards. Students will learn related terminology and will be familiarized with lab safety.
In this course, students will learn what procedures are performed by dental assistants during oral surgery and endodontics (root canals). Instruction on administering topical and local anesthetics is given. Other topics explored include recording vital signs.
This course instructs students in taking diagnostic radiographs while maintaining radiation safety. Techniques explored include processing film and evaluating diagnostic quality, as well as learning about responsibilities regarding the state radiation safety certificate.
