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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 have loved pursuing my education at Ross College! The instructors and staff are always smiling, and eager to help you succeed.
Heather Mcpheeters Graduate Medical Assistant student at Quad Cities, IA campus Graduation: February 26, 2019
My experience at Ross Medical has been very trying at times but has been the best experience I have had. The instructors here are so helpful and caring and always there when you need it, whether it's about your school work or your home life. I have not only gained experience and knowledge about being a great Medical Assistant, I have also gained lifelong friends who I look forward to continuing my journey with. Everyone here has become a part of my extended family and I am eternally grateful for my time and experience here. I am so glad that I chose to come to Ross Medical for Medical Assisting to not only continuing doing what I love, which is helping people, but to get the experience for a great career in the medical field.
Heather Lyle Graduate Medical Assistant student at Huntsville, AL campus Graduation: March 29, 2019
Ross has been great in my life. The instructors got me through some hard times in class and in my personal life. This experience has been wonderful. I've never completed any higher education until now. Ross has driven me to continue toward my nursing degree. After externship, I now work for a great doctor in pain management, and I love it.
Toshiba Smith Graduate Medical Assistant student at Granger, IN campus Graduation: December 31, 2018
I learned so much in my short time here at Ross. Mrs. Hawley was one of the best teachers I've ever had the pleasure of learning from. She made every day in the classroom enjoyable and amazing. I'm so glad I chose Ross to help me step into my medical career. Now that I've graduated, I feel prepared to start this next chapter in my life and I am very excited.
Jessie Morrison Graduate Medical Assistant student at Knoxville, TN campus Graduation: January 11, 2019
The reason I chose Ross is because I liked how it is a "hands-on" program. The instructors were fantastic - they worked with me one-on-one and helped me if I didn't understand something. They were there for me if I had a question outside of class. I felt confident in what they were teaching me for my career path. Everyone is super friendly and supportive. I am very grateful that I am a part of such a great school/program, so I can succeed!
Kristen Burley Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: December 4, 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.
