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Pursue Dental Assistant school training through hands-on courses at one of 31 Ross campus locations.

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.

Dental Assistant program students

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.

What is a Dental Assistant?

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.

Dental Assistant Externships

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 for Dental Assistant Graduates

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.

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Lucinda Smeal

I love the staff and how helpful and understanding everyone is. I came to Ross at the age of 28 ready for a fresh start. Everyone was ready to help me succeed in my goals. This is the first time I have felt accomplished. Coming to Ross gave me the fresh start I was looking for.

Lucinda Smeal Graduate Dental Assistant student at Erlanger, KY campus Graduation: August 7, 2019
Nicole Brenner

I can honestly say that enrolling in the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program at Ross Medical has changed my life for the better. I can take what I have learned and get a better paying job to support my family and grow professionally. The staff and students are like a second family to me. Not only have I learned about coding and office administration, I have formed life-long friendships.

Nicole Brenner Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Knoxville, TN campus Graduation: March 12, 2019
Logan Lilley

Prepared to learn and grow in an amazing career!

Logan Lilley Graduate Dental Assistant student at Sylvania, OH campus Graduation: March 19, 2019
Zaina Carr

Ross helped me reach and achieve my goals. They helped me stay on track. Even if it was rough, they pushed me to finish.

Zaina Carr Graduate Medical Assistant student at Ann Arbor, MI campus Graduation: March 8, 2019
Amanda Frydrych

The reason I chose to go to Ross is because I wanted to learn with a hands-on approach and in a comfortable environment. Having the option to go to night class was perfect for my busy schedule. The instructors were always there to help me if I had any problems, in or out of class. Everyone was always friendly and willing to help. I felt very confident going for my externship because what you learn in class transfers really well out in the field. Thanks to Ross, I no longer feel like I'm stuck in a job I don't like, but rather, I am happy in a career.

Amanda Frydrych Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: December 4, 2019

Dental Assistant Classes

The 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 details

Fundamentals of Dental Assisting

Students are introduced to the basic routines of the dental office.

Infection Control/Microbiology

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.

Introduction to the Dental Team

Students will learn basic information about the dental health team.

Skull Anatomy/Human Dentition

Students are introduced to the basic anatomy of the head and teeth and learn related dental terminology.

Anatomy/Cranial Nerves

Students will learn about cranial anatomy, including cranial nerves, as it relates to administering anesthesia.

Dental Instruments and Equipment

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.

Dental Records Management

This course will help students become familiar with record management. Management systems, billing, banking, and insurance processing are explored.

Periodontics/Orthodontics

Students will be familiarized with dental specializations, including periodontics and orthodontics.

Chairside Dental Assisting

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.

Dental Emergencies/CPR

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.

Dental Law and Ethics

In this class, students will be given information about legal, ethical, privacy, security, and confidentiality issues in regard to dental health care.

Dental Materials

Students will learn how to take impressions and make casts, and then will practice dental procedures on the casts, including stints and temporary crowns.

Administrative Dental Assisting

This course introduces students to administrative and office procedures like appointment scheduling and telephone communications. Included in this course is career development instruction.

Dental Laboratory Procedures and Prosthodontics

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.

Oral Surgery/Endodontics

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.

Dental Radiography and Clinical Procedures

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.

Medical Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Huntsville
  • Quad Cities
  • Evansville
  • Fort Wayne
  • Kokomo
  • South Bend
  • Lafayette
  • Muncie
  • Bowling Green
  • Erlanger
  • Hopkinsville
  • Owensboro
  • Ann Arbor
  • Battle Creek
  • Brighton
  • Canton (MI)
  • Davison
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Kentwood
  • Lansing
  • Midland
  • Muskegon
  • New Baltimore
  • Port Huron
  • Saginaw
  • Taylor
  • Warren
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Mansfield
  • Niles
  • Canton (OH)
  • Sylvania
  • Johnson City
  • Knoxville
  • Charleston
  • Morgantown
Dental Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Huntsville
  • Evansville
  • Fort Wayne
  • Kokomo
  • Lafayette
  • South Bend
  • Muncie
  • Erlanger
  • Owensboro
  • Brighton
  • Canton (MI)
  • Davison
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Kentwood
  • Lansing
  • Warren
  • New Baltimore
  • Muskegon
  • Saginaw
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Niles
  • Johnson City
  • Knoxville
  • Charleston
  • Morgantown
Veterinary Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Huntsville
  • Erlanger
  • Canton
  • Kalamazoo
  • New Baltimore
  • Warren
Pharmacy Technician Program Certificate online program
Nursing Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Brighton
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Midland
Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Certificate online program
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Hopkinsville
  • Quad Cities
Nursing Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Canton (OH)
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Niles
  • Sylvania
Practical Nursing Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Canton (OH)
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Niles
  • Sylvania
Veterinary Technology Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Canton (OH)
Business Management Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Hopkinsville, KY
Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree online program
Health Care Administration Associate Degree online program
Human, Social, and Health Services Associate of Applied Science Degree online program
Medical Billing Administrative Specialist Associate Degree online program
Medical Office Administration Certificate Program online program
Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Certificate online program
Pharmacy Technician Program Certificate online program