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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
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
During my time at Ross Medical I have learned the fundamentals of becoming a pharmacy technician, and I feel like I've been prepared to start my career properly. The staff is friendly, helpful, and always there when I need them. When I first started I was nervous and didn't know if I could do it, but because of all the factors that Ross offers I had a smooth transition. It's also great that they help you with the interviewing process and getting a job. My instructor Laura Cyphers was great! She had experience being a pharmacist, which gave a real-life perspective of how the field operates. She explained the curriculum well and I have the highest GPA I have ever had. I feel like I have received enough knowledge to succeed. The Campus Director, April Harr, is great, because you can always go talk with her and she's there to listen. Overall, my experience at Ross has been educational and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this school to other people, because Ross has helped me better my life.
Brisk Reed Graduate Pharmacy Technician student at Johnson City, TN campus Graduation: April 3, 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
Ross has changed my life by helping me to obtain a certificate for the career I want to have. They help you get to where you want to be quickly.
Krista Skaggs Graduate Medical Assistant student at Dayton, OH campus Graduation: June 22, 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.
