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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.
A few things I like about Ross are the class size: not too big and not too small, so you're sure to get any answers or questions you have answered in class. Another thing I like is their hands-on portion in clinic. To me, it is very helpful and handy to learn before going out to extern. Lastly, what I like is the support you have from everyone. They just want to see you succeed and be confident. Also, the peer tutor program that is available to offer more help from students in your own class.
RJ Russell Graduate Medical Assistant student at Knoxville, TN campus Graduation: January 31, 2019
Attending Ross Medical Education Center was the best decision I've ever made. In less than a year, I am graduated, certified, and working in my field! They give you all the resources and tools to succeed. I only wish I would have known about Ross sooner!
Bethany Morehead Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kokomo, IN campus Graduation: August 28, 2018
From the motivated and energetic teachers to the loving classmates, Ross has been such an amazing experience. The hands on experience is so amazing, I cannot imagine doing anything different.
Angela Mckeever Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kentwood, MI campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
Ross has given me confidence that I haven't had in a long time. I've made some great friends and learned a lot while being here. I decided to further my career in the medical field because of my grandma who passed away last year. I'm glad I decided to do it every day when I pick up my kids from school. My doctor asks me if I'm going to be a doctor. I just laugh and say "Far from it," but I'm glad she sees me in that light.
Sarah Long Graduate Medical Assistant student at Owensboro, KY campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
I thank Ross for everything that they have done, from the first time I stepped foot on their campus. I was so afraid, but not so much of starting school, but afraid of failure. That was my biggest fear until talking with one of the school's administrators. She made me feel so comfortable in becoming a student at Ross. Once I started and met my teachers it became so easy. They took time out to help me when I didn't understand things, which made it that much easier. Once I got to my externship I was so excited yet afraid at the same time. However, where they sent me for my externship is where I wanted to go and upon completion, I am very proud to say that I got hired and I am still working there to this day! Ross helped me with my career so much that I enrolled in the online school for Ross and received my associates degree. It was hard being a full-time mom, employee, and student, but I did it and so can you, thanks to Ross and its amazing team!
Shayla Hall Graduate Medical Assistant student at Portage, MI campus Graduation: November 9, 2016The 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.
