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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.
My name is Alyson Harris. I am currently enrolled in the Medical Assistant course at Ross Medical Education Center. I think Ross Medical Education Center is a wonderful place to learn, not only because of the job preparation and knowledge they give you, but also because of the care from the staff and the close friendships formed that becomes your support system all through your education. The dedication of the instructors to give you the best learning experience possible shows through all the extra work put in to help us succeed in all aspects of the course. Going back to school was a difficult decision for me but Ross has made it so much easier. That is why I would recommend attending any of their programs to anyone just beginning their college education or looking for a career change.
Alyson Harris Graduate Medical Assistant student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
It was my dream to return to school. Ross' Medical Assisting program stood out to me. I am thankful for the support of the amazing faculty and the smaller class size that allowed me to succeed!
Kelsi Blankenship, Graduate Medical Assistant student at Muncie, IN campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
Ross has been an amazing journey for me so far. I have learned a lot about the healthcare field and a lot about professionalism. I have gained confidence in myself because of Ross. I truly feel the genuine care that the staff has toward us students. It warms my heart to see the dedication of the instructors and staff on my campus. They all are constantly going over and beyond to make sure we succeed. I am overwhelmed with joy to be a part of the Ross Grand Rapids North Campus, and to gain the tools I need to be able to succeed in the healthcare field.
Shanice Hildebrand Graduate Medical Assistant student at Grand Rapids, MI campus Graduation: May 22, 2019
Ms Bishoff has by far been the best instructor I have ever had for any class. She makes everyone feel very comfortable and welcome, and she always makes class interesting and enjoyable. She has a fantastic personality and really knows the material she is teaching.
Meghan Crowley Graduate Dental Assistant student at New Baltimore, MI campus Graduation: May 28, 2019
Being a student at Ross, I have been able to have a schedule that has worked for me and my family, which is important since I have five children. The instructors have helped tremendously in ensuring that we learn and are confident in the things that are needed for our homework assignments and tests. They become a second family that wants to see you succeed. The staff here at Ross has gone out of their way at times to make sure that I stayed on the right course. Any time that I had a question, they all made themselves available.
Samantha Paige Graduate Medical Assistant student at Fort Wayne, IN campus Graduation: May 21, 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.
