At Cumberland Valley School District, we believe in providing our students with the resources they need to succeed in their future careers. Because of this, Cumberland Valley will fund at least 50% of your Emerge Prepared program, normally ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, through a generous educational fund.
What does a Dental Assistant do?
A dental assistant is a professional who supports a dentist and dental hygienist in a myriad of ways. They are highly visible members of the dental practice team. Job duties include scheduling patient appointments, obtaining preliminary vital signs and symptoms, performing diagnostic testing, creating laboratory molds, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist through all visits and dental procedures.
Dental assistants in many practices also typically inform patients of aftercare instructions, as well as perform follow-up calls. Working under the direction of a dentist, assistants may perform a variety of tasks such as coronal polishing, sealant application, fluoride application, and topical anesthetic application.
where do they work?
Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices.
Requirements
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBook: Modern Dental Assisting (Saunders 13th Edition, Copyright 2021)
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Clinical Requirement
There is no clinical requirement by the certifying body for this program’s certification exam; however, Harrisburg University recommends that students gain some experience through job shadowing prior to obtaining a job in the field. Harrisburg University is ready and willing to help place students at a clinical site.
Dental Assistant
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Gain knowledge and skills in preparation for passing the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam
- Recognize proper infection control procedures, handwashing, sterilization of equipment, disinfection of operatories, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), per Standard and Universal precautions
- Identify important head, neck, and oral anatomy related to patient care, including anomalies and radiographic landmarks
- Demonstrate essential dental assisting skills needed for patient preparation, measurement of vital signs, and four-handed dentistry, as well as the dental assistant’s role in medical emergencies
- Classify clinical tools, techniques, and materials used in four-handed dentistry
- Discuss tooth numbering systems, dental charting, and scheduling patients according to the treatment plan
- Explain informed consent and patient education, including oral hygiene instruction and post-treatment care
- Ensure HIPAA, OSHA, FDA, and EPA compliance and follow CDC recommendations as applicable to protected health information, infection control, radiation safety, workplace safety and controls, and documentation
- Apply operator and patient radiation safety principles and address patient safety concerns
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of radiology, including guidelines, regulations, and quality assurance in radiographic imaging and mounting
Courses
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings |
Dental Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology |
Dental Assisting Essentials |
Radiation Health and Safety in Dentistry |
Program Preview
Dental Assistant Job Possibilities
HIDDEN
Dental Assistant
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Dental Sales Representative
HIDDEN
Laboratory Assistant
Certification Information
Upon completion of the Dental Assistant Career training, students will be prepared to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), which is taken in addition to any state licensing or regulatory requirements.
RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
The Registered Dental Assistant credential demonstrates entry-level competence in basic dental assisting duties; it does not qualify candidates, however, for any advanced procedures or expanded functions in the role of dental assisting. You must be CPR certified in order to take the exam.
Issuing Authority
Dental Assistant Enrollment
- Students who wish to enroll in an online certificate program must connect first with their school's guidance counselor to get approval. Please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
- Students must then receive parent consent via a signed copy of the Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling in a program (available through the guidance office).
- The students' guidance counselor will work directly with Harrisburg University to enroll them for the program.
- Emerge Prepared programs are fully funded through a generous educational fund so no payment is collected from the student.
- Upon enrolling, students will be paired with a Student Success Advisor who will act as a coach and mentor throughout the program.
If students need additional funding source, we offer many convenient options.
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize.
Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.
PROGRAM COMPARISONS
EMERGE PREPARED | similar Community College Program | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist!
Your Workforce Training Specialist will help you understand your program, help with clinical placement, and answer any questions you have! Get in touch with your Workforce Training Specialist to learn more about your program, Harrisburg University, and how to start achieving your career goals.
To begin the enrollment process, please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
FAQ
Students have access to complete program materials for two years. But most students finish their courses sooner.
Note: Some programs require a clinical component beyond the online coursework which extends the program length.
No, these courses do not count for college credit.
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.