Dental Assistant

According to the Department of Labor, “The overall employment of Dental Assistants is expected to increase by 31% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire more dental assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to see more 17 patients in their practice”. Placement composite average for the year 2014- 2015 reporting period was 67%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this industry to grow at least 10 percent through 2018. Driving the growth for this occupation are the combined factors of a growing population, new and improved medical testing, and the increased availability of medical services. Because of these factors, it is unlikely that there will be a shortage of phlebotomy positions in the near future.

The Dental Assisting program is 16 weeks in length. Expect to spend 8 hours per week toward the online program. Hybrid students are required to attend additional skills labs once a week for up to 4 hours and attend an externship of 80 hours outside of class hours.

The educational objective of the program is career reparation for the general or specialty dental office. The instruction is by online experience. The program is designed to provide 128 hours of instruction over a 16 week period. Hybrid students will receive additional skill lab instruction on campus one evening a week for up to 4 hours. An externship of 80 hours is also required for the hybrid program. This program will provide the knowledge needed for a beginner in dental assisting. After satisfactory completion, passing all academic and skills testing the student will receive a certificate for Dental
Assisting. IDT’s EDDA Course is a primer course for the more extensive program required in Ohio. Ohio students have the option to take a separate radiology test, at an additional fee, to receive a registration for Dental X-ray Machine Operator provided by the Cincinnati Dental Society and register at the Ohio Board of Dentistry. Students are advised to contact or research your local Board of Dentistry for local and state regulations.