Learning During the Pandemic: Best Online Certifications for a Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions. Currently, starting your career as a Dental Assistant is more accessible than ever before. Universities all over the country offer a wide variety of online programs that will allow you to fit your education into your own schedule. In other words, you can earn an official certification without quitting your job or changing your whole routine.

This is a great option for those who have long desired to work in Dentistry and fight for time to start that journey. This is why we have handpicked the best online certifications for Dental assistants.

Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY

Hudson Valley Community College offers a 1-year Dental assistant online program that combines theoretical and practical learning. For those of you who don’t have any experience in the field, this could be your preferred option. The program consists of 27 credit hours of online coursework and 225 hands-on hours of clinical work. The practical assignments will be completed through two formal clinical internships. This in-the-field experience gained will be key in the job search. Once you’ve completed both areas of the program, you will have the practical experience and necessary tools to help you take the Dental Assisting National Boards (DANB) exams. 

The University of Georgia, Athens, GA

The prestigious University of Georgia (UGA) has designed a 6-months Online  Administrative Dental assistant Certification. The course is offered through the Center for Continuing Education and Hotel. The program is made for students with little to zero experience in the field and want to start working in a Dental office quicker. UGA’S program consists of 15 Continuing Education Units that will demand around 150 hours in total. Students receive comprehensive instruction with DENTRIX G4 software. All of your courses can be completed online since it does not include clinical instruction. 

Wiliam Patterson University, Wany, NJ

One of the oldest Universities in New Jersey, William Patterson University, offers a short program with affordable tuition. This Dental assistant Online certificate can be completed in as little as 16 weeks and it can be done 100% remotely. Most Importantly, the course covers both administrative and clinical dental assisting. Once students complete this comprehensive course, they would be more prepared to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) – Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and the DANB – Infection Control Exam (ICE). 

California State University, San Marcos, CA

California State University has many degrees and certificates within the Healthcare field. For particularly dentistry, they have designed a comprehensive Dental assistant certification online program. This program offers mentorship to help aid your education. The program can be completed in 6 months, however, the methodology is self-paced. The course core covers the history of dentistry, essential legal information, oral anatomy, operation techniques, and dental equipment. In addition, the program also includes an optional clinical externship at a local healthcare provider. 

So whats next!?

In Conclusion, each option will have its pros and cons. The important thing is that you find the courses and program that fits your life best. Also, each state has different regulations and require certain exams to work as a Dental assistant. Consequently, it is very important that you are familiar with that information before choosing your next step. 

Having all that in mind, you can enroll in classes and start working toward your career in dentistry! 

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