Concorde

Dental Assistant Program

The Concorde Dental Assistant program is a 10-month diploma that combines practical and theoretical learning to prepare students for entry-level roles in dental offices. With a focus on both chairside and front-office skills, the program offers hands-on training through lab work and an externship, giving students real-world experience before graduation.

Program Overview

Concorde’s Dental Assistant program, approved by the Dental Board of California, is structured to equip students with the essential skills for assisting dentists and managing dental office tasks. Students learn a range of duties, from taking patient impressions to sterilizing instruments, and get experience assisting during dental procedures. With a mix of online and in-person coursework, this blended format allows for flexibility while ensuring that students develop practical, hands-on skills.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to cover foundational concepts in dentistry, combining theoretical instruction with extensive lab hours and practical externship experience.

Dental Terminology & Specialties: This introductory module provides students with knowledge of key dental terms and specialties, preparing them to work in various dental settings.
Materials & Procedures: This segment focuses on the tools and procedures used in dental care, including patient care management and infection control.
Patient Care & Management: Students learn effective patient interaction techniques, including how to help patients feel comfortable and prepared for procedures.
Diagnostics & Orthodontics: This course delves into diagnostic tools and orthodontic procedures, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of their role in specialized settings.
Dental Radiology: A crucial part of the curriculum, this module teaches students how to safely take and process dental x-rays, an essential skill for any dental assistant.

The program includes a total of 890 contact hours, divided into 320 lab hours and 160 externship hours. This hands-on training allows students to experience the day-to-day tasks of a dental assistant, making them well-prepared for the workforce.

Program Format

The program is offered in a blended format, which means students can expect a combination of online and on-ground hours. Up to 50% of the course hours can be completed online, giving students some flexibility while still requiring in-person attendance for lab and externship components. This format is ideal for students who need to balance other commitments while completing their training.

Externship Experience

The 160-hour externship is a critical part of the program, providing students with on-the-job experience. During the externship, students work alongside dentists and dental hygienists, performing tasks like taking patient x-rays, managing patient records, and assisting chairside during procedures. This experience is invaluable for students looking to build confidence in a real-world setting.

Prerequisites

To enroll in Concorde’s Dental Assistant program, students must meet the following prerequisites:

High school diploma or GED equivalent
Successful completion of any required admissions testing
Completion of a background check, as required by certain externship sites
Basic understanding of computer and internet usage for online course components

Program Objectives

Graduates of Concorde’s Dental Assistant program will have the skills needed to:

Assist dentists and dental hygienists with patient care and procedures.
Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, maintaining patient records, and managing the front office.
Apply infection control procedures, adhering to OSHA standards for a safe work environment.
Use dental radiology techniques, including taking and processing x-rays.
Prepare patients for procedures and advise them on post-care under the direction of a dentist.
Meet the California Dental Practice Act’s requirements for dental assistants, enabling them to sit for the state board examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

Financial Aid and Tuition Information

Tuition details for Concorde’s Dental Assistant program vary by campus and are available in each campus catalog. Concorde also provides financial aid counseling to help students explore their options, including grants, loans, and payment plans, making this program accessible to those needing financial assistance.

Career Outlook

Dental assistants play a vital role in dental offices, performing a mix of administrative and clinical duties. This versatility makes the position a dynamic career choice with a positive employment outlook. Graduates of Concorde’s program will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including private practices, dental clinics, and specialized cosmetic dentistry offices.

Why Choose Concorde?

Concorde’s Dental Assistant program stands out for its hands-on externship, flexible blended format, and California Dental Board approval. Students gain real-world experience in a relatively short timeframe, and the option to complete part of the program online adds flexibility. However, potential students should be aware that externship sites may have additional requirements, such as background checks.

Category	Description
Cost	Please refer to campus catalog for specific tuition information.
Program Duration	10 months (38 weeks)
Class Schedules	Blended format with both online and on-ground hours.
Classes Offered	Dental Terminology, Dental Specialties, Materials & Procedures, Patient Care, Radiology, etc.
Admission Requirements	High school diploma or GED, admissions testing, background check for externship sites.
Online Classes?	Yes, up to 50% of course hours can be completed online.
Job Placement?	Information not provided.
Financial Aid Options	Yes, financial aid counseling available.
Location	Garden Grove, San Bernardino, and North Hollywood campuses in California.
Phone	Garden Grove: (657) 667-2904, San Bernardino: (909) 663-9685, North Hollywood: (818) 850-7623
Email	Information not provided.
Website	https://www.concorde.edu/dental-programs/dental-assistant