Dental Assistant

Learn chairside skills, sterilization and infection control, radiography fundamentals, and patient communication. Complete this certificate in 1–2 months with 80 total hours designed for fast entry into dental practices.

CIP: 51.0601 Credential: Certificate of Completion Clock Hours: 80 Trade Credits: 6 Completion: 1–2 Months

Program Overview

This accelerated program prepares you to support dentists and hygienists with clinical and front-office tasks. Training covers chairside assisting, instrument processing, infection prevention, impression and materials basics, charting, scheduling, and patient service.

Completion1–2 months, based on schedule.

Hours80 total (≈6 trade credits).

FormatGuided online coursework with skills practice; local labs/clinicals may be arranged where available.

OutcomesEntry-level dental assistant in general or specialty practices.

What You’ll Learn

Chairside Assisting: four-handed dentistry, patient prep, instrument transfer, suctioning.
Infection Control & Sterilization: CDC/OSHA concepts, instrument processing, operatory turnover.
Dental Materials & Impressions: alginate basics, cements, liners, tray selection (intro level).
Radiography Fundamentals: safety concepts, positioning principles, image quality (intro level; local regulations apply).
Records & Scheduling: charting, EHR basics, appointment management, insurance awareness.
Professional Communication: patient education, empathy, privacy, and teamwork.

Sample Curriculum

Module	Topics
Dental Practice Foundations	Roles, ethics, professionalism, safety
Chairside Techniques	Room setup, four-handed dentistry, instrument transfer
Infection Prevention	Sterilization, disinfection, OSHA/CDC concepts
Materials & Impressions	Alginate, cements/liners, tray selection (intro)
Radiography Basics	Positioning principles, image quality, safety concepts
Front Office Essentials	Charting, scheduling, insurance awareness, patient service

FAQ

Is there an externship or skills lab?

Skills practice is recommended. GMCTA may coordinate local labs/clinicals where available; availability depends on regional partners and regulations.

Will this qualify me to take dental X-rays?

Radiography permissions vary by state and may require additional training or permits. Always verify current local requirements.

Where can I work after graduation?

General dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and pediatric practices—duties vary by employer and state rules.