Dental Assistant Programs in Hampton VA

Looking to jumpstart your career in dental assisting?

Choosing the right educational program can make all the difference.

This article highlights the top Dental Assistant Programs in Hampton VA, detailing their unique features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

Here’s a streamlined guide to finding the perfect fit for your future in dental care.

New Horizons Regional Education Centers – Dental Assistant Program

If you’re considering a career in dental assisting, the New Horizons Regional Education Centers in Hampton, VA, offer a suitable program that spans across the fall semester each year. Designed to prepare you thoroughly, this program focuses on key areas like:

• Radiation Health and Safety Certification: Prepares you for the DANB exam.
• Key Learning Areas: Dental anatomy, equipment preparation, patient preparation, and assisting during procedures.
• Certification and Licensing Requirements: Offers courses meeting state prerequisites for handling radiographic equipment.

Entry Requirements:To kickstart your journey, you will need a high school diploma. While prior experience can enhance your prospects, proper training and certification play a critical role.

Financial Assistance:Qualified students might get financial aid through the Youth Workforce grant program.

Graduates find opportunities in various dental settings and potentially move up to roles like office manager or even dentist. This program lays down a robust foundation for your dental assisting career.

Practical Dental Assisting – Dental Assisting Certification Course

At Practical Dental Assisting in Virginia Beach, VA, you’ll benefit from a certification course led by experienced teachers. This program stands out with its unique offerings, including:

• Flexible Class Schedules: Day and evening classes to suit your schedule.
• Hands-On Training: In-depth training involving dental dams and lab assistance.
• Extra Benefits: Access to top-notch facilities and potential eligibility for the GI Bill and military tuition.

With a welcoming, family-like environment and career support services, Practical Dental Assisting ensures your educational experience is engaging and fruitful, opening doors to work in professional settings.

ECPI University – Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting

ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting, a program carefully curated to arm you with essential knowledge and hands-on experience. Here’s what you can expect:

• Diverse Curriculum: Covers dental anatomy, radiography, and practice management.
• Essential Externship: A 10-week externship for real-world experience.
• Solid Preparation: Readies you for the DANB certification exam.

This 15-month, 63-credit hour program is provided solely on-campus, ensuring you receive the practical exposure you need. While specific tuition costs aren’t disclosed, ECPI emphasizes affordability and robust financial aid options, ensuring education is accessible.

Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center – Dental Assisting Program

The Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center provides a two-year Dental Assisting Program designed to propel students into various roles in dentistry. This is what makes the program effective:

• Extensive Curriculum: Teaches infection control, anatomy, preventive dentistry, and more.
• Hands-On Training: Experience in a state-of-the-art clinic.
• Certification Preparation: Prepares for exams like DANB Radiation Health & Safety.

Internships:Gain practical experience and increase job prospects in a growing market projected to see a 24.5% rise by 2022.

Graduates can expect entry-level salaries around $34,000 annually with options for further education in dental specialties.

Fortis College – Dental Assisting Program

At Fortis College in Norfolk, VA, the Dental Assisting program delivers practical training essential for a successful career. Here are the highlights:

• Comprehensive Training: In clinical and preventive dental care settings, including private practices and hospitals.
• Diploma Award: Provides necessary qualifications for entry-level positions.
• Financial and Career Support: Financial aid and lifetime graduate employment assistance.

Part of the reputable Fortis network and accredited by recognized commissions, the program ensures you’re well-prepared to enter the dental assisting field.

Conclusion

These dental assisting programs in Hampton VA offer diverse features and benefits, ensuring you’re well-equipped to pursue a fulfilling career. Evaluate each program based on your needs, career goals, and financial situation to make the best choice possible.

Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center – Dental Assisting Program

The Dental Assisting Program at the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center offers students a structured, two-year course to prepare for various roles in dentistry. The program focuses on several key areas that will shape your expertise in dental assisting:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: This includes infection control, dental anatomy, tooth morphology, and preventive dentistry.
• Practical Experience: Offers hands-on training in a state-of-the-art clinic setting, enhancing practical skills.
• Certification Preparedness: Assists in preparation for certification exams such as the DANB Radiation Health & Safety Examination.

Internships form a core part of this program, providing real-world exposure and significantly boosting job prospects. The projected 24.5% job growth by 2022 highlights the expanding opportunities in the field. Graduates can expect an average annual salary of around $34,000, with additional prospects for further education in dental specializations.

Fortis College – Dental Assisting Program

Fortis College in Norfolk, VA, is renowned for its Dental Assisting Program, designed to deliver hands-on training essential for a successful dental career. This program offers several notable features:

• Diverse Clinical Settings: Students gain experience in private practices, hospitals, and dental school clinics.
• Diploma Award: Graduates receive a diploma that qualifies them for entry-level positions in dental assisting.
• Support Services: Offers financial aid and career support, including lifetime graduate employment assistance.

As part of the respected Fortis network, with accreditation from several commissions, this program ensures that you receive high-quality education to prepare you for immediate employment in the dental field.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Assistant Program

When selecting a dental assistant program in Hampton VA, several factors can help guide your decision:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized agencies like CODA. This enhances the recognition of your credentials and assures a quality education.
2. Curriculum: Look for a well-rounded curriculum that includes courses in radiography, chairside assisting, dental materials, and dental anatomy. The program should cover both theoretical and practical aspects.
3. Duration: Consider the length of the program. Certificate programs are generally shorter but may have limited scope compared to associate degrees that take longer.
4. Hands-on Training: Practical experience is vital. Choose programs that offer externships or in-clinic training to get real-world experience.
5. Costs: Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses like materials and certification exams. Financial aid options should also be considered to ease the financial burden.
6. Career Support Services: Investigate whether the institution provides job placement services, internships, resume building, and interview preparation. These services can be crucial in securing employment post-graduation.

Taking these factors into account will help you choose a program that aligns with your career goals and financial situation. Making an informed decision can pave the way for a successful career in dental assisting.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dental assistant program in Hampton VA is a critical step towards achieving your career goals in the dental field. Each of the highlighted programs—whether it’s the comprehensive offering at New Horizons Regional Education Centers, the flexible and up-to-date course at Practical Dental Assisting, the thorough associate degree at ECPI University, the two-year detailed program at Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, or the hands-on focused training at Fortis College—offers unique features and benefits to ensure you are well-prepared for a thriving career in dental assisting.

Evaluate each program based on your personal needs, career aspirations, and financial capabilities. Making an informed choice will ensure you embark on a successful, rewarding career path in dental assisting.