Dental Assistant Programs in Thornton CO

Looking to jumpstart a career in dental assisting? Finding the right training is crucial.

This guide to the top Dental Assistant Programs in Thornton CO highlights leading schools and what they offer, from hands-on training to flexible schedules.

Gain the insights you need to choose a program that fits your goals and gets you job-ready.

Denver Dental Assistant School – Dental Assisting Program

Denver Dental Assistant School offers a 12-week program in Lakewood, CO, designed for essential dental assisting tasks. The blended learning format combines in-person labs with self-paced online lectures, providing flexibility for working students.

Key Features:

• Affordable Tuition: Low-cost tuition and flexible payment plans help students graduate debt-free.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers dental anatomy, radiography, office management, and more.
• Hands-On Labs: Weekly on-site labs in a local dental office provide real-world experience.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple locations and weekend class options cater to busy students.
• Expert Instructors: Courses led by experienced dental professionals ensure quality education.
• Career Support: Dedicated job assistance specialists and job readiness labs aid students in entering the workforce.

This program balances affordability, flexible scheduling, and a thorough curriculum, positioning students for success in the dental assisting field.

Pickens Technical College – Dental Assisting Program

Another excellent choice is the Dental Assisting program at Pickens Technical College. This program emphasizes critical dental assisting skills, both practical and administrative.

Key Features:

• Hands-On Training: Students gain experience in a simulated dental environment and off-site clinical assignments.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring high educational standards.
• Flexible Duration: Offers a full-day one-year program or a half-day one-and-a-half-year program.
• Certifications: Prepares for CPR, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), and Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certifications.
• Experienced Faculty: Led by professionals like Dr. Charles Lee and Heidi Heath, ensuring comprehensive training.

The program’s integration of real-world experience and strong faculty makes it a standout choice for future dental assistants.

Pima Medical Institute – Dental Assistant Program

Pima Medical Institute’s Dental Assistant Program in Denver provides rigorous training combining theoretical and practical coursework.

Key Features:

• Hands-On Experience: Real-world lab settings offer opportunities to put learning into practice.
• Comprehensive Topics: Subjects include dental anatomy, chairside assisting, infection control, and office management.
• Flexible Scheduling: Day, evening, and weekend classes are available.
• Certification Preparation: Graduates are prepared for the DANB certification exams.
• Career Services: Career services and job placement assistance ensure job readiness.

Pima Medical Institute supports students with strong instructional methods and ample career assistance to ensure successful entry into the dental assisting profession.

Taking the next steps toward your career in dental assisting starts with choosing the right program. Each of these schools offers unique benefits catered to your needs, whether it be hands-on experience, flexible scheduling, or comprehensive support. With these formidable options in Thornton, CO, your path to becoming a skilled dental assistant is within reach.

Emily Griffith Technical College – Dental Assisting Program

Emily Griffith Technical College in Thornton, CO, empowers aspiring dental assistants through a well-rounded education comprising classroom learning and a 300-hour clinical internship.

Key Features:

• Hands-On Experience: Real-world tasks, including chair-side procedures, radiographs, patient education, infection control, and lab duties.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Topics include dental terminology, infection control, dental practices and materials, medical emergencies, radiography, and office management.
• Career Outcomes: Opens paths to roles like chairside dental assistant, front office manager, lab tech assistant, insurance agent, and supply representative.
• Cost and Aid: The program costs approximately $8,699, and financial aid is available through Care Forward Colorado.
• Program Duration: Spans 18 months, offering classes two days a week to suit varying schedules.
• Admission Requirements: Must be 18+, pass a background check and drug test, possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) card, and meet vaccination requirements.

Emily Griffith Technical College stands out for its robust clinical internship and thorough dental assisting education, ensuring graduates are prepared for various career opportunities in the dental field.

Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Program

Concorde Career College in Thornton, CO, offers a focused program that can be completed in as few as 8 months, making it an excellent choice for those eager to enter the dental field quickly.

Key Features:

• Essential Curriculum: Covers anatomy, dental specialties, materials, patient management, diagnostics, radiology, and infection control.
• Practical Training: Includes an externship providing real-world experience in professional dental settings.
• Patient Care Focus: Training to assist in exams, manage appointments, take x-rays, and maintain records, preparing students for the day-to-day responsibilities of dental assistants.
• Job Prospects: High demand for dental assistants, with job growth projected at 7% from 2022 to 2032.
• Financial Support: Eligible students can access financial aid and scholarships, with college guidance through the financial aid process.
• Certification Awareness: Although externship placements and employment outcomes are not guaranteed, the program prepares students for various certification exams, contingent on external agency eligibility.

Enrolling in Concorde Career College equips you with the necessary skills and practical experience to thrive in a dental assistant career in a short time.

What to Consider When Choosing a Dental Assistant Program

Selecting the right dental assistant program in Thornton, CO, involves examining several critical aspects:

1. Accreditation:
2. Curriculum:
3. Hands-On Experience:
4. Faculty Expertise:
5. Job Placement and Career Support:
6. Financial Considerations:
7. Program Duration and Flexibility:

By evaluating these factors, you can select a program that aligns with your career aspirations and educational needs.

Conclusion: Begin Your Dental Assisting Career Today

Starting a career in dental assisting begins with choosing the right educational program. Assess your options by considering curriculum content, practical training, faculty expertise, career support, cost, and scheduling flexibility.

Taking these steps will help you find a dental assistant program in Thornton, CO, that fits your goals. Embark on your journey towards a fulfilling and dynamic career in dental assisting today.