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Want to become a dental assistant in Centennial, CO? The right program can set you on a path to success.
In this article, explore top-rated Dental Assistant Programs in Centennial CO, highlighting options that offer practical training, accreditation, and career support.
Whether you’re starting your career or seeking better opportunities, find the program that aligns with your goals.
Durham College – Dental Assisting Levels I and II Program
The Durham College Dental Assisting Levels I and II program offers a solid pathway for those looking to start a career in dental assisting. This one-year program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, ensuring you receive quality education aligned with industry standards.
The program emphasizes both academic and clinical training, preparing you for the Level II dental assistant role in various oral health care settings. It covers essential areas such as:
- Dental Sciences: Gain foundational knowledge in topics like oral anatomy, physiology, and dental pathology.
- Clinic Theory and Practice: Develop practical skills required for day-to-day dental assisting tasks.
- Dental Materials: Learn about the different materials used in dental procedures.
- Oral Health and Prevention: Study techniques for promoting oral health and hygiene.
- Dental Radiography: Understand how to safely and effectively take dental x-rays.
Additionally, the program includes a 96-hour field placement where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a general dental office, giving you practical exposure to real-world scenarios.
Upon completion, you can sit for the National Dental Assisting Board Exam and obtain certification from the Ontario Dental Assistants Association, enhancing your job prospects.
Visit Durham College to learn more about this program and start your dental assisting career.
Pickens Technical College – Dental Assisting Program
The Pickens Technical College Dental Assisting program is another excellent option for aspiring dental assistants. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, this program focuses on key skills and certifications required in the dental field.
You’ll benefit from a curriculum that balances 50% classroom learning with 50% practical work. The program offers:
- Chairside Assistance: Learn the skills to assist dentists during various procedures.
- X-ray Taking: Acquire the ability to take and process dental x-rays safely.
- Record-Keeping: Gain administrative skills essential for managing dental records efficiently.
- Scheduling and Patient Care: Develop proficiency in administrative tasks and providing patient care.
The program is available in both one-year full-day and 1.5-year half-day formats, allowing flexibility based on your schedule. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to earn certifications such as Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA).
The employment outlook for graduates is promising, with entry-level salaries starting at $32,000 and a median salary of $44,000. Pickens Technical College’s association with the Colorado Community College System ensures that your earned credits are well-recognized.
Find out more at Pickens Technical College and take the first step towards a rewarding career in dental assisting.
Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Program
The Concorde Career College Dental Assistant Program in Aurora, Colorado, offers an accelerated 8-month curriculum designed to equip you with essential skills and hands-on training for a successful career in dental assisting.
This program covers various aspects of dentistry, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understand the fundamental biological sciences crucial for dental practice.
- Specialty Practices: Learn about different dental specialties like orthodontics and oral surgery.
- Practical Training: Gain hands-on experience in taking x-rays, making dental impressions, and assisting during dental procedures.
An externship is a key component of the program, providing you with practical, real-world experience in settings such as private dental practices and clinics. Though externship placement and post-program employment are not guaranteed, the job market for dental assistants is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, making it a promising field to enter.
Concorde Career College also offers career planning sessions to support your job search and career development, ensuring you’re well-prepared to start your new career.
Learn more about this program by visiting Concorde Career College and take the first steps towards your goal.
These top dental assistant programs in Centennial, CO, offer a clear pathway to a fulfilling career. Each provides unique benefits and a comprehensive training experience, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the dental industry. Explore these options, and you’ll find a program that best fits your needs and career aspirations in dental assisting.
Denver Health – Dental Assistant Training and Education Program
The Denver Health Dental Assistant Training and Education Program offers a six-month comprehensive training experience for aspiring dental assistants. This program stands out for its blend of online learning, simulation labs, and clinical rotations across multiple specialized dental clinics, providing a well-rounded education.
In the Denver Health program, you’ll gain:
- 960 hours of training: Split between didactic instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations.
- Specialty Training: Hands-on experience in Pediatric Dentistry (PEDS), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), Endodontics (ENDO), Periodontics (PERIO), Orthodontics (Ortho), and Dental Implants (IMPLANTS).
- Practical Skills: Emphasis on real-world applications within the Denver Health dental clinics system.
- Final Certification: Eligibility to take the Denver Health Dental Assistant Final Exam upon successful completion.
This program provides extensive experiential learning and specialty training, ensuring you’re prepared for varied roles in dental assisting. Visit Denver Health to learn more.
Denver Dental Assistant School – Dental Assistant Program
The Denver Dental Assistant School offers a flexible and affordable 12-week Dental Assistant Program designed for those who need to balance work and studies. This program combines online lectures and in-person labs to fit diverse schedules.
You’ll benefit from:
- Hybrid Learning Model: Engage in self-paced online lectures supplemented by in-person labs held at local dental offices.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering essential skills in dental procedures, radiography, and patient care.
- Job Readiness Support: Including job readiness labs and assistance from a dedicated team of job assistance specialists.
- Affordable Tuition: Options for flexible payment plans to ensure graduates can finish the program without accruing debt.
This program’s flexibility and cost-effective approach make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a swift entry into the dental assisting field. More details can be found at Denver Dental Assistant School.
How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Program in Centennial CO
Selecting the right dental assistant program is a crucial decision that can shape your career trajectory. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating dental assistant programs in Centennial, CO:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies like the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- Hands-On Training: Programs that include clinical rotations or externships provide vital real-world experience.
- Tuition and Financial Aid: Compare costs and available financial aid options to find a program that fits your budget.
- Program Duration: Determine whether a shorter, intensive program or a longer, more in-depth program better suits your schedule and learning preferences.
- Curriculum Coverage: Ensure the curriculum teaches essential skills and includes opportunities for obtaining relevant certifications.
- Employment Support: Look for programs offering job placement services and career planning to enhance your employment prospects.
- Faculty Credentials: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty to ensure you’ll receive quality instruction.
- Reputation: Read reviews and testimonials from former students to gauge the program’s quality and effectiveness.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey as a Dental Assistant Today
Choosing the right dental assistant program in Centennial, CO, can set you on a fulfilling and promising career path. Each of these programs offers unique advantages and opportunities to gain valuable skills and practical experience. Explore these top programs to find the one that best suits your needs and career goals, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in dental assistance.
Find out more about these excellent programs today and embark on your journey to becoming a skilled dental assistant.