Not in Concord? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Cary, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, High Point, Raleigh, Wilmington, Winston-Salem, and across North Carolina.
Looking to jumpstart your career in dental care?
Choosing the right Dental Assistant Program in Concord, NC is your first step.
This article reviews top programs, comparing their course details, hands-on training opportunities, and job placement rates.
Find out which option best fits your career goals and helps you quickly enter this rewarding field.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers a standout Dental Assisting Program in Concord, NC. The program prepares you to become an integral part of any dental team. Here’s why this program should be on your radar:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), ensuring it meets the highest educational standards.
- Curriculum: You will study a blend of general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, and clinical sciences. Courses cover infection control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.
- Hands-On Training: The program includes both laboratory and clinical experiences, providing you with real-world skills.
- Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants.
- Job Placement: Over 75 percent of program graduates find employment shortly after graduation. The demand for dental assistants in North Carolina is projected to grow by 21 percent from 2018 to 2028.
With the average salary for Dental Assistants in North Carolina around $44,920 as of May 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this program offers a strong foundation for a rewarding career.
Central Piedmont Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Central Piedmont Community College provides a robust dental assisting program in Concord, NC, comprised of three semesters over 48 credit hours. This program is designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for a successful career in dental assisting.
Key Features:
- Accreditation: Accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Hands-On Learning: The program includes substantial clinical experience where you practice in real dental office settings.
- Curriculum: The curriculum covers administrative and clinical duties such as obtaining dental records, assisting in dental treatments, sterilizing instruments, and providing oral health instructions.
- Certification: Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take three Dental Assisting National Board exams for certification.
- Additional Costs: Apart from tuition and fees, expect costs for lab fees, textbooks, workbooks, medical exams, and drug screenings.
Graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in the dental field. The program is designed to ensure you are ready to meet the varied demands of dental practice.
Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Program
If you’re looking for an accelerated route to becoming a dental assistant, Concorde Career College offers a Dental Assistant Program that can be completed in as little as eight months. Here’s why it’s a great pick:
- Length: The program can be completed within 8 months, allowing you to start your career quickly.
- Curriculum: The course covers an array of dental care and front office operations, including anatomy, physiology, dental specialties, materials, procedures, patient care and management, and diagnostic processes.
- Clinical Experience: Gain hands-on experience with real patients through off-site clinical training.
- Accreditation and Approval: Approved by the Florida State Board of Dentistry and the Dental Board of Tennessee.
- Job Outlook: The dental assisting field is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, showcasing a promising job market.
Concorde emphasizes practical training with real-world applications to adequately prepare you for employment in various dental assistant roles, ranging from chairside assistance to office management.
Explore those detailed Dental Assistant Programs in Concord NC and find the one that best suits your career aspirations and schedule. Get ready to embark on an engaging and successful career in dental care.
Charlotte Dental Assistant School – 12-Week Dental Assistant Program
Charlotte Dental Assistant School offers a 12-week Dental Assistant Program that is both affordable and flexible. This program is designed to help you become a dental assistant without incurring significant debt.
Why Choose This Program:
- Hybrid Learning Model: Comprises weekly in-person labs at a local dental office and self-paced online lectures. This structure combines hands-on training with the convenience of online study.
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from professionals with real-world experience in the dental field, using a proven curriculum that covers essential skills needed to succeed.
- Affordable Tuition: The program offers flexible payment plans, enabling you to graduate debt-free.
- Job Readiness Labs: These labs prepare you for job interviews and placements. Specialists provide assistance to help secure employment post-graduation.
- Flexible Schedule: Classes and lab times are available, including weekends, to accommodate various schedules.
Opt for Charlotte Dental Assistant School if you seek a program that balances flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive training.
Nursing Process – Dental Assistant Programs in NC
Nursing Process offers a program with two classifications: Dental Assistant I and II. The first allows you to perform basic supportive procedures under a dentist’s supervision. Achieving Dental Assistant II status requires graduation from an accredited program.
Program Highlights:
- Length: Lasts 12 months and focuses on developing technical, clinical, and administrative skills.
- Curriculum: Includes general education, biomedical and dental sciences, and clinical courses aimed at ensuring you gain comprehensive dental assisting skills.
- Hands-On Training: Combines classwork, lab training, and clinical experiences. An internship in a local dental office is included.
- Professional Development: Encourages community service and participation in professional organizations.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue various specializations such as general and pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
This program’s comprehensive training and strong focus on professional development make it a solid choice for those aiming for diversified career opportunities in dental assisting.
How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Program in Concord NC
Selecting the best Dental Assistant Program can impact your career success. Here are key factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body like CODA. This guarantees the program meets industry standards and prepares you for certification exams.
- Program Length: Options range from quick, 12-week courses to longer programs lasting up to a year. Choose one that fits your timeline and learning preferences.
- Curriculum: A mix of general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, and clinical practice is essential. The program should include hands-on training to develop practical skills.
- Hands-On Training: Real-world experience is crucial for skill development. Look for programs offering clinical practicums, internships, or laboratory work within dental offices.
- Tuition and Fees: Examine the cost, including tuition, lab fees, textbooks, and additional costs like medical exams. Consider financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans.
- Job Placement Rates: Research the job placement success of graduates and the support services offered for job searches and career development.
By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can select a program that aligns with your career goals and financial situation, ensuring a robust start to your career in dental assisting.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Dental Assistant Program in Concord, NC is a significant step toward a rewarding career in dental care. Programs like those at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, Concorde Career College, Charlotte Dental Assistant School, and Nursing Process offer a variety of educational paths to fit your needs. Ensure the program you choose provides the right mix of comprehensive education, hands-on training, and strong job placement support.
Embark on your educational journey today to become a valued member of the dental care community.