The Dental Assisting program will thoroughly prepare each individual with the skills and tools necessary to begin their career in the dental field. The program includes a 150-hour externship opportunity, which can be completed at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry or surrounding dental businesses. The program is designed to provide the clinical and administrative skills needed to enter the dental field or become a Certified Dental Assistant.

Dental Training
Students will complete the dental assisting program in nine (9) months. During the program, students will study dental anatomy, preventative dentistry, radiology, and more. Our goal is to challenge each student to be the most well-rounded candidate possible.

The Dental Assisting program prepares students to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Exam offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT) as well as the Dental Assistant Radiographer exam through the Ohio State Dental Board.

Planning a Career in Dentistry 
A career as a dental assistant comes with some unexpected benefits. The versatile work environment will be filled with new challenges on a daily basis, including maintaining patient records and assisting the dentist during procedures and examinations. This keeps every day interesting and continues the education process while working with dentists, surgeons, and other professionals. In combination with hands-on learning, the rewarding feeling of helping others is an advantage that keeps employees motivated. Furthermore, this role is often the start of a lengthy career that includes promotions and job growth. 

Explore the application process to find out how to get started on your next career path. 

• Age 18 or older

• High School Diploma or GED

• Background Check

Immunizations
Students must provide proof of the following immunizations at their enrollment appointment: 

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) - must have received 2 vaccines 

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Tetanus or Tdap - vaccine must not be older than 10 years or expire during enrollment

• Hepatitis B: provide proof of a 3-shot vaccination series or titer test indicating immunity

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
Students must receive a 1-Step Mantoux Tuberculin skin test. The injection and reading must be documented by the healthcare professional providing the service. If you have tested positive in the past, a chest x-ray needs to be completed with negative results documented by the healthcare professional providing the service. 

ALL TB screening documentation must be submitted to Student Services prior to attending new student orientation.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
Students must receive the flu shot and provide proof of the immunization to Student Services by the instructor-provided deadline. This should be completed no earlier than the Fall of the same enrollment year so as to receive the newest available vaccination. 

Students will have an appointment scheduled to complete the WorkKeys® Assessment upon submission of the Adult Learner Registration Form and a $50 non-refundable registration fee. Learn more about how the ACT® WorkKeys® Assessment can work for you.