Dental Office Assisting Fundamentals

Dental Office Assistants Are in High Demand

This part-time Dental Office Assisting program prepares you for a career in the Dental industry in only 18 weeks. Using the "learn while you earn" model, our evening class allows you to work while you're taking classes. In this class, you will gain the fundamental skills of dental office work including room set up, sterilization, and patient care. This program is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the dental industry, for those considering a career change, or those currently working in an entry-level position and ready to expand their skills in the dental industry. Four hours of online work are expected weekly. 

Program Information

  • Prerequisites: 
    • High school diploma or equivalency, 
    • successful completion of TABE entrance assessment, 
    • access to internet-enabled device for completion of remote work, laptop or Chromebook recommended. Computers at CWD are available for students on select days and evenings.
  • Note: In order to comply with NYSDOH vaccine mandates for healthcare institutions, employers may require vaccinations. It is the student's responsibility to know their potential employers' requirements.
  • Tuition: $2,895 
  • Program Length: 108 hours in person instruction + 72 hours online asynchronous = 180 hours, 18weeks
  • Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. plus 4 hrs. of remote work per week (Computers at CWD are available for students on select days and evenings.)
  • Program Dates: 
    • Fall: 9/10/2024 - 1/28/2025
    • Spring: 2/11/2025 - 6/24/2025
  • Location: BOCES 2 Career & Technical Education Center (WEMOCO) 3589 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, NY 14559 
  • Dress Code:  Black scrubs required. Clean sneakers. No open toed shoes or crocs. No dangling earrings, no chains, bracelets, or necklaces. No acrylic nails, or long nails. Nails can be of neutral or unpainted nails. Hair tied back and neat. No overbearing aromas, such as smoke (tobacco or marijuana), perfumes or colognes. Safety goggles are provided and required.
    • Individuals in need of assistance meeting dress code guidelines should seek support from their advisor. Some financial assistance may be possible.

Complete a contact card to connect with an advisor, learn more about the program, and get a link to register for an entrance assessment

Dental Office Assisting Career Services

CWD Expectations Regarding Employment
CWD will use its network of employers to help facilitate employment while enrolled in the program if the adult learner chooses to be employed while simultaneously attending class. CWD will refer the adult learner to dental offices in our network to explore opportunities. CWD cannot make specific guarantees of employment. CWD is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, and any and all other aspects of employment.

Adult Learner Expectations Regarding Employment

Adult Learners are expected to:
•    Comply with all health and safety guidelines and abide by the employer’s rules, regulations, and safety standards set by the employer.
•    Demonstrate accountability and responsibility by notifying the employer and the CWD Instructor in advance of any absences or changes in status.
•    Provide own means of transportation to and from their employer.
•    Understand that as an employee the adult learner is a student in the CWD Dental Assisting Program and should conduct themselves appropriately.

What Will I Learn?

Safety
  • Infection Control
  • All Applicable OSHA Regulations, Standards and Rules
  • First Aid and CPR (6.5 hours)
  • Equipment Safety Operating Practices
  • Occupational Health and Safety Techniques following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Trade Theory and Science
  • Blood Borne Path
  • Infection Control
  • Sterilization
  • Dental Terminology
  • Dental Instrumentation
  • Patient Communications Skills
  • Basic Dental Anatomy (teeth and tissues)
  • Dental Radiography Imaging
  • Clinical Procedures, materials, and equipment

How Do I Enroll?

Admission Procedures
When you are ready to apply, registration for Career Training Programs requires successful completion of the entrance assessment, and satisfactory arrangement of payment of tuition. An automated email confirming registration will be sent to your email. The entire admission process must be completed before enrollment is confirmed.
  1. Complete a contact card and register for an Entrance Assessment: Once you submit the contact card, you'll receive an email (check your spam!). Use the link in the email to complete your application and register for an Entrance Assessment.
  2. Complete an entrance assessment to determine your program eligibility. Your score on the assessment helps determine the level of support you may need to be successful in the program.
  3. Submit program-specific requirements via portal upload, email, fax, or hand delivery: high school diploma or equivalency
  4. Secure funding. Your payment options include:
    • Self-pay
    • Employer pay
    • Tuition assistance options available for those who meet eligibility requirements
    • Tuition Assistance options for this program include:
      • Funding grants available through RochesterWorks! for eligible applicants:
      • Click here for RochesterWorks Services for Adults
      • To be considered for RochesterWorks Grant Funding, you must apply:
        • Fall: 6/12/24 - 7/30/24
        • Spring: 11/13/24 - 12/31/24
      • Other options may be available on a class-by-class basis. If you are looking for more information, please reach out to us at 585-349-9100.

Get Started Today!

Complete a contact card to connect with an advisor, ask any questions you may have, learn more about the program, and subscribe for future communications