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 and clean sneakers required. 
  • No clothing with offensive or inappropriate language or images.
  • No open-toed or heeled shoes above ½ inch; no slippers, slides, or crocs.
  • No dangling earrings, chains, bracelets, or necklaces (close fitting jewelry is ok).
  • No loose or baggy clothing.
  • Hair must be tied back and neat.
  • No acrylic/artificial nails, or long nails. Nails must be trimmed and neutral in color or unpainted.
  • No overbearing aromas, such as smoke (tobacco or marijuana), perfumes or colognes.
Supplies: Safety glasses are required and will be provided. 

Individuals in need of assistance meeting dress code guidelines should seek support from the student services advisor. Some financial assistance may be possible. Email [email protected] for more information.

Employment Outlook:  Dental Assistant (DA), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Related Instruction towards apprenticeship
•    For more information on Dental Assisting as a career, click here.


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Click the button below to sign up for the 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

Student Support and Academic Services

  • Access to student support advisors, who can provide support through the admissions process, career advisement, and referral services 
  • Access to academic, employability, and interviewing support
  •  Access to employer networks and job opportunities

How Do I Enroll?

Admission Process
Our admissions process can be completed in three simple steps:
  1. Complete an entrance assessment,
  2. Submit required program documents, and
  3. Provide payment to secure a seat in the class.

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