Wondering what you will learn when you register for dental assistant training? Here is a quick overview of the skills you will gain during your 13 weeks at the American Institute of Dental Assisting. Our course is designed to ensure you meet the requirements for employment in the State of Colorado.
#1 Radiology Health and Safety Exam Preparation
All dental assistants must take and pass the Radiology Health and Safety Exam. This is a 60-minute, 80 question exam. The exam tests measure how well you understand how to process x-rays in a manner that ensures the safety of yourself, your patient, and everyone in your practice. This includes infection control for all x-ray equipment.
Our course does more than just walk you through quality assurance, but also provides you with supervised hands-on practice in a live dental clinic. This resolves your radiology areas of opportunity before you begin your first job. We train in both analog and digital x-rays.
#2 Infection Control Exam Preparation
The other exam we will prepare you for is the Infection Control Exam (ICE). This is a 75-minute, 100 question exam.
One of your primary roles as a dental assistant is managing your practice’s infection control program. Infection control has always been the dental assistant’s responsibility, but dental assistants were crucial for keeping practices up and running during the pandemic.
Our course teaches you everything you need to know about hygiene, sterilization, and cross-contamination. This will ensure safe dental care for every patient you serve. Again, we don’t just teach you the best practices, but we provide you with supervised hands-on practice.
#3 Tools, Terminology, and Technology
As with any new career, you have a variety of new terms you will need to comprehend, tools you will need to master, and technology you will need to learn how to use. You will practice using tools and technology in both a classroom setting, and while assisting a dentist and hygienist during your hands-on training.
Your education will minimize your in-house training once hired, which makes your application stand out.
#4 Dental Software
You will be required to complete a variety of administrative tasks, such as making notes in patient files. Your training includes completing the most common administrative tasks.
Most dental offices utilize HIPPA-compliant dental software. We ensure you are proficient in your new industry-specific software, giving you one less thing to learn once you are employed. You will also learn how to file and organize paper files in case the office you are hired in doesn’t utilize dental software.
Again, you will be practicing with real patients.
#5 Best Practices
Dental practices are fast-paced environments. You will need to learn to multitask, without compromising safety or patient comfort. We talk you through a variety of common daily circumstances and share best practices to ensure a positive outcome.
While technical job skills are essential, soft skills can’t be underestimated. We optimize your natural soft skills by teaching you how to stay organized, proactive, and communicative. We also help you to further develop your critical thinking skills.
Ready to Learn More?
Our course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to ensure your application stands out and that you are confident and prepared for success once you are hired.
If you would like to learn more about a career as a dental assistant, read through a few more of our blog posts. Or reach out to us directly to schedule a tour where we will answer all of your questions.
And yes, we have evening and weekend classes so that you can continue to work during the day.