What You Need To Know
Why Choose Our Program
Our program was created specifically to fill in the gaps we saw in other local dental assisting curriculums. As working professionals in the dental industry, we know what it takes to succeed as a Dental Assistant and we structured our program accordingly. We understand individuals learn best with hands on training, and that’s exactly what we offer with actual patient care during class time as well as practical, hands-on experience with the latest in dental technology. We don’t just talk about dental assisting, we do it.
HOW TO BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT & ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
The course itself lasts eight weeks. This is an accelerated dental assistant program, and it’s considered full-time. Each class will be split between lecture and hands-on clinical learning; The coursework will include (but not be limited to) dental anatomy, CPR, OSHA, HIPAA, procedural setup, microbiology, infection control, how to assist during a variety of dental procedures, record keeping, medical history gathering, proper oral hygiene, patient communication, dental impressions, rules governing dental professionals, coaching to both stand out as a candidate to be hired and also tips to grow in your position. Our goal is to give you a competitive edge within the job market by being prepared and having the knowledge to stand out.
As a requirement to graduate, each student will participate in 32 hours of externship in which the student volunteers to observe in a dental setting. The student will choose and schedule their externship sites and hours. We highly encourage individuals to rotate through various dental specialties, including oral surgery, periodontics, pedodontics, endodontics, and orthodontics. The final exam must complete these 32 hours. At Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, we take your education very seriously. The information you learn is essential to your success as a dental assistant. Therefore it is expected you attend class, be on time, dress and act professionally, and maintain an 80% or more excellent GPA within the program to graduate. We want you to have an edge on success!
After meeting the above requirements and graduating from Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, you may register with TN to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). CHANGE TO: After meeting the above requirements and graduating from Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, you will register with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
10 PERSONALITY TRAITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL DENTAL ASSISTANTS:
1. Excellent Organizational Skills – A dental office can be a bustling place with multiple things to do, where accuracy is critical, so being well organized will help you stay ahead & keep the office running smoothly. A dental office can be hectic with multiple things to do, where accuracy is critical so being well organized will help you stay ahead & keep the office running smoothly.
2. A Detail-Oriented Personality – Health, safety, and a positive patient outcome largely depend on a dental assistant’s ability to concentrate on details to sterilize, document information, and complete tasks.
3. Ability to Prioritize & Manage Multiple Tasks at Once – As a dental assistant, your duties run the gamut. You often have to prioritize which tasks are most important at which time. You will need to prioritize and balance; for example, you may juggle preparing rooms, assisting with procedures, and sterilizing equipment while helping answer phones, patient and staff questions, greeting and escorting patients, and supporting teammates with procedures- all while keeping a smooth, calm demeanor.
4. Good Dexterity & a High Energy Level – As a dental assistant, you will be picking up instruments all day and moving quickly throughout the office to complete multiple tasks, so good dexterity & having a high energy level is a must!
5. Positive and Professional Demeanor – Your attitude and presentation reflect the practice you work for, so how you present yourself will reflect on the practice as a whole. Some professional qualities are being dependable, trustworthy, punctual, well dressed and well put together, taking your position seriously, and having a positive attitude in everything you do!
6. Good Communication Skills – Good communication is vitally needed with patients to find out their wants and needs and with staff to communicate changes on the schedule to keep the office running smoothly. You must polish initiating personal conversations and phone skills to speak with patients and explain complex subjects.
7. Being a Good Listener – Patients may not always say what they need to communicate. Being able to relate to patients and understand what they want and need, especially if it is unsaid, is critical to an exceptional assistant. You must also be an excellent listener to follow instructions to help your team.
8. Compassionate Attitude – With over 60% of the population reporting anxiety going to the dentist, it takes a special person to calm them down and relax them during an appointment!
9. A Desire to Help Their Patients and Their Team – The MOST successful dental assistants take pride in doing everything they can to make their dentist and team successful during the day. This may mean helping the dentist, another assistant, the dental hygienist, or staff at the front desk at any given time to keep things running smoothly.
10. Resilience and Steadfastness –A hard work ethic and meticulousness will go a long way, but plenty of days will be challenging, despite your best efforts. There will be days when you run behind, have unhappy patients, have complex problems to solve, and more. Being resilient and steadfast will help you brush it off, let it go, and bounce back with a smile!
Have the right qualities? Now it’s time for hands-on training! Sign up for our 8-week dental assistant training today!