Clinical Dental Assistant Certification Training
Prepare for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam Online
This online Clinical Dental Assistant certification training will equip you for career success—with no previous experience necessary. You will learn every aspect of professional dental assisting, including real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants.
Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and more.
You will also explore maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software. Upon completion, you will be prepared to pursue certification by passing the radiology, infection control, and anatomy and physiology portions of the Dental Assisting National Board (NELDA or CDA) examinations.
Students may participate in ed2go’s optional Clinical Experience support program. You must be at least 80% complete in the course before becoming eligible to contact the Clinical Experience Team. Once clinical hours are completed, you will be prepared for the general dental assistant certification exam.
Job Outlook for Clinical Dental Assistants
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a dental assistant was $46,540 as of May 2023, with the highest 10% earning over $61,060 annually.
Employment is projected to grow by 7% through 2032, which is faster than average. Approximately 55,100 job openings are projected over this period.
Clinical Dental Assistant FAQs
What Is a Clinical Dental Assistant?
Duties vary by dental office and state but typically include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, instructing patients on oral hygiene, assisting during procedures, maintaining records, scheduling appointments, and processing radiographs (x-rays).
How Long Does It Take to Become a Clinical Dental Assistant?
Most programs can be completed in one year or less. This does not include required clinical experience or the two years of work experience needed to become certified.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Certified Dental Assistant?
Candidates must pass the Radiation Health and Safety, Infection Control, and General Chairside Assisting components of the DANB Certification Exam and complete at least 3,500 hours of work experience.
What Kind of Hours Do Clinical Dental Assistants Work?
Most dental assistants work full-time schedules, though part-time roles are available. Hours are typically daytime, with some evening or weekend shifts depending on the practice.
Where Do Clinical Dental Assistants Work?
Most work in dental offices under dentist supervision. Some may work in government or medical offices. The role involves standing for extended periods and using protective equipment to prevent infection.
Clinical vs. Administrative Dental Assistant
Administrative dental assistants focus on clerical tasks such as scheduling and records management. Clinical dental assistants support dentists and hygienists directly during treatment, sterilize equipment, chart patients, and take radiographs.
Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists have a broader scope of practice and additional education. Dental assistants play a vital supporting role and face fewer entry barriers, making this an excellent career starting point.
Course Objectives
- Describe dental team roles and twelve dental specialties
- Define legal and ethical practices, including HIPAA compliance
- Explain deciduous and permanent dentition and dental anatomy
- Describe infection control, OSHA regulations, and transmission routes
- Summarize pharmacology, nutrition, and emergency response roles
- Prepare and maintain dental instruments and equipment
- Create and manage patient records and dental charts
- Identify restorations and disease for treatment planning
- Set up anesthesia and sedation equipment
- Explain preventive clinical methods
- Produce high-quality traditional and digital radiographs
- Use dental materials effectively
- Support pediatric, orthodontic, endodontic, prosthodontic, and cosmetic dentistry
- Explain business and communication needs of dental practices
- Develop transferable skills and a professional résumé
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for national certification exams.
Clinical Dental Assistant Experience
Students may apply for ed2go’s optional Clinical Experience support program after completing at least 80% of the course. Clinical experiences require background checks, drug screening, CPR certification, proof of vaccinations, liability insurance, and a completed application package. Placement is not guaranteed.
NELDA, CDA, and DANB are trademarks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. This course is not reviewed or endorsed by DANB.
Participation in the clinical experience application process does not guarantee placement. Availability may be affected by COVID-related policies and host site capacity.
Voucher Information
Upon successful completion, students receive exam vouchers for the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exams.
These meet all NELDA exam requirements and 2 of 3 CDA exam requirements. The General Chairside Assisting exam is not included.
Instructor
Priscilla Garcia
Priscilla Garcia, RDA, CPP, has over 20 years of dental industry experience. She began her career as a chair-side dental assistant in 2002 and later transitioned into education, teaching and managing dental assisting programs at Collin College.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
