Dental Assistant Program Overview
The Dental Assistant program is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for a successful career as a Dental Assistant within the healthcare community. The program prepares students to work in both clinical and administrative areas of dental offices.
Gain the knowledge and hands-on practice needed to work alongside dentists in delivering care to patients. You’ll get the opportunity to prepare tray setups and work with dental instruments and materials. You’ll learn the basics of x-ray filming, oral healthcare, dental lab techniques, and other chairside assisting techniques.
Students will also obtain the skills needed to work in an administrative capacity within the dental office.
The program concludes with an externship to a local dental facility to provide real-world working experience.
Course Listing
What You’ll Learn
Experienced Instructors
All the instructors at Great Lakes have years of experience working in the field. In fact many instructors continue to work in the field while also teaching at Great Lakes.
Lifetime Job Placement Assistance
We offer job placement assistance to all graduates, regardless of when they graduated. If you find yourself out of work years down the road, feel free contact our Career Services department for assistance.
Nationally Accredited School
Great Lakes is nationally accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. In 2017, the last year eligible, Great Lakes was named a School of Excellence by ACCSC for rigorous adherence to their educational standards.
Dental Assistant Job Placement Sites
Below is a list of recent job placement sites that graduates of the Dental Assistant program found employment.
Certification Opportunities
Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam
The certification exam offered to the Dental Assistant students is the Radiation Health and Safety and Infection control exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Certification is not a graduation requirement; however, in order for a Dental Assistant to take x-rays in Pennsylvania, the graduate must pass this exam.
Infection Control (ICE) Exam
The certification exam offered to the Dental Assistant students is the Infection Control exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Certification is not a graduation requirement.
Graduate & Employer Testimonials
Dr. Dinesh Patel
Summit Family Dentistry
“I am pleased with the Dental Assistants I have hired. Besides the doctors and our hygienist, every member of my staff is a Great Lakes graduate! I have found that the students are professional, have beyond the basic skill set and are ready eager to work.”
Jessica Ahlschlager
Dental Assistant Graduate
“What I liked about the Great Lakes was the small class sizes, all the hands-on experience, the wonderful teachers, and the memories and life-long friendships that I have made!”
Great Lakes By The Numbers
Financial Aid Available
We understand that furthering your education in pursuit of a new career is a costly investment. Great Lakes offers financial aid to those that qualify. Our dedicated financial aid advisors will cover all funding options with you, including grants, scholarships, state, and federal aid.
