Dental Assistant

Great Lakes Institute of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

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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

Quarter 1

Foundations of Dental Assisting
Anatomy of the Head and Neck
Dental Terminology
Infection Control and Safety in Dentistry
Dental Office Procedures
Foundations of Dental Assistant Lab

Quarter 2

Dental Radiography
Dental Radiography Lab
Dental Patient Assessment and Care
Dental Materials
Dental Materials Lab
Career Development

Quarter 3

Dental Specialties
Dental Specialties Lab
DA Certification Review
Assisting in Restorative Dental Care
Assisting in Restorative Dental Care Lab

Quarter 4

Dental Assistant Externship

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.Learn More

Ongoing Alumni Career Services

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.

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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.

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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

“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.”

Dr. Dinesh Patel

Summit Family Dentistry

“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!”

Jessica Ahlschlager

Dental Assistant Graduate

Great Lakes By The Numbers

Over 50 Years Educating Residents of NWPA

Over 20,000 Students Educated

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.