The Dental Assistant Certificate Program at CHCP provides a 36-week blended learning experience designed to prepare students for a career in dental assisting. Combining online and in-person classes, this program covers both clinical skills and administrative knowledge, enabling students to perform essential dental assisting tasks and gain real-world experience through an externship.
Key Program Details
- Duration: 9 monhts
- Tuition: $17,100 (includes books, fees, and supplies)
- Schedule: Flexible, with day and evening classes
- Learning Format: Blended (online theory + in-person clinical training)
- Location: Dallas, TX campus
Curriculum and Core Skills
CHCP’s Dental Assistant Certificate Program focuses on developing a broad skill set to prepare students for both the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam and entry-level positions. Here’s what you’ll learn:
Foundational Knowledge
- Introduction to Dentistry: Basics of dental office management, ethics, and patient communication.
- Anatomy & Physiology: Emphasis on head, neck, and dental anatomy.
- Medical Terminology: Essential terms for effective communication and documentation.
Clinical Training
- Radiography: Learn to handle X-ray equipment, produce quality images, and understand radiographic interpretation.
- Dental Procedures: Hands-on experience with restorative techniques, preventive dentistry, and infection control.
- Infection Control: Training on sterilization, sanitation, and safety protocols.
- Externship: Gain real-world experience in a local dental office, applying classroom knowledge to patient care.
Specialized Dental Topics
- Advanced Modules: Study topics like orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery to gain insights into specialized areas.
- Patient Care and Administration: Skills for patient intake, scheduling, and using dental software.
Flexibility and Learning Format
One of CHCP’s standout features is its blended learning format, which combines online coursework with in-person training. This approach is ideal for students balancing other commitments and allows them to complete theory-based modules at their own pace while gaining hands-on experience during in-person labs.
- Online Components: Theory-based coursework on subjects like anatomy, dental terminology, and infection control.
- In-Person Classes: Weekly sessions at CHCP’s Dallas campus, providing access to state-of-the-art dental labs.
Certification and Career Support
After completing the program, students are prepared to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam, a credential recognized across Texas. This certification is essential for many dental assistant positions and enhances employability.
Career Services
CHCP supports its graduates with:
- Resume writing and job search assistance
- Interview coaching to improve confidence and performance
- Access to CHCP’s healthcare network in Dallas-Fort Worth for job placement opportunities
Financial Support Options
To make the program more accessible, CHCP offers financial aid and payment plans to those who qualify:
- Financial Aid: Students may apply for federal financial aid or private loans.
- Payment Plans: Flexible payment options are available, with guidance provided by CHCP’s financial aid advisors.
Unique Program Benefits
CHCP offers a unique opportunity for students who may want to continue their education after completing the Dental Assistant Certificate Program:
- Credit Transfer Options: Credits earned in the Dental Assistant Program can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health and Medical Administrative Services. This pathway allows students to broaden their skills and explore management roles in healthcare.
Reasons to Consider the College of Health Care Professions
CHCP’s Dental Assistant Certificate Program is a great choice for those seeking a flexible, hands-on learning experience with career-focused support. With the ability to balance online and in-person training, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a short time frame. The program’s career services, financial aid options, and credit transfer opportunities add extra value, though the tuition cost may be high for some.
This program is ideal for individuals looking for an accelerated entry into dental assisting with a reputable institution offering comprehensive career preparation and pathways to further education in healthcare.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | $17,100 (includes tuition, books, fees, and supplies) |
| Program Duration | 9 months |
| Class Schedules | Day and evening classes; online and in-person components available |
| Classes Offered | Dental Assistant Certificate Program |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or GED, Scholastic Level Exam score of 10 (13 for online program), proficiency in English |
| Online Classes? | Yes, blended format with online theory and in-person labs |
| Job Placement? | Yes, job placement assistance is provided |
| Financial Aid Options | Financial aid and payment plans available for those who qualify |
| Location | 8585 N Stemmons Fwy suite n-300, Dallas, TX 75247 |
| Phone | (469) 299-8974 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.chcp.edu/degrees-certificates/on-campus/dental-assistant-program/ |
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