Program Information (118 Hours)
The Contemporary Dental Academy (CDA) offers an Education that is more Unique than any other Program. CDA will educate the aspiring Dental Assistant in Advanced Dental Assisting Techniques more than any other Program available today. CDA boasts that the curriculum will better prepare the student for the ever-changing dental field and instill the confidence needed to become a tremendous addition to any dental office. How does CDA achieve this?
1) The Course Director, Dr. Trent W. Smallwood, is a world renowned Comprehensive Aesthetic Dentist and Speaker and has been voted as one of the World’s TOP Speakers from Dentistry Today for the last 3 years. He has an energetic and passionate approach to dentistry and his teaching and mentoring will inspire the student to achieve their highest Potential.
2) CDA offers more Hands-on training than ANY other Program in Dental Assisting out there today. Along with the didactic and direct Hands-on portion, the student will graduate from the school with an instilled confidence based on thorough understanding and induced experience generated by their CDA education. The Dental Assistant will emerge with years of experience condensed into the 12 weeks plus externship curriculum.
3) CDA’s concentration is on what is relevant and current in the dental industry today. The Program will prepare the student for all types of practices but will teach progressive as well as mainstream dental techniques so that the student will be prepared to enter the dental field and become a value add to any practice they become employed with.
Preparation of the Student to be Well Versed in Contemporary Dental Concepts
Dentistry today has evolved tremendously and most Programs fall very short in their curriculum in preparing dental assisting students. There are so many contemporary dental procedures and concepts available today and most dental offices are utilizing many of these concepts, leaving many Dental Assistants short in their education and expertise. Contemporary Dental Academy prepares the student for a rewarding and state of the art education. Our graduates are very well versed and trained in the areas of contemporary dental procedures and concepts. The knowledge base that will be instilled will rival assistants that have been in the field for 10-15 years.
X-Ray Certification Preparation
Dental Assistants are required to be well versed and educated in the area of dental radiographs and is a primary requirement by employers. The Student will be well educated and fully understand the requirements needed to pass the Certification test, adding to the value that skill will bring to the dental office. The DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) will proctor the exam and the student will be prepared in terminology, hands-on and didactic elements surrounding the dental x-ray.
Unique Hands-on Element of the Assisting Environment
Most schools are grossly underutilizing the use of hands-on portion of dental understanding, application and implementation of the skills taught. Here at CDA we feel that hands-on will prepare the student far better than a simple lecture room setting. One cannot apply the knowledge and skills learned without extensive hands-on, direct clinical application, and constant reinforcement of the actual dental procedures performed by the Dental Assistant and doctor. The Student will get direct hands-on with simulation, direct hands-on with actual patient interaction and lastly, direct involvement with extensive quality driven over-the-shoulder observation of a seasoned Dental Assistant that works closely with Dr. Smallwood. This portion of the program will be the primary anchor and will include:
1) Chairside elements to assisting that will make the student excel and unlock the potential that the individual possesses. The role of the Dental Assistant is vitally important as the assistant will be involved with equipment care, sterilization, coordinating instrument transfer to the doctor, radiology, and understanding the procedures performed most often in dentistry such as root canals, crowns, fillings, extractions etc.
2) Hands-on portion using models, stone casts, simulated patients, real patients, dental materials, impression materials, etc. to better prepare the Dental Assistant student for ‘real life’ experiences.
3) Thorough externship that will include real world experiences in a busy dental office and working with real patients to solidify the foundation set forth by the program.
Extensive Education in Area of Dental Software Management
Software utilization is very important in today’s practice for scheduling patients, inputting dental procedures, and notes related to the procedure. Dentrix is used by over 80% of the dental offices Nationwide and utilizes the best that dentistry has to offer. Potential employers look for this skill as a significant plus when hiring, and the Program will make you proficient.
Occupational Placement
Dental Assistants are in great demand but our program will help in placing the student into an office that will suit their desires and location. We have a large pool of doctors that are constantly in need and have had tremendous success in aiding the new Dental Assistant into an office to further develop their skills and become an instrumental part of the dental office.