Dental Office Assistant Training Curriculum

In this course, you’ll examine the goals and values of Ashworth College, time management, creating a realistic weekly and monthly study schedule, the nature and purpose of assessments, how to study effectively to prepare for and take an online examination, and developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner.

This course introduces you to healthcare and the roles in that industry, including dentistry, dental assisting, and being a part of the dental team. You’ll learn some of the history of dentistry and read about the origins of inventions and the predecessors of modern equipment. You’ll also learn to identify the members of the dental team and their duties. The different types of dental offices and their separate areas will be described. The professional qualifications and responsibilities of a dental assistant will be addressed, along with a look at how licensure is managed.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Describe the United States healthcare industry and the professional roles within it.
• Identify the pioneers of modern dentistry and career opportunities.
• Recognize members of the dental health team and their offices.

In this course, you’ll analyze varying dental terminology, including the oral cavity, dental anatomy, and tooth morphology. You’ll learn how dental charts are created and read. You’ll also review preventative dentistry and how nutrition impacts it.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify terminology and anatomy in dentistry.
• Analyze cavities and how to chart.
• Identify the importance of preventative dentistry and how nutrition affects it.
• Analyze dental law and ethics in the dental office.

This course examines how law affects medical and dental offices, the origin of law that affects all medical professionals, the basics of the process of litigation and its alternatives, the common-law basis for the confidentiality of health care information, and the laws regulating health care information collected and maintained by government agencies. You’ll also learn about OSHA regulations and how they’re applied in the dental office.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Interpret civil and criminal laws related to healthcare.
• Assess ethical issues healthcare professionals face today.
• Analyze confidentiality laws and regulations.
• Identify the importance of preventative dentistry and how nutrition affects it.
• Analyze dental law and ethics in the dental office.
• Define OSHA regulations and how they’re applied in the dental office.

In this course, you’ll learn about disease transmission, pathology, and dental emergencies. You’ll also learn how to control infection in dentistry.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze disease transmission, pathology, and dental emergencies.
• Describe how to control infection in dentistry.

In this course, you’ll learn about endodontics and periodontics, the field of dentistry that deals with the tissues that surround the teeth. You’ll be introduced to the specialties of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics and the specialties of prosthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain conditions, diagnosis, instruments, and various procedures involved with endodontic and periodontal dentistry.
• Discuss various procedures, conditions, and treatments in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
• Discuss procedures performed in a prosthodontic office and procedures for oral and maxillofacial surgeries.

In this course, you’ll learn professional communication skills such as interpersonal communication, the eight levels of relating to others, conflict resolution, and how to greet patients. You’ll learn the reimbursement process and the various methodologies involved, such as fee-for-service and episode-of-care methodologies. The course also covers important information regarding payment systems, fee schedules, charge masters, coding, and the internal audit process. This course will also discuss how to maintain the reception area and professional skills needed for business administration for the dental assistant.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze professional communication skills.
• Discuss various reimbursement methodologies and payment systems.
• Define health insurance.
• Discuss professional skills needed by a dental assistant for business administration of a dental office.

In this course, you’ll learn how to use appointment modules, account modules, chart and image modules, and how to manage employee information. You’ll learn the importance of maintaining a professional appearance and continuing professional development. This course also provides information on how to search for employment opportunities and what the next steps are once you accept a position.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze appointment modules, account modules, chart and image modules, and managing employee information.
• Explain the process for finding employment opportunities and how to apply for a job.