According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual salary of dental assistants is $32,380 and job prospects are excellent. Typical duties include:

• assisting a dentist during treatment procedures
• taking and developing dental radiographs
• taking patients medical history
• preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• educating patients about appropriate dental care and giving instructions after oral surgery or treatments
• taking impressions of teeth
• answering the phone, scheduling appointments and verifying that medical forms are filled out correctly

Click on the course numbers below to view course offerings.

BASIC DENTAL ASSISTING 
Train to become a dental assistant in fast paced classes that are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and Saturdays.

Certificate code: CE.DENTAL-RADIOLOGY

OCA-348 - Dental Assisting and Radiology
Learn the basic skills necessary to work as an entry-level dental assistant. Review dental anatomy, terminology, restorative materials, infection control and chair-side techniques. Prepare for the Dental Assisting National Board's Radiology Certification Examination. 
Prerequisite: High school diploma or GED.
Note: Requires 90 percent attendance.  

***OCA 348 - Dental Assisting and Radiology now qualifies for our new deferred payment plan.  For more information, please access www.aacc.edu/coned/payment ***

RADIOLOGY FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS 
OCA-349 - Dental Radiology 
Learn the terminology and safety techniques necessary to produce dental radiographs. Study digital radiology procedures, basic exposure, positioning techniques and infection control. Upon completion students will be able to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board's Radiology Certification Examination.
Prerequisite: High school diploma or GED.
Note: Requires 80 percent attendance, and proof of employment in a dental office. Call 410-777-2925 prior to registration.

OCA-333 - Dental Assisting Radiology Safety Update
Learn updates on radiology safety techniques and procedures for dental assistants and hygienists. Course meets Maryland's 8-hour requirement for dental assistant radiology recertification.
Prerequisite: High school diploma or GED.
Note: Requires 80 percent attendance, and proof of employment in a dental office. Call 410-777-2925 prior to registration.

OCA-389 - Expanded Functions: Chairside and Orthodontics
This course is advanced training for Dental Assistants and prepares them to perform expanded functions in a dental and orthodontic office. Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Maryland Expanded Functions General Chairside, Expanded Functions Orthodontic, Infection Control and Certified Dental Assistant examinations. Textbook information available at the College Bookstore. Enrollment limit: 12. CEUs awarded.
Note: Requires 80 percent attendance. Students must have a current DANB Radiology Safety Certification and a minimum of 200 hours of work experience in a dental office to take this course. For more information call 410-777-2925.

OCA-522 - Dental Office Management
Learn the fundamentals of working in a dental office setting. Examine privacy guidelines, customer service, clinical considerations, records management, appointment setting, follow-ups, financial payments and daily tasks.
Note: Online course.

OCA-520 - Dental Insurance
Learn how to process dental benefits and claims. Examine benefit confirmation, handling claims including specialty claims, maximizing cash flow and filing with multiple carriers.
Note: Online course. 

For more information or to enroll in the program
contact Pam Polgreen at 410-777-2925.

How to Register
New students may register online, by mail or fax, or in person.
Returning students may also register by STARS touchtone phone. 
Call 410-777-2925 prior to registering for
OCA 333, OCA 349 or OCA 389.