Dental Assisting Program
Columbia, MO

The curriculum includes a comprehensive set of topics:

• Dental anatomy and terminology
• Oral pathology and dental emergencies
• Infection control and sterilization techniques
• Dental radiography and imaging
• Dental materials and instruments
• Chairside assisting techniques
• Dental office management and communication skills
• Legal and ethical considerations in dentistry
• Patient education and preventative dentistry
• Specialized procedures, such as periodontics, endodontics, and orthodontics

In addition to classroom instruction, we have hands-on training in a clinical setting, where students can practice their skills under the supervision of licensed dental professionals. Clinical experiences include performing chairside procedures, taking and developing dental x-rays, and managing patient records.

• High school diploma or equivalent: Prospective students must have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate to be eligible for admission.
• Resume: Prospective students need to submit a resume that highlights their educational background, work experience, and any relevant skills or certifications.
• References:
  Prospective students should provide 2-3 professional references we can contact who can speak to the student’s character, work ethic, and potential for success in the dental assisting field.
• Immunizations:
  Prospective students must provide proof of Hepatitis B Immunization. The federal office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all individuals working in a clinical setting receive Hepatitis B immunization.

• Chairside Assisting: You will get the opportunity to assist during simulated dental procedures, which can include taking x-rays, handing instruments to the dentist, and providing patient care.
• Dental Radiography: You will learn how to take digital dental x-rays.
• Sterilization and Infection Control: You will learn how to properly sterilize dental instruments and equipment, as well as how to maintain a clean and safe dental environment.
• Impressions and Models:
  You will learn how to take impressions of patients’ teeth and create models of their dental structures.
• Dental Materials: You will learn about various dental materials, including dental cements, composites, and impression materials, and how to work with them.
• Administrative Tasks: You will learn how to perform various administrative tasks in a dental office, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and communicating with insurance companies.

The tuition for the Cherry Hill Dental assisting program is $3600. Financing options are available, please call (573) 446-0880 for more details.

Graduates can pursue various job opportunities in the dental field. Here are some examples:

• Dental Assistant:
  Graduates can work as dental assistants in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals. They assist dentists during patient procedures, prepare dental materials and instruments, and provide patient education.
• Dental Hygienist:
  Graduates may pursue additional education to become dental hygienists, who perform a wider range of tasks than dental assistants, such as cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and conducting oral health assessments.
• Dental Laboratory Technician:
  Graduates can pursue additional training in dental laboratories, where they create prosthetic devices such as dentures, bridges, and crowns.
• Dental Office Manager:
  Graduates may also pursue administrative roles in dental offices, such as office managers or treatment coordinators. They handle patient records, billing and insurance claims, and manage staff schedules.

Overall, this is a growing field with a variety of job opportunities available to graduates of our dental assisting program.

Cherry Hill Dental makes continuous
efforts in developing relationships with dental practices throughout the Mid-Missouri area. Upon the completion of each session, local doctors will be provided with a list of graduates to help fill various openings throughout the community. Our students have a reputation of excellence that is valued by future employers.