This course is 100% online
Start anytime!
This course is 100% online | Start anytime!
Note: This course is non-credit. Colleges and universities generally only accept credit bearing courses as transferrable. View our Continuing Education FAQ Page to learn more about the difference between for-credit and non-credit courses. View our Degrees and Certificates page to explore for-credit degree and certificate options offered through CCC.
Online Administrative Dental Assistant Training
Become a Dental Administrative Assistant
Gain the essential skills to secure an entry-level position in the high-demand healthcare field! This administrative dental assistant course features in-depth instruction with DENTRIX software, providing ample practice opportunities. You will also engage in realistic activities and tasks, allowing you to confidently demonstrate your skills in a simulated dental practice environment.
Learn to master key job responsibilities, including efficient patient scheduling, meticulous record management, seamless insurance processing, and impactful communication. The curriculum delves into vital areas such as dental terminology, precise billing and coding procedures, strict regulatory compliance, and effective office management systems.
Training helps you gain invaluable experience using dental practice management software and confidently navigate common administrative challenges within the dental field.
Job Outlook for Administrative Dental Assistant
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of dental assistants is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, with over 54,000 openings for dental assistants projected each year.
- The BLS reports that the median annual salary for dental assistants was $47,300 as of May 2024. On the other hand, recent Indeed job data shows the average salary for a dental assistant is $22.79 per hour.
Administrative Dental Assistant FAQs
WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE DENTAL ASSISTANT? WHAT DOES AN ADMINISTRATIVE DENTAL ASSISTANT DO?
An administrative dental assistant traditionally works in a dental office supporting dental hygienists and dentists. They provide support in a fast-paced environment for the day-to-day operations of a dental practice's front office, including anything from scheduling appointments and working closely with patients and other office staff to billing patients and insurance and overseeing bookkeeping. Additional duties might involve performing procedural and diagnostic coding, organizing patient files, or monitoring inventory.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ADMINISTRATIVE DENTAL ASSISTANT AND A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT?
As an administrative dental assistant, you will focus on providing quality care through numerous office, laboratory, and patient care duties, such as greeting patients, organizing office records, and other clerical tasks. On the other hand, clinical dental assistants help dentists and dental hygienists get patients ready for treatment by sterilizing and organizing dental equipment and supplies. They also document patient care, take x-rays, complete intake paperwork, and update patient records, and in some cases, assist with certain procedures depending on state regulations.
Course Objectives
- Describe the administrative dental assistant's role, and responsibilities
- Identify dental anatomy and terminology needed to succeed in the business of dentistry
- Recognize the importance of effective written and verbal communication skills in dental practice
- Define the importance of both manual and computerized records management in dentistry, including HIPAA, informed consent, and risk management
- Apply effective communication skills over the phone by understanding telephone screening and triage protocols and mastering the steps of scheduling new and existing patient appointments
- Describe how to file dental insurance claims to receive maximum benefits in the shortest amount of time for patients and the dental practice
- Apply accurate bookkeeping procedures for the dental practice and collection techniques to keep accounts current while maintaining good patient relationships
- Analyze the steps it takes to find employment in a dental practice, including identifying the potential employer, preparing a cover letter and résumé, and perfecting face-to-face interview skills
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
There are no prerequisites to complete this course.
Instructors
Priscilla Garcia
Priscilla Garcia, RDA, CPP, is a dental professional with over 20 years of industry experience. She began her career in dentistry as a chair-side dental assistant in 2002. Her work has included working chair-side and in an administrative capacity in general and specialty practices.
Priscilla has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which she leveraged to begin teaching dental assisting part-time at Collin College in 2016. She transitioned to program managing and teaching dental assisting full-time with Collin College in 2017.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.