- Prepping patients for procedures - Assisting dentists during procedures by handing instruments - Sterilizing dental instruments - Scheduling patient appointments - Instructing patients on dental health and hygiene - Completing basic lab tasks - Ensuring patients feel comfortable in the dental chair - Examining patients’ gums and teeth to check for diseases or abnormalities - Applying fluoride, remove stains and plaque from teeth - Taking X-rays ​- Maintaining patient records - Use suction hoses to keep patients’ mouths dry and clear during procedures - Handle lab responsibilities under dentist’s direction - Clean the room after the appointment is over - Update patients’ records - Assist with front-office tasks, such as appointment scheduling - Assist with billing, payment, and insurance procedures

I. Dental Theory and Terminology II. Sterilization Techniques III. Four Handed Dental Assisting IV. 3D Digital Scanning and Impressions V. Radiology Terminology VI. Front Desk Office Management VII. Job Interview and Placement Assistance

This is a certificate program and because of that, we are unable to offer the x-ray certification class or the coronal polishing class. Both classes are regularly offered by Creighton College of Dentistry in Omaha or the University of Nebraska Medical School (UNMC) in Lincoln. The cost of these classes are between $350-$400. Classes are taken at your own expense.

In order to sit for the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) test a dental assistant must meet one of the two following requirements. Requirement #1) Have graduated from an accredited school Or Requirement #2) Have graduated from a non-accredited school, but have been working as a dental assistant for approximately (2) years. Since Heartland Dental Assisting falls under requirement #2, not only will your certifications from our school get you into the profession faster, you will have at least two years of experience by the time you take the DANB (if you desire). This will increase your chances of successfully passing that national certification. The DANB certification is not a requirement to work as a dental assistant; however, it would be more easily recognized in different states, if one intended to relocate. Click Here to see requirements for dental assistants by state.

A Certified Dental Assistant has taken and passed the DANB. A Certificate of Dental Assisting is awarded after completion of a dental assisting training program. Dental employers in Nebraska, do not require an employee to be a Certified Dental Assistant for employment, but they do typically require formal training in dental assisting which is what Heartland Dental Assisting helps you achieve. To see requirements by state,click here.