Online Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
programs typically take 6-9 months to complete. A prospective CDA must
obtain certification in order to work in the field. Students in online
CDA programs usually complete the examinations required for
certification upon completion of the program.
Online CDA programs are prepare aspiring dental assistants to work in
the field. A formal education through a CDA program provides students
with the techniques and skills needed to work as a dental assistant. It
also prepares them for certification exams.
Students enrolled in online CDA programs typically complete the bulk
of the required coursework online. Reading materials are usually
available online, and homework and tests can be downloaded and completed
online through the program's website. Typically, students must also
complete clinical hours at a dental office under the supervision of
certified professional.
Common Coursework for Online CDA Programs
Coursework for online CDA programs focuses on the principles of oral anatomy,
radiology and dental science. Once students complete the required online coursework they must complete clinical hours at a dental office.
Oral Anatomy Course
Students learn the structures and functions of the head, face and
neck. This course focuses on the musculature, bones and circulatory
system of these structures.
Oral Radiology Course
This course teaches students safety precautions and general
components involved in using the dental x-ray equipment. Students study
the composition, sizes and types of dental x-ray film.
Clinical Hours Course
Students complete extensive hours of clinical work under the
supervision of licensed dentists. Clinical hours are meant to put the
principles learned through online coursework to the test in the physical
realm of the dental office.
Graduates of CDA programs typically take the required examinations
needed to obtain certification. As of May 2009, the average annual
income for a CDA was $34,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (
www.bls.gov). The BLS reported that, between 2008 and 2018, job opportunities in the field are expected to grow by 36%.
Certification and Licensure Requirements
Certification requirements needed to become a CDA vary from
state-to-state. Typically, graduates of a CDA program must pass a CDAn
made up of three separate sections, Radiation and Health Safety (RHS),
Infection Control (ICE) and General Chairside (GC). Those who pass the
exam are certified to be a dental assistant.
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