Dental Assisting Certificate Program
Prepare for a clinical support role in general and specialty dental practices.
The Dental Assisting Certificate program at Avicenna Allied Health Institute combines online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical practice to prepare you for entry-level positions in dental offices. You’ll learn infection control, dental materials, chairside techniques, dental radiology, dental office administration, and professionalism in healthcare. Your learning will culminate in a 150-hour clinical externship in real dental settings.
Core Dental Assisting Concepts
Chairside assisting and four-handed dentistry
Dental instruments and materials
Infection control and sterilization procedures
Patient communication and professionalism
Dental Radiology
Principles of dental radiology and imaging
Exposing, processing, and evaluating radiographs
Radiation safety and quality assurance
Legal and record-keeping considerations
Clinical Experience
Clinical Practice I: entry-level application of dental assisting and lab support in a clinical setting
Clinical Practice II: advanced proficiency, ethical decision-making, and preparation for DA II-delegable functions (where applicable)
What You Will Learn
Course Highlights
DAC 101 – Foundations of Dentistry (Weeks 1–5)
Course Description
This course introduces students to the dental profession, ethical and legal responsibilities, Texas regulations, infection control, and foundational biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, safety, and readiness for clinical participation.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe roles of the dental team and professional expectations
- Apply Texas Dental Practice Act and TSBDE rules
- Demonstrate OSHA- and CDC-compliant infection control practices
- Identify oral structures and basic tooth morphology
- Perform foundational operatory and PPE procedures
DAC 102 – Clinical Sciences & Chairside Assisting (Weeks 6–10)
Course Description
This course develops core chairside assisting competencies, including dental anatomy, instrumentation, four-handed dentistry, patient management, ergonomics, and emergency procedures.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Accurately chart teeth and conditions using standard systems
- Demonstrate four-handed dentistry techniques
- Assist in restorative and anesthetic procedures
- Apply ergonomic principles in clinical care
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies
DAC 103 – Radiography, Materials & Specialty Practices (Weeks 11–15)
Course Description
This course focuses on dental radiography, dental materials, and assisting in specialty procedures. Students develop diagnostic imaging skills, manipulate materials, and assist across dental specialties.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Apply radiation safety and ALARA principles
- Expose diagnostic bitewing and periapical radiographs
- Manipulate dental materials accurately
- Assist with orthodontic, periodontal, endodontic, and surgical procedures
DAC 104 – Practice Management and Communication (Weeks 16–18)
Course Description
This capstone course prepares students for workforce entry and certification by emphasizing practice management, Texas-allowed expanded functions, professionalism, and comprehensive review.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Perform basic front-office and communication tasks
- Demonstrate an understanding of Dental Office systems and software
- Synthesize knowledge for certification readiness
- Demonstrate professional clinical behavior
DAC 105 – Clinical Externship
Course Description
This course is designed to increase the level of proficiency in assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of fourhanded dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to combine theoretical and ethical principles necessary to perform entry-level skills including functions delegable to a DA II.
Learning Format & Schedule – Dental Assisting
Hybrid Delivery
Online theory/lecture delivered through our learning management system
On-campus lab sessions in our Houston facility for hands-on skills
Daytime clinical/externship hours at affiliated dental practices and clinics
Class Times
Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (for select labs or activities)
Programs run throughout the year except for holidays and scheduled breaks. Externships/clinical practice are scheduled at the end of the program and must be completed in full to graduate.
Externship / Clinical Requirements (Dental Assisting)
Externship / Clinical Requirements
Complete all required core Dental Assisting courses (grade C or better)
Be current on all tuition payments or have an approved payment arrangement
Attend the mandatory externship/clinical orientation before clinical placement
Meet any clinical site prerequisites, which may include a background check, drug test, and current CPR (BLS for Healthcare Providers) certification
During Clinical / Externship
Students must attend their assigned external site as scheduled and complete all required clinical hours
Any missed clinical time must be made up; incomplete hours can prevent graduation
Students are expected to follow all site rules, including punctuality, dress code, and professional conduct
Failure to begin externship on the assigned date, or missing 14 consecutive calendar days, may result in termination from the program
Assignments to dental clinical sites are made by the institute based on site availability. Avicenna makes every effort to place students on time, but availability depends on current students completing their hours and maintaining professional behavior.
Explore More
Admissions Snapshot (Dental Assisting)
Program: Dental Assisting Certificate – 400 clock hours
Format: Hybrid (online theory + on-campus lab + clinical practice)
Basic requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Complete details on entrance requirements, transfer credit, reentry, and CPR training are provided in the Admissions section of the catalog.
Avicenna Allied Health Institute is a non-profit career school based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for entry-level roles in allied health. We are proudly approved and licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission. School Number S61325.
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