DENTAL ASSISTANT
EXPANDED FUNCTIONS & RADIOLOGY

A very rewarding, hands-on career, Dental  Assisting prepares the student to perform both clinical and administrative dental procedures. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, from the U.S. Department of Labor, job prospects for the Dental Assistant are excellent and employment is expected to grow much faster than the average of all job opportunities through the year 2012. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that Dental Assistants will be one of the fastest growing occupations over the next ten years.

Due to better dental care, individuals are retaining their natural teeth and demand more dental services. As a result, dentists will be hiring more dental assistants to help meet the increased demand for dental services.

Upon completing the Dental Assistant program at Central Florida Institute, the graduate is trained to:

• Chairside assist with the dentist
• Hand instruments to dentist during a procedure
• Sterilize dental instruments
• Take and develop dental x-rays
• Remove dental sutures
• Prepare dental anesthetics
• Make dental impressions
• Create temporary crowns and bridges
• Plan and chart dental treatments
• Assist dentist with orthodontics and retainer placement
• Provide instructions on dental care to the patient
• Set dental appointments and collect payments
• Order dental supplies

The Dental Assistant not only works with the dentist but also with all the other dental and laboratory technicians who may be a part of the dental team.

The Dental Assistant may be employed in any of the following dental practices:

• General practice
• Dental clinic
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Pediatric dentistry
• County health departments
• Specialties:
       Endodontist
       Orthodonist
       Periodontist
       Prosthodontist
       Oral & Maxillofacial dentistry

"I am loving my job as an assistant.  I thank my teachers from CFI greatly.  I feel I left CFI confident and excited to get out on my own!  I am doing well in my field and look forward to heading to dental school to someday become a dentist myself.  CFI helped me get my foot into a career that has many possibilities.   Thank you!"

Rhonda R., Lead Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant graduate

"A dentist recommended me to CFI, well-knowing the importance and value of how a DA program would help me achieve my goals of becoming an EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) professional and Instructor."

Kathy G.
Dental Assistant graduate

The Department of Labor points out that healthcare employers prefer trained personnel, therefore, the job prospects should be best for Dental Assistants with formal training such as that offered at Central Florida Institute. Healthcare employers are particularly interested in Dental Assistants with certification. CFI Dental Assistant Graduates receive a certificate in Expanded Functions and Dental Radiography and are eligible to apply for the Florida State Dental Radiography License through the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Dental Assistant Graduates may obtain the following national and state credentials by passing the corresponding certification examination:

(CDA)* - Certified Dental Assistant through American Dental Association (ADA)
           - eligible after two years of assisting

(RDA) - Registered Dental Assistant through American Medical Technologists (AMT)

(NCDA) - Nationally Certified Dental Assistant through National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

* indicates preferred/recognized exam in that specialty, otherwise all credentials are equal

The Dental Assistant specialty is offered at the Palm Harbor & Orlando, Florida campuses - Call Today! 888-831-8303