Category: Dental Assisting

First Institute’s Dental Assisting program teaches students a comprehensive set of skills essential for a successful career in dental assisting. The curriculum includes: Clinical skills The clinical skills First Institute students will learn include taking and developing dental x-rays, preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment, applying fluoride treatments, taking dental impressions and pouring models, and assisting with common dental procedures. Administrative skills As a student in the First Institute Dental Assisting program, you’ll learn how to handle administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and processing billing and insurance claims. Patient care and communication Dental assistants play an important […]

March 24, 2025

Preparing For Administrative Tasks As A Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant Education

At First Institute, administrative tasks are integrated into the dental assisting curriculum as part of a comprehensive approach to training students for real-world dental office environments. Over the course of the 50-week training program, you’ll learn: Appointment scheduling: Students learn to manage patient appointments efficiently, a critical skill for keeping dental practices running smoothly. Patient records management: The program teaches students how to maintain accurate and up-to-date patient files, an essential aspect of dental office administration. Billing and insurance claims: Students gain experience in handling financial aspects of a dental practice, including processing insurance claims and managing billing procedures. Front […]

March 11, 2025

Clinical Skills Taught In The First Institute Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assistant Education

Working as a dental assistant means handling a mixture of administrative and clinical responsibilities. First Institute’s Dental Assisting program emphasizes several key clinical skills to prepare students for careers in dental offices: Dental radiology – Students learn x-ray equipment operation, safety protocols, and digital/film processing techniques. Chairside assisting – The program covers instrument care and use, patient charting, and providing patient care and support during dental procedures. Lab procedures – Students gain hands-on experience with primary and secondary dental impressions, fixed prosthetics, and dental implants. Coronal polishing and applying dental sealants. Oral health and endodontics procedures. Sterilization and disinfection of […]

December 16, 2024

Is Dental Assisting a Good Career Now?

Dental Assisting Career

Dental assisting is an exciting and rewarding career path that offers numerous opportunities for growth, development, and personal satisfaction. If you’re interested in pursuing a dental work career, we’ll provide valuable insights into what kind of careers are available for dental assistants, whether or not the field is projected to grow, and what potential career […]

November 18, 2024

Is Doing a Dental Assisting Course Before Dentistry a Good Idea?

Dental Assistant Education

While the path to becoming a dentist may seem straightforward, there’s a secret stepping stone that can set you apart from the rest: enrolling in a dental assisting course. This program not only provides essential knowledge and experience, but it also gives you a competitive edge before even stepping foot in dental school. Still wondering whether […]

October 21, 2024

Careers in Oral Care

Dental Assisting Career

Imagine the satisfaction of helping people maintain healthy teeth and gums, relieve their pain, and transform their self-confidence with a simple smile. This is what a career in oral care can do. These careers go beyond the stereotypical image of the dentist’s chair—encompassing various specialized roles such as a dental assistant role and cutting-edge advancements […]

October 2, 2023

Where Can I Go to Become a Dental Assistant?

Become A Dental Assistant

Are you interested in becoming a dental assistant but don’t know where to find the right program? Then this article is for you. Dental assisting is a fulfilling career with plenty of opportunities. However, it’s important to make sure you choose a reputable program that will offer everything you need to succeed. Well-regarded dental assistant […]

September 25, 2023

What Credential Do You Need To Become a Dental Assistant?

Dental Assisting Program

Ready to discover a new career path in the dental assisting field? Then you may be wondering what credential do you need to become a dental assistant. Well, the answer to this question depends on your state’s specific requirements or the dental office you plan to work in. Generally, though, a minimum of a high […]

January 26, 2023

How to Become a Dental Assistant

Dental Assisting Program

Dental assistants play a key role in the quality of care patients receive. They complete a handful of clinical and administrative tasks and aid in several dental procedures. Being a dental assistant can be extremely rewarding and comes with a wide range of great benefits, making the role highly sought-after. To successfully become a dental […]

June 29, 2020

Dental Assistant Study Tips

Dental Assistant Education

Needing some motivation to study? Use these study tips for the First Institute Dental Assistant degree program to make more efficient use of your study sessions. Each student has their own effective study methods and ways they learn best, but trying new approaches will help you establish practices that will maximize your study time. Take