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Start Your Career as a Dental Assistant in Just 50 Weeks
If you’re looking for a rewarding career with good job prospects, growth opportunities and a fast-paced environment, Dental Assisting is a great choice. At First Institute, you can get the training you need to get started in this field in under a year.
Why Dental Assisting?
A smile is so much than a friendly expression – it’s also an indication of overall health. As a dental assistant, you can help others look and feel their best. Working alongside dentists, you perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks to build brighter smiles and keep dental offices running smoothly.
The Skills Employers Want
First Institute can equip you with the skills you need to start a professional career. You’ll train in a fully functioning dental laboratory as you train in:
- Administrative procedures
- Dental records, ethics and HIPAA compliance
- Oral health and endodontics
- Lab procedures including primary and secondary impressions, fixed prosthetics and dental implants
- Anatomy, morphology and dental sciences
- Dental specialties like orthodontics and pediatric dentistry
- Operative and chair-side assisting including instrument care and use, charting, and patient care and support
- Coronal polishing and dental sealants
- Dental radiology – x-ray equipment, safety and digital/film processing
What Employers are Saying
“First Institute trains people to do a wide variety of things, whether it’s taking x-rays or helping people improve their oral hygiene, they have the knowledge base we’re looking for.”
Dr. Robert Hoffman
Hoffman Orthodontics
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Dr. Robert Hoffman DDS, MS, Hoffman Orthodontics
When they hire a First Institute graduate, employers know they’re hiring someone who will be an asset to their business.
Program Available at These Locations
Crystal Lake Campus
First Institute
790 McHenry Ave
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
790 McHenry Ave
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Libertyville Campus
First Institute
1139 S Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
1139 S Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
Programs that Work for You
Available at both our Crystal Lake and Libertyville locations, the Dental Assisting program at First Institute can prepare you for a rewarding career in just 50 weeks. With a focus on hands-on training, practical clinic experience and dedicated industry support, it’s a great way to launch a career that can help you build a better life.
Start Your Career with Confidence
At First Institute, our mission is to prepare you for success in your career. We emphasize hands-on training in realistic settings. You’ll train with experienced dental professionals in our fully functioning dental laboratory as you learn the skills you’ll use in the field.
You can also complete a 120-hour (8-week) externship in an actual dental office, where you’ll work with real patients under the guidance of experienced professionals. You’ll be able to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom and lab as you get on-the-job experience before you graduate.
Flexible Schedules that Work for You
Between family and work commitments, you can’t put your life on hold to train for a new career. That’s why First Institute offers both day and evening dental assisting programs, so you can build your future on your schedule.
Our day classes are twice a week, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Evening classes are held four days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Both programs can be completed in as few as 50 weeks.
Financial Aid & Career Services
Fund Your Education
We believe everyone should have access to the means of advancing their career. As an ACCET-accredited institution, First Institute offers financial aid to those who qualify. Our experienced Financial Aid Advisors can help you determine your eligibility, explore your options and support you through every step of the application process. Our programs also qualify for a variety of military training assistance options, including the GI Bill, MyCAA, REAP and DEA.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Our dedication to you doesn’t end at graduation. We’re here to support you throughout your career. While we cannot guarantee job placement, our Career Services Department maintains contact with prospective employers and advises them of students’ abilities and availability. We can help you create your cover letter and resume, develop your interview skills and more effectively search for jobs.