Tag: dental assistant career

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 […]

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 […]

June 15, 2022

Alejandro L, Dental Assistant

Testimonials

Meet Alejandro Limon, 2021 Dental Assisting graduate who is currently employed at Village Green Dental Center. Alejandro choose First Institute because “it has a family environment to it. The staff genuinely care about your progress and want you to succeed. It took me a while to be nudged into going into the program, almost a

June 14, 2022

Amanda S, Dental Assistant

Testimonials

Meet Amanda Steitzel, a 2021 graduate of our Dental Assisting program who is currently employed at The McHenry Dentist. Amanda was an exceptional student during her time at First Institute and someone we are very proud to recognize for her career success. Amanda chose First Institute because it allowed her to jump start a new

April 29, 2020

Dental Assistants Career Outlook

Dental Assisting Career

U.S. News & World Report publishes an annual report listing the best jobs in the country. The report evaluates jobs on criteria including job growth, median salary, job prospects, employment rate, stress level and work-life balance. In its annual “100 Best Jobs” report for 2020, Dental Assistants ranked #66. Depending on the dental practice and the […]

January 4, 2017

Job Prospects for Dental Assistants

Dental Assisting Career

Dental Assistants perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties within a dental office. Dental Assistants may administer patient care, perform minor procedures and conduct examinations. They also work closely with Dentists and Dental Hygienists. Since a Dental Assistant is the go-to person for many tasks they must have excellent communication, organizational skills and dexterity! […]

May 12, 2015

Future Demand for Dental Assistants

Become A Dental Assistant

In Dental Assisting There’s a Bright Future in Bright Smiles Good Dental Assistants are essential in helping offices run smoothly. They perform administrative and clinical tasks for dental offices, clinics, and specialty practices such as orthodontists’, periodontists’ and oral surgeons’ offices. Students in the Dental Assisting program at First Institute receive hands-on training in office, […]

April 29, 2015

Dental Assisting Job Interview Tips

Dental Assisting Career

Your First Dental Assisting Interview The Dental Assistant interview process can be demanding. With the economy still in an unsettled state, confidence and preparation are more important than ever for interviewees. After completing your Dental Assistant training from First Institute, use these quick tips for your first interviews with a dentist’s office. 1. Be […]