We Accept Care Credit!
OUR COURSES
Check out our course catalog, learn more about tuition, and see if our program is right for you!
Course Descriptions
DAACF offers a wide variety of courses to fully prepare you for a future in Dental Assisting. Our course is designed to fully prepare you for your EFDA (Extended Functions Dental Assistant) Exams and ensure you get your dental assisting license. We will go over all the professional, ethical, and legal issues that commonly arise in the dental field and you will be taught all of the safety measures that must be taken to protect patients and operators in all areas of dentistry. Our accelerated 8-week course will provide students the opportunity to receive hands-on training and individual education in all areas of dental assisting including Infection Control, Radiogrophy, Dentition, Oral Pathology, Surgery, and more. You will also receive tailored education for all fields of dentistry including Pediatric Dentristry, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Periodontics from trained professionals.
Most DA Programs take years to complete and are incredibly expensive. Our program is highly accelerated - we cover a series of 16 lectures and labs in just 8 weeks! Our classes and hands-on training were all designed with your future in mind, and are tailored towards providing the highest level of education and preparation in the most efficient way possible. Our trained professionals will provide you with one-on-one guidance and are always there to assist you along your journey. Take a look at our full course catalog to learn more!
Admission Requirements
To enroll in school, applicants:
-Must be at least 18 years of age
-Must possess a valid driver’s license or Government-issued ID.
-Must submit high school transcripts, GED, or recognized equivalency
-Must schedule interview and tour of school facility
Admission decisions are based on the application. Applicants will be notified of the school’s decision by letter or phone call. We recommend that you register early, as classes fill quickly. Rejected qualified applicants due to class full or late enrollment will be advised to enroll in subsequent classes.
Only those applicants showing a desire to participate, motivation to study, and whose personal educational background displays an enthusiasm to learn will be accepted. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, creed, sex, or national origin.
Tuition and Aid
We're proud to offer a service that pays for itself! Our all-inclusive tuition covers everything including enrollment, courses, labs, books, supplies, exams, and your certification! We offer payment plan options. DAACF offers you the unique opportunity to double down on your investment within just 8 weeks of graduating. Our 8-week course costs less than $4000 and a Dental Assistant in Florida can make upwards of $8000 in just 8 weeks! Our team is dedicated to ensuring all our students have a prosperous future in Dental Assisting and even offers Employment Assistance to all graduates.
Employment Assistance
We prepare students for the job hunting process, including resume preparation and interview techniques. Following graduation, or at any time thereafter, graduates have access to our school’s placement assistance. We will provide high quality leads for job opportunities, and utilize our connections to ensure our graduates find the job of their dreams and successfully launch their career in Dental Assisting.
Complete Course Catalog and Descriptions
Lecture-Based Courses
DA 101A- Introduction to the Profession and Ethical - (1/2 hour of lecture)
Students are introduced to the profession of Dentistry and the responsibilities of the dental health team which includes the dentist, hygienist, the front office personnel and the back office personnel. (Prerequisite: None)
DA101B - Ethical and Legal Issues - (1/2 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the ethics of governing dentistry and the various governmental agencies entrusted with the regulation of the dental profession to ensure and protect the public from incompetent and unethical practices. Topics include licensure and credentialing. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 101C – HIV/AIDS – (4 hours of Lecture)
Students will review the principles and practice of treating patients with HIV/AIDS including sanitation and sterilization. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 102 - Infection Control for Dental Assistants - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the diseases that can be spread in the dental office and methods of protection. Topics include the study of personal hygiene, the proper utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to decrease the possibility of cross contamination. The different Government regulating agencies which provide information and enforcement for the health and safety of the employees in the work place will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 103A - Dental Radiography Basics - (2 hours home study plus 1 hour in class review)
Students will learn basic radiation physics, how x-rays are generated radiation measurement and the equipment use to generate x-rays. (Prerequisite: None)
DA103B - Radiation Safety in Dental Radiography - (2 hours home study plus 1 hour in class review)
Students will learn how radiation affects tissues; the biological effects of radiation and the safety measures that have to be taken to protect patients and operators. Topics include a discussion of the risks and benefits of the use of x-rays. (Prerequisite: DA103A)
DA103C - X-ray Film Processing Techniques and Storage - (2 hours home study plus 1 hour in class review)
Student will learn the different parts of an x-ray film and how to select the proper film size and speed for specific applications. The students will also learn the different chemicals and steps use in processing dental films and the proper storage of radiographic films. (Prerequisite: DA103A & DA103B)
DA 104 - Human Dentition - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the form and structures of the human natural teeth in the dental arch. Topics also include the method of identifying teeth by using the Universal Numbering System for permanent and primary teeth. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 105 - Composition of Teeth and Dental Terminology - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the different parts of the tooth. Topics include cervix, apex, dental pulp, tissues of the teeth such as enamel, dentin and cementum. Also includes discussion of anatomical landmarks of the tooth and dental terminology. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 106 - Tissues Surrounding the Teeth - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the tissues supporting the human teeth. Topics include the alveolar process, the periodontal ligament and the gingiva (gums) which are collectively known as the periodontium. (Prerequisite: DA104)
DA 107 - Bones of the Head - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the human skull. Topics include the cranium and the bones of the face. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 108 - Muscles of the Head and Neck and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Paranasal Sinuses - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn the muscles of the head and neck and the temporomandibular joint which connects the maxillary and mandibular jaws. Topic also includes paranasal sinuses which are the air cavities in the bones above and each side of the nasal cavities. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 109 - Oral Pathology - (1 hour of lecture)
Student will learn the nature of diseases that affect oral structures and regions nearby. Topics include discussion on how to distinguish normal from abnormal conditions in the oral cavity. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 110 - Oral Cavity, Salivary Glands and Immune System (1 hour of lecture)
Students will earn the cavity of the mouth and the salivary glands which are located outside the oral cavity. Topics include discussion of infectious diseases that can be transmitted from the patient in a dental environment. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 111 - Dental Materials - (1 hour of lecture)
Students will learn various materials used in dentistry. Topics include cavity varnishes and liners, dental cements, surgical cements/periodontal dressing, glass ionomer cements, composites, sealants and dental amalgams. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 112 - Pediatric Dentistry - (1 hour of lecture)
Specialty limited to the dental care of children. The students will learn the special requirements prior to treatment of children. Topics include informed consent from guardians, behavioral management of children during treatment and the common pediatric dental procedures. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 113 - Removal Prosthodontics - (1 hour of lecture)
Removable Prosthodontics (RPD) replaces missing teeth. The students will learn the component parts of both the partial and complete RPD’s and the various steps necessary to take during replacement appointment with patient. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 114 - Fixed Prosthodontics - (1 hour of lecture)
Complete restoration, or the replacement, of one or more teeth in a dental arch. The students will learn the different types of fixed prosthodontics restorations. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 115 – Endodontics - (1 hour of lecture)
More commonly referred to as Root Canal Therapy. The students will learn the steps in a root canal procedure and the different instruments and materials required. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 116 - Topical and Local Anesthesia - (1 hour of lecture)
Application of anesthetics to oral tissues. The students will learn the properties of anesthesia and when and where they are used. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 117 – Orthodontics - (1 hour of lecture)
Prevention and correction of dental and oral deviations. The students will learn the various types and causes of malformations and malocclusions and how they are corrected. (Prerequisite: DA104)
DA 118 – Periodontics - (1 hour of lecture)
Deals with the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases which is the most common cause of tooth loss. The students will learn the causes of periodontal disease, symptoms, examination procedures and treatment. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 119 - Oral Surgery - (1 hour of lecture)
Involves with removing of teeth, treating jaw fractures, bone and tissue grafts and removal of tumors and cysts and reconstruction of oral and dental deformities. The students will learn the various procedures and instruments use in oral surgery. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 120 - Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office - (1 hour of lecture)
Risk associated with providing medical and dental care. The students will learn how to respond to medical emergencies. (Prerequisite: None)
DA 121 - Radiography In Depth Overview - (1 hour of lecture)
The students will have an in depth review of subjects likely to be encountered on the state specific radiographic written examination. A good grasp of this subject will greatly enhance the student’s likelihood of passing the written examination. (Prerequisite: DA103)
DA 122 – Front Office Mgt. and Resume Preparation - (1 hour of lecture)
Student learns front office duties, reception, record keeping, patient scheduling and general office management/maintenance. The students will also learn how to write effective resumes. (Prerequisite: None)
Lab Courses
LAB 101 - Dental Chair and Infection Control (PPE) – (1 hour of Lab)
Students will learn the different components of the dental operatory and dental chair. They will be taught how to operate the dental chair and the various associated instruments. The goals of infection control are discussed together with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and standards. Students are taught how to don the various Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in the dental clinic. (Prerequisite: None)
LAB 102 – Infection Control: Maintaining the Operating Field, Dental Instruments and Trays - (1 hour of Lab)
Students will learn the techniques in maintaining the operating field clean, visible, accessible and comfortable for the patient. They will also learn the various dental instruments, how they are organized to the tasks they are to perform and separated onto trays. During this session, a clinical video of the set-up and breakdown of dental operatory will be shown. (Prerequisite: LAB101)
LAB103 – Infection Control: Treatment Preparation and Clean-up - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the procedures performed by the dental assistant prior to seating a patient in the operatory. Students are taught to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines in effective infection control. They will also learn the various procedures required to be accomplished following dental treatment (Prerequisite: LAB101)
LAB 104A - Full Mouth Series - Manikin - (4 hours of Lab)
The students will learn how to obtain a full mouth series using a manikin. The students will also learn how to properly mount films for traditional x-rays, no film mounting required for digital xrays . (Prerequisite: LAB101, D103A, D103B, , D103C & D103D)
LAB 104B - Full Mouth Series - Live Patient - (6 hours of Lab)
The students will learn how to obtain a full mouth series using a live patient. The students will also learn how to properly mount films, no film mounting required for digital x-rays. (Prerequisite: LAB101, LAB104A, D103A, D103B, , D103C & D103D)
LAB 105 - Dental Charting - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn how to document the present dental conditions of the patient and the dental services to be rendered. This serves as a legal record of the patient. The students are taught and asked to prepare a dental chart using appropriate symbols, abbreviations and Black Cavity Classifications. (Prerequisite: DA104)
LAB 106 - Alginate Impressions, Laboratory Materials and Techniques - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn that Alginate Impressions are taken in order to capture an accurate three dimensional duplication of a patient’s teeth and/or surrounding tissues. Students are taught how to get alginate impressions. Students also learn to take impressions using silicon and gypsum. (Prerequisite: DA104)
LAB 107 - Restorative Materials and Techniques - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the use of bonding agents to be used between the tooth structures and the restoration. They are taught to prepare bonding agents using various instruments. In addition to the actual demonstration, a clinical video of amalgam restoration and composite resin restoration is shown to the students during this session. (Prerequisite: None)
LAB 108 - Pedodontic Procedures - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the procedure performed if the pulp of a primary or newly erupted permanent crown placement procedure. Students are also taught how to mix Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) tooth has been exposed. Students are taught to setup trays for the pulpotomy and stainless base and permanent cement. A clinical video of crown preparation is shown during this session. (Prerequisite: DA104 & DA111)
LAB 109 - Removable Prosthodontics - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the steps involve in the fabrication and installation of complete (full) and partial dentures. Students are asked to practice putting tray set-ups together for each stage of removable and Prosthodontic fabrication and delivery. (Prerequisite: DA113)
LAB 110 - Fixed Prosthodontics - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the proper technique for expelling impression materials. They are taught how to fabricate and adjust temporaries. (Prerequisite: DA114)
LAB 111 - Endodontic Instruments and Procedures - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn endodontics (root canal) procedures and the various materials and instruments use. Students are taught to place the rubber dam on the typodont. (Prerequisite: DA115)
LAB 112 – Techniques in Administering Anesthesia - (1.5 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the proper use of anesthesia in the dental practice. Students are taught how to load syringes, proper passing techniques and safe recapping techniques. (Prerequisite: DA116)
LAB 113 - Placing Sealants and Home Bleaching - (1.5 hours of Lab)
Students will learn that newly erupted and caries free teeth benefit from sealants. Students are taught how to apply sealants and bleaching techniques. (Prerequisite: None)
LAB 114 - Periodontal Treatment and Coronal Polishing, Oral Hygiene and Preventive Dentistry - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the various steps and instruments used in sealing, prophylaxis and coronal polishing. Students are taught the techniques in passing periodontal instruments and are taught how to assemble the ultrasonic scaler correctly. Additionally, they will be taught the process of removing stained and soft deposits from the clinical crown of a tooth. (Prerequisite: DA118)
LAB 115 - Oral Surgical Procedures - (2 hours of Lab)
Students will learn the instruments needed for routine surgical and dental extraction. Students are taught instrument passing in the correct order for a typical tooth extraction and how they are passed over a patient. To further enhance classroom demonstration, a clinical video of oral surgical procedure is shown to the students during this session. (Prerequisite: DA119)
LAB 116 – CPR Training and Certification - (4 hours of Lab)
Students are taught how to administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. Training will be conducted by representatives of the local American Red Cross or Fire Department. Upon completion of this training students will be awarded Certificates of Completion. (Prerequisite: None)
EXTERNSHIP
EXT101- EXTERNSHIP - (50 hours)
Students will undergo fifty (50) hours of on the job training in the office of a practicing dentist to further enhance their hands-on experience. This training could be conducted in the school premises or in the offices of other participating dentists. (Prerequisite: Could be started after completion of second week of program)
