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Clinical Skills Taught In The First Institute Dental Assisting Program

March 11, 2025

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Classes Taught in English Only.

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:

  1. Dental radiology – Students learn x-ray equipment operation, safety protocols, and digital/film processing techniques.
  2. Chairside assisting – The program covers instrument care and use, patient charting, and providing patient care and support during dental procedures.
  3. Lab procedures – Students gain hands-on experience with primary and secondary dental impressions, fixed prosthetics, and dental implants.
  4. Coronal polishing and applying dental sealants.
  5. Oral health and endodontics procedures.
  6. Sterilization and disinfection of dental equipment and instruments.
  7. Assisting with various dental specialties like orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.
  8. Performing preventative dentistry procedures.

The program utilizes a fully functioning dental laboratory to provide students with practical, hands-on training in these clinical skills. Additionally, students complete a 120-hour externship in an actual dental office to apply their skills in a real-world setting before graduation.

Ready to get started? Apply to the First Institute Dental Assisting program today. Need to know more? Get in touch!

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