Curriculum

Dental Assistant Program Curriculum

Take the first step toward a career in the growing dental field with dental assistant classes from Penn Foster. Our flexible online program lets you study when you want, where you want, and at the pace you want — all at an affordable price.

Dental Assistant

Career Diploma

3 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Dental Assistant Program Online Curriculum

10 courses
27.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
16 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 3 months
Average time = 7 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. You’ll learn how you can improve your study skills so you’re able to use a number of tools that will help you to be successful.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
This course introduces you to dentistry, dental assisting, and being a part of the dental team. You’ll learn some of the history of dentistry, beginning with the Egyptians and continuing through the ages. You’ll read about the origins of inventions and the predecessors of modern equipment.

You’ll also learn to identify the members of the dental team and their duties. The different types of dental offices and their separate areas will be described. The professional qualifications and responsibilities of a dental assistant will be addressed, along with a look at how licensure is managed.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the pioneers of modern dentistry and career opportunities
- Recognize members of the dental health team and their offices
In this course, you’ll analyze varying dental terminology, including the oral cavity, dental anatomy, and tooth morphology.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify terminology and anatomy in dentistry
- Analyze cavities and how to chart
In this course, you’ll review preventive dentistry and how nutrition impacts it. You’ll also identify how dental law and ethics applies in the office.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the importance of preventive dentistry and how nutrition affects it
- Analyze dental law and ethics in the dental office
In this course, you’ll learn about the different facets of the dental operatory, including patients, instrumentation, and moisture control. You’ll also review disease transmission, pathology, and dental emergencies. Finally, you’ll review how to control infection in dentistry.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the facets of the dental operatory
- Analyze disease transmission, pathology, and dental emergencies
- Describe how to control infection in dentistry
In this course, you’ll first learn about OSHA regulations and how they’re applied in the dental office. Next, you’ll discuss radiology. You’ll read dental film, diagnose radiographs, and process radiographs.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Define OSHA regulations and how they’re applied in the dental office
- Describe radiology and reading dental film
- Analyze how to diagnose radiographs and how to process an exposed radiograph
In this course, you’ll learn the basics of pharmacology and its relationship to the dental profession. You’ll learn various components and methods of how to prepare and administer anesthesia safely. You’ll learn about dental restorative materials and how they’re used in restorations, and you’ll find out about dental impression materials.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain how pharmacology and anesthesiology relate to the dental assistant role
- Describe various basic dental materials used in dental procedures
- Describe various impression materials
In this course, you’ll learn about endodontics and periodontics the field of dentistry that deals with the tissues that surround the teeth. You’ll be introduced to the specialties of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics and the specialties of prosthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain conditions, diagnoses, instruments, and various procedures involved with endodontic and periodontal dentistry
- Discuss various procedures, conditions and treatments in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics
- Discuss procedures performed in a prosthodontic office and procedures for oral and maxillofacial surgeries
In this course, you’ll learn professional communication skills such as interpersonal communication, the eight levels of relating to others, conflict resolution, and how to greet patients. This course will also discuss how to maintain the reception area and professional skills needed for business administration for the dental assistant.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Analyze professional communication skills
- Discuss professional skills needed by a dental assistant for business administration of a dental office
In this course, you’ll learn how to use appointment modules, account modules, chart and image modules, and how to manage employee information. You’ll learn the importance of maintaining a professional appearance and continuing professional development. This course also provides information on how to search for employment opportunities and what the next steps are once you locate employment opportunities.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Analyze appointment modules, account modules, chart and image modules, and managing employee information
- Discuss professional appearance, professional development, and locating employment opportunities

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.