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To get started, text TUITION ASSISTANCE to (267)766-0889About Shark Dental Academy
The Hands-On Dental Assistant School. Call Today, and Start New Career in Dentistry Tomorrow!
- Shark dental is recognized as The Best Dental Assisting School in Abington and one of the best dental assisting schools near Philadelphia!
- Our school is located in a DENTAL OFFICE!
- We do what we teach- you will learn from real dental assistants, dental receptionists, dentists on REAL PATIENTS!
- We teach you all the “New” Technology!: digital x-rays, digital teeth scanners, 3-D bone scans, hands-on learning on day one and all throughout the school!
- We have a 100% graduation rate and 90% employment rate!
- Our classes are 4-6 people, making it the best possible way to learn!
- We help you after you graduate by helping you apply for jobs in offices that we partner with!
Our Upcoming Courses Schedule
For More Information call (215)583-0057
CLASS MEETS: MO, TU, TH and FR
TIME: 9:00AM-12:30 PM
START DATE: JUNE 24, 2024*
GRADUATE IN: 8 WEEKS+2 WEEKS EXTERNSHIP
SPACE LIMITED: 6 STUDENTS PER CLASS
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CLASS MEETS: MO/TU/TH/FR
TIME: 5:30PM-7:30PM
START DATE: JUNE 24, 2024*
GRADUATE IN: 12 WEEKS+2 WEEKS EXTERNSHIP
SPACE LIMITED: 6 STUDENTS PER CLASS
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CLASS MEETS: SATURDAY
TIME: 9AM-3PM
START : JUNE 15, 2024
GRADUATE IN: 16 WEEKS+2 WEEKS EXTERNSHIP
SPACE LIMITED: 4 STUDENTS PER CLASS
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* DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
How We Stack Up
For More Information call (215)583-0057
12 Weeks
$3,500
35 Weeks
$15,700
36 Weeks
$14,959
37 Weeks
$14,650
Duties of a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants provide patient care and chair-side support as dentists complete exams and procedures. Most visibly, people may see dental assistant’s passing instruments, but that’s just the beginning of their technical skills. Other technical duties of a dental assistant include:
Dental assistants can perform some polishing or explain proper dental hygiene to patients, but most often, their patient contact occurs when working with a dentist on procedures that could benefit from extra help.
Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions
Taking & pouring dental impressions (molds of the mouth)
Preparing patients for surgery
Preparing examination areas
Sterilizing equipment
Dental assistants differ from dental hygienists in that dental hygienists perform much more unsupervised work on patients.
Skills Needed to Be a Dental Assistant
If you’ve decided to pursue a career in dentistry, you may be wondering, “What does it take to be a dental assistant?”
Because the duties are so broad, there are a variety of skills you need.
Technical Skills
One of the primary jobs of dental assistants is to help dentists perform procedures. Dental assistants work closely with dentists to perform tasks such as fillings, crowns, and other procedures. Some technical skills needed include:
- Knowledge of advanced dental procedures in order to anticipate the order of operations
- Ability to take X-rays, blood pressure readings, and dental impressions
- Knowledge of dental materials and maintaining equipment
- Ability to spot a dental emergency
Legally, a dental assistant needs to know CPR in order to respond in an emergency as well.
To be allowed to do more advanced functions, such as taking x-rays or performing coronal polishes, many states require dental assistants to be licensed or certified, and those requirements vary by state.
People Skills
Not everybody loves going to the dentist. A dental assistant is often the first face that patients see when they walk through the door, so you need to be friendly and compassionate. That’s why good people skills are so important. You’re going to have to:
- Settle patients in and prepare them for their check-up, surgery or procedure
- Ask about their medical history
- Be a good listener
- Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after treatment
- Be a good communicator, as you’ll provide oral hygiene and care instructions after procedures or surgery
Admin Skills
A lot of jobs come with administration duties, and this one is no different. On top of your technical abilities and people skills, you’ll be asked to do a variety of admin tasks on a daily basis. The scope of those tasks will vary from office to office, but could include:
- Performing office management tasks, including computer-based work
- Communicating with patients to schedule appointments, make reminder calls, and even sorting out billing issues
- Monitoring and ordering supplies when needed
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Shark Dental Academy offers one of the quickest paths to becoming a dental assistant. This is where you will learn the appropriate technical skills required for the job. Other dental assisting programs can take between one and two years to complete, depending on if the desired outcome is a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. With our unique curriculum focused on the practical skills of the dental assisting, you will earn a diploma of dental assisting in only 14 weeks!
After your education, Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) licensure is required in 39 states. It’s a multiple choice exam which tests your knowledge of radiation and sterilization safety in a dental office. After you pass that exam, along with the diploma from our school, you will be ready to work in the field!
Dental Assistant Career Information
Dental Assisting is forecast to be one of the fastest growing healthcare occupations in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028, meaning the job outlook is much faster than the average for all occupations. The national median annual salary was $38,660 in May 2018.2 For regional data check the BLS website (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319091.htm). Earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area.
Video Reviews From Our Students
Graduate in 14 Weeks and earn UP TO $22/hour
AYONNE
YUHAN
CHERYL
MARSHA
EVON
IGOR
GABRIELLA
Ariana
SHARK DENTAL GRADUATE’S REVIEW
Why Choose Shark Dental Academy?
For More Information call (215)583-0057
Hands-On
We practice “hands-on approach” which is the best way to become a good dental assistant in a short amount of time. Our school is located inside one of the busiest dental offices in the area. You’ll get to practice all the skills of a dental assistant in real-life settings.
Convenient Schedule
We offer multiple locations and times, including Saturdays. Students will complete reading assignments and online quizzes during the week. This allows flexibility for our students to continue working while being prepared for their next career.
Affordable Tuition
Our learning model allows us to keep the cost of education extremely low. We offer several payment plans that do not require a credit check.
Experienced Staff
We hire the most qualified and experienced instructors in town. All of our instructors are either distinguished dental assistants or dental professionals.
Career Services
We’re committed to helping our students both during and after graduation. Once you graduate, our dedicated career services team will help you in your job search.
Request For More Information
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