Are you eager to jump-start a career as a dental assistant but need a flexible, accelerated training option? With online education, you can now complete your dental assistant training faster than ever before, and from the comfort of your home. Preppy’s 12-week online dental assistant program offers you an affordable, high-quality education without the traditional time constraints of in-person learning. But before you jump in, let’s explore the critical components that make a dental assistant training program worth your time and investment.
In this guide, we’ll break down the three critical requirements you need to meet as a dental assistant and explain how Preppy’s program helps you fulfill these while saving time and money.
The Benefits of Becoming a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are a vital part of any dental team, helping dentists during procedures, managing patient records, and ensuring the smooth operation of the clinic. It’s a rewarding and secure career that can lead to various opportunities in the healthcare field. According to recent data from the BLS http://bls.gov, the demand for dental assistants is consistently high, making this career path an excellent choice for those looking to enter the healthcare sector quickly.
Many people who aspire to become dental assistants worry about the time and cost associated with getting the necessary training. Traditionally, this path has involved months or even years of study, but online programs are changing that. Preppy offers a streamlined program that lets you complete your training in as little as 12 weeks, without sacrificing the quality of your education.
Three Key Requirements for Dental Assistants
Before you dive into a dental assistant program, it’s essential to understand the three primary requirements that employers typically expect.
1. Certification: A Nationally Recognized Credential
One of the most critical components of becoming a dental assistant is obtaining certification. Employers often seek candidates who are certified through reputable organizations like the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Specifically, earning the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification can set you apart from other applicants.
The NELDA certification shows employers that you have met industry standards and are capable of performing the duties of a dental assistant. This certification requires you to pass a series of exams, including anatomy, morphology, infection control, and radiation health and safety.
Many accelerated programs promise quick training but don’t prepare students adequately for these exams. However, there are dental assistant programs specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to ace these exams and become a certified dental assistant.
2. University Certificate: A Badge of Prestige
In addition to certification, having a university-backed certificate can be a significant advantage. Imagine handing over your resume with a certificate from a well-known dental school or university. It immediately signals to employers that you’ve invested in high-quality education and are serious about your career.
Preppy’s dental assistant program is offered in partnership with a top-ranked, accredited nonprofit university. Upon completion, you’ll receive a university certificate, adding a prestigious credential to your resume. This is an advantage that many other online or fast-track programs don’t offer, making Preppy stand out in the world of dental assistant education.
3. Hands-On Experience: The Externship Advantage
While online education offers flexibility, nothing replaces the value of hands-on experience. Dental assistants need to work in real-world settings alongside dentists, hygienists, and patients to develop the practical skills necessary for success.
Preppy’s dental assistant training includes an externship opportunity, allowing you to gain clinical experience in a local dental office. This externship opportunity gives you the chance to apply your skills in a real dental setting, helping you stand out in interviews and giving you stories and examples to share with potential employers. Having hands-on experience listed on your resume could be the key to landing your first job in the field.
Why Choose Preppy’s 12-Week Program?
With so many options for dental assistant training, why choose Preppy? Let’s break down what makes this program special.
100% Online and Self-Paced
Preppy’s program is entirely online, which means you can complete your training from the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer studying in your living room or at your favorite coffee shop, you’ll have the flexibility to learn at your own pace. There’s no need to commute to a physical campus, and you won’t have to adhere to rigid class schedules. If you have a busy life with work or family obligations, this program allows you to fit your education around your personal commitments.
The self-paced nature of the program means that you can complete your training as quickly as you’d like. Many students finish the program in just 12 weeks, while others take a little longer, depending on their personal schedule. You’ll have access to the course materials for a full year, giving you the freedom to revisit lessons whenever necessary.
University-Accredited Certificate
As mentioned earlier, Preppy’s online dental assistant program offers more than just dental assistant training—it provides you with a certificate of completion from Auburn, a prestigious, accredited university. This university backing gives your credentials an extra layer of credibility, which can be invaluable in a competitive job market.
Preparation for DANB Certification
Preppy’s program is laser-focused on preparing you for the DANB’s NELDA certification exams. You’ll receive targeted training in anatomy, infection control, and radiation safety, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for the certification process. Passing these exams will allow you to add the NELDA credential to your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Hands-On Externship Experience
Unlike many online programs that leave students to figure out clinical experience on their own, Preppy includes an externship opportunity as part of the online dental assistant program. This externship opportunity is coordinated for you, placing you in a local dental office where you can gain the practical, hands-on experience that employers value.
Externships are available nationwide, so no matter where you live, Preppy can help you find a placement that suits your needs. This experience is invaluable for building your skills and making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Job Placement Services
Once you complete the program, Preppy doesn’t leave you hanging. You’ll have access to job placement services that can help you secure your first dental assistant job. Preppy partners with healthcare facilities and dental offices to connect graduates with employers looking for qualified candidates. With job placement assistance, you’ll have a head start towards your new career.
Affordable and Accessible
One of the biggest barriers to education is cost, but Preppy is committed to making dental assistant training affordable. The entire program, including the externship opportunity, university certificate, and certification preparation, costs less than $2,000. There are even payment plans available, making it easier for you to start your education without the burden of student debt.
Additional Perks: Free Laptop and More
As a bonus, Preppy is currently offering a free laptop to students who enroll in the dental assistant program. This laptop is yours to keep once you complete the course, ensuring that you have the tools you need to succeed from day one.
Online Dental Assistant Program: Is Preppy Right for You?
Preppy’s 12-week online dental assistant program offers a fast, affordable, and comprehensive path to starting towards your new career. With 100% online training, university certification, externship opportunities, and job placement assistance, Preppy provides everything you need to succeed as a dental assistant.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in the dental field, Preppy’s program might be the perfect fit for you. You can enroll today and start your training immediately—no waiting for semester start dates or lengthy application processes. With Preppy, your dream career is just a few clicks away.
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About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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