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Dental Office Assistant Online Course
Dental Office Assistant Course Overview
Blackstone Career Institute offers an accredited Dental Office Assistant online program for those interested in home study. Blackstone has an impeccable reputation and has provided career training continuously since 1890, with the distinction of being one of the first distance education training schools.
Thousands of students later, we continue to improve our programs. Our latest endeavor offers an Online Student Center to all active Blackstone students. The Online Student Center allows you to select the course delivery method that best fits your educational preferences and your learning style.
The Blackstone program provides the dental office assistant-related knowledge you will need to gain an entry-level position in the dental field. You will learn the key concepts of running a successful dental office administration. You will gain hands-on practice in completing routine office duties and the end of the program will prepare you for a successful job search in your new career as a dental office assistant.
Dental Office Assistant Career
Why Choose a Career as a Dental Office Assistant?
The Job of the Future
Looking ahead, job prospects for dental office assistants should be excellent according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment growth will account for the majority of job openings along with the need to replace dental assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons.
Careers as a Dental Office Assistant
The job of the dental office assistant encompasses all of the business aspects related to running a dental practice. Some of the duties of the dental office assistant may include scheduling and confirming appointments, greeting patients, managing patient files, sending bills, receiving payments, and ordering office supplies and dental materials. With on-the-job training, the dental office assistant may also assist in chairside duties such as preparing patients for treatment, obtaining dental records, sterilizing instruments, and preparing trays of instruments for dental procedures.
Dental Office Assistant Job Opportunities
While the majority of dental office assistants work in dental offices, including solo and group practices, others will find employment in managed care facilities and specialty practices working for periodontists, orthodontists, or oral surgeons. With additional education and training, dental office assistants can move into positions such as office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives. Some dental assistants seek certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Graduates of Blackstone's Dental Office Assistant program are eligible for this exam after working full-time for two years or part-time for four years as a dental assistant and obtaining certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Employment Outlook
Factors such as growth of the population and advancements in dental services causing people to keep their natural teeth longer will contribute to the growing need for dental office assistants. Younger dentists, who will be more likely to utilize assistants in their practices, will replace retiring dentists, which will also create more job opportunities. For many dental office assistants, this entry level position provides experience and training which often leads to more highly skilled and higher paying jobs.
What You Can Earn as a Dental Office Assistant
As with many careers, the earning potential of dental office assistants varies depending on factors such as experience, skills, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental office assistants earned up to $43,035 in 2006. Median salaries measured at $30,222 for the same year. Benefits vary and depend on whether the dental office assistant is part-time or full-time. According to the American Dental Association, 9 out of 10 part-time and full-time dental assistants received dental coverage.
Dental Office Assistant Course Curriculum Detail
The comprehensive Blackstone Dental Office Assistant online course curriculum covers a broad range of topics.
Unit I: Blackstone Skills for Success
Chapter 1
Covers learning styles; instrinsic versus extrinsic motivation; self-efficacy and self-determination; visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners; and field dependence versus field independence.
Chapter 2
Covers study skills, including choosing a place to study; scheduling time, goal setting; monitoring your study sessions; and avoiding procrastination.
Chapter 3
Covers learning strategies, including SQ3R; note-taking skills; memory tricks; references; and how to take multiple choice tests.
Unit II: Dental Office Management 1
Chapter 1
Covers the dental team; discusses practice management and the practice mission statement; covers the qualifications and credentials of the dental assistant, certification, and continuing education.
Chapter 2
Covers the legal and ethical issues and responsibilities of the office assistant; discusses dental jurisprudence and ethics, the state board of dental examiners, and the code of ethics; stresses the importance of an office manual.
Chapter 3
Covers hazard communication and regulatory agency mandate; discusses the importance of complying with local, state, and federal regulations.
Chapter 4
Covers patient relations; explains how to assist patients with necessary forms and introduce a new patient to other team members; discusses nonverbal communication.
Unit III: Dental Office Management II
Chapter 5
Covers marketing the practice and the key elements of dental marketing; discusses goal setting and achieving patient satisfaction.
Chapter 6
Covers printed communications used in the dental office, including stationery, business cards, business letters, and cards as practice builders.
Chapter 7
Covers business office equipment, including telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, and computers; discusses how to set up a conference call.
Unit IV: English Usage and Written Communication
Chapter 1
Covers the parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
Chapter 2
Covers the parts of a sentence, including the subject, predicate, direct and indirect objects, subject complements, phrases, and clauses.
Chapter 3
Covers pronoun/antecedent agreement and pronoun usage; explains how pronouns are used in sentences; covers subject/verb agreement.
Chapter 4
Covers sentence types and sentence punctuation.
Chapter 5
Covers fundamentals of written communication including using active versus passive voice, writing unified and coherent paragraphs, and writing topic sentences for paragraphs. Discusses common types of business communication including business letters and memorandums.
Unit V: Dental Office Management III
Chapter 8
Covers dental nomenclature and related terminology; discusses dental arches, quadrants and sextants, tooth composition, types and functions of teeth, tooth identification, tooth surfaces and edges, and cavity classifications.
Chapter 9
Covers charting the oral cavity; discusses completing the dental chart; tooth numbering systems, charting symbols and abbreviations, office systems and color charting, and charting terms and symbols; also covers the American Dental Association (ADA) coding system.
Chapter 10
Covers patient records, diagnosis and treatment planning; discusses filing systems, types of patient records, and ownership of patient records; also discusses diagnosis, treatment planning and case prevention, radiation safety and pharmaceutical prescriptions.
Unit VI: Introduction to Computers, Keyboarding and Office Technology
Chapter 1
Covers how computers are used in the office today, the different types of computers, and the parts of a computer system.
Chapter 2
Covers basic keyboarding skills using the Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing CD.
Chapter 3
Covers the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW), URLs, the different types of Internet connections, search engines, email, and other uses for the Internet.
Chapter 4
Covers other types of office technology, including office telephones and the different types of telephone calls; fax machines; photocopiers; multipurpose machines; transcribers; digital cameras; and wireless communication.
Unit VII: Dental Office Management IV
Chapter 11
Covers scheduling patient appointments to optimize practice efficiency; explains how to schedule for the dentist's preference and how to schedule dental emergency patients and late patients.
Chapter 12
Covers managing accounts receivable; discusses managed care programs, insurance and third-party claims, ADA insurance codes, methods of payments, and collecting past-due accounts.
Chapter 13
Covers managing accounts payable; discusses understanding overhead, the office checking account, a bank statement, electronic funds and transfer systems; also covers payroll records and reporting procedures.
Chapter 14
Covers supply ordering and inventory control; discusses the types of supplies used in a dental office and how to manage these supplies; discusses computerized ordering and inventory control, and quantity discounts; explains how to order supplies.
Chapter 15
Covers employment opportunities for dental office assistants; discusses different types of employment, including the solo practice, group practice, managed care facility and specialty practice; offers tips for succeeding on job interviews; discusses other career opportunities in dentistry.
HIPPA Overview Course Card
Gives an overview of HIPPA regulations for medical office personnel.
Unit VIII: Professional Development and Medicolegal Ethics
Chapter 1
Discusses concepts of professional development, including attitude; self-esteem; professional attire; business etiquette; verbal and nonverbal communication; introductions; time and stress management; and continuing education.
Chapter 2
Discusses medicolegal ethics in healthcare; covers the code of ethics; discusses aspects pertaining to the healthcare record, including the purpose of ownership, how to correct mistakes, the difference between privileged and nonprivileged information, and the importance of timeliness.
Unit IX: Medical Office Practice 1
Job 1: Records Management - Organizing Work Files
Job 2: Written Communication - Revising Patient Information Sheet
Job 3: Records Management - Preparing New Patient Files
Job 4: Computerized Scheduling - Blocking and Scheduling Patient Appointments
Job 5: Appointments - Scheduling Telephone Appointments
Job 6: Completion of Encounter Form
Job 7: Transcription - SOAP Notes
Job 8: Transcription - SOAP Notes and EEG
Job 9: Appointments - Creating Appointment Patient List
Job 10: Appointments - Preparing New Patient Appointments Schedule, Drafting Letter to Patients to Inform of New Doctors' Hours
Job 11: Transcription - History and Physical Examination Record, Continuation Sheet
Job 12: Research and Written Communication Skills - Researching Drug Information
Unit X: Medical Office Practice 2
Job 13: Computerized Medical Insurance Billing - Preparing CMS-1500 Insurance Reimbursement Form
Job 14: Insurance Claims - Preparing CMS-1500 Forms: Medical and Blue
Job 15: Research and Written Communication Skills - Creating a Travel Itinerary
Job 16: Transcription - Preparing Preoperative History and Physical Examination Report and Operative Report
Job 17: Written Communication - Completing Finished Copy from Rough Draft
Job 18: Communication Skills - Making a Referral to a Specialist
Job 19: Administrative Procedures - Faxing a Referral
Job 20: Transcription - Two History and Physical Examination Records
Job 21: Transcription -Two Operative Reports
Job 22: Scheduling - Appointment Requests
Unit XI: Medical Office Practice 3
Job 23: Computerized Medical Records Management - Input New Patient Records, Edit Patient Records, Prepare Reports
Job 24: Records Management - Transcribing Emergency Patient Office Visit, Creating New Patient File, Completing Encounter Form
Job 25: Employee Payroll - Completing Work Record, Preparing and Proving Totals on Payroll Register
Job 26: Transcription - History and Physical Examination Record, Progress Notes, Letter
Job 27: Transcription - Operative Reports
Job 28: Transcription - Telephone Messages
Job 29: Research - Researching Electronic Medical Records
Job 30: Computerized Procedure Entry
Job 31: Insurance Claims and Managed Care - Preparing CMS-1500 Forms: Medicare and Blue
Job 32: Standard Precautions: Preparing Occupational Exposure Incident Report
Job 33: Communications: Proofreading and Preparing Final Copies from Draft Copies: Discharge Summary and History and Physical Examination Record
Job 34: Office Administration - Ordering Office Supplies and Preparing a Purchase Order
Job 35: Coding - Diagnostic and Procedural Coding
Unit XII: How to Find a Job in Healthcare
Chapter 1
Covers job-search correspondence, including resumes and cover letters.
Chapter 2
Discusses job-search techniques such as networking and using online employment search engines.
Chapter 3
Discusses job interviews; explains how to dress for an interview, what to bring to an interview, what to expect during an interview; discusses common questions asked during an interview and how to follow up after an interview.
Dental Office Assistant Course Materials
Blackstone will provide you with the following tools for your success as a Dental Office Assistant, which are all included in your tuition:
Blackstone Dental Office Assistant Study Guides
Twelve separate units designed by Blackstone Career Institute will guide you through the Dental Office Assistant program. These study units are broken into smaller sections, which will allow you to better process and retain the material in the readings. Each study unit chapter includes objectives, an overview, teacher’s notes, and a self-check.
Dental Office Management - by Ellen Dietz, Delmar Publishers
This comprehensive book takes readers through the various tasks associated with front office dental procedures, preparing them for the office of the 21st century. Five sections - the business of dentistry; practice communications; clinical records management; business and financial records management; and employment opportunities - are supported by learning objectives, key terms, and key concepts. Skill-Building for Success: Student Activities (role-plays and problem - solving activities) and Skills Mastery Assessment: Post-Tests are provided at the end of each chapter.
Medical Office Practice- 7th Edition, by Phillip Atkinson, Delmar Publishers
This simulation is an introductory hands-on practice set that introduces students to administrative concepts and routines in a medical office, including scheduling appointments, transcription, and insurance-forms preparation. It contains supplies, forms, procedures and cases for over 30 activities drawn from practicing physicians’ records. Includes an audiotape which provides select voices in medical office dictation. A computer disk contains templates, documents and simulated activities for scheduling appointments, records management, and completing an insurance claim.
Dorland’s Pocket Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition - Book and CD-ROM
Since 1898, Dorland’s Pocket Medical Dictionary has set the world standard as the most convenient, user-friendly portable reference on medical terminology. It provides the accurate, clear, up-to-date definitions people expect from Dorland’s...in a highly compact, easy-to-use format. Now it’s better than ever! Delivers 2,500 new entries - 37,000 in all - encompassing all of the most important new medical terms and definitions, including new drug names and 230 new illustrations. Presents the most complementary and alternative medicine coverage available in any small medical dictionary. Offers an expanded full-color insert illustrating the structure and function of the human body. Includes a CD-ROM with Dorland’s Electronic Medical Speller, Version 4.0 at no added cost, allowing you to quickly and easily add 400,000 medical terms to your computer’s spell checker. Uses a new two-color design to make reference easier.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing ®
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing ® delivers the customized training you need in a motivating, engaging format. Work at your own pace with lesson content that keeps you interested. This flexible program is an ideal choice for any would-be fluent typist, including students, e-mail enthusiasts, and office professionals. If you use the keyboard, you’ll benefit from Mavis Beacon.
Career Development for Health Professionals- by Lee Haroun, W. B. Saunders Company
Written specifically for healthcare students and professionals, this resource gives you practical, hands-on help in writing more effectively,becoming better organized, and interacting successfully with others. Offers help with resumes, getting hired, and being successful in the workplace. Contains skill-building exercises and advice on navigating through your career.
Access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center
Along with your traditional course items, you will gain unlimited access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center, where you can take exams and receive instantaneous Grade Reports, chat real-time with other students, participate in online discussions, and receive up-to-the-minute news about Blackstone.
In addition, Blackstone will also provide you with:
Thorough Testing
Twelve multiple-choice exams and a required keyboarding homework assignment assist us in assessing your understanding of the concepts taught. In addition, there are many self-checks that students can complete throughout the program.
Documents
You will receive an official transcript and a Dental Office Assistant diploma upon successful completion of the entire program. A copy of your transcript will also be on permanent file with Blackstone and is available for a nominal fee.
Ample Time
You have up to two years to complete the Blackstone Dental Office Assistant program. If additional time is needed, a six-month extension can be purchased.
Individual Grading
Your mailed exams and homework assignments will be individually graded by Blackstone’s staff. If you submit your exams through the Online Student Center, you will receive an electronic Grade Report instantly.
Support
Your success is important to us! Any time you need assistance, please contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or problems you encounter with the course materials or exams.
Paid Postage
Blackstone will pay the postage on all packages we mail within the contiguous United States. AK, HI and international students must call for rates prior to enrollment at 800-826-9228.
No Finance Charges
Blackstone offers a payment program with low monthly payments and 0 percent financing.
Student Tuition Protection Policy
We offer a student tuition protection policy that covers cancellations and refunds. Review our policy using the tuition tab at the top of this page.
Dental Office Assistant Course Tuition
A quality online career training education is an investment in your future. Blackstone’s programs are designed to include low tuition costs while providing excellence in education and student services.
Payment Options:
- Payment in Full - $826.00*
- Payment Plan - One down payment of $59.00 and 13 monthly installments of $59.00 for a total of $826.00
*Total cost of $826.00 includes a $124.00 registration fee.
Monthly Payment Plan:
Pay a low down payment upon enrollment as your first monthly payment and your remaining fees in monthly installments - interest free! The duration depends on the online program you select.
Go to our Financial Assistance section to review other financing options, including SLM Career Training Loans from SLM Financial.
Although we endeavor to keep prospective students updated on any upcoming tuition changes, fees are subject to change without notice at any time prior to your enrollment. Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding the current program tuition.
Your tuition fee includes:
- All instruction, exam evaluation, and grading of homework assignments
- Access to our state-of-the-art Online Student Center
- Full student services and support during your program, including unlimited e-mail, fax, and telephone support
- All new, latest edition textbooks
- Comprehensive and up-to-date study guides prepared by faculty and reviewed by subject matter experts
- Exam grade reports with references for questions answered incorrectly
- One official school transcript
- An embossed Dental Office Assistant diploma upon completion of program requirements
...And, depending on the online career course you take:
- Multimedia CD-ROMs
- Course supplements
- Charts
- Audiotapes and CDs
- Transcription Equipment
The exact materials list for each course is available in the Materials tab at the top of this page.
International Student Policy
International, Alaskan, Hawaiian and Canadian students are required to participate under the full payment plan only. There is an additional charge for shipping/handling of all materials. Please refer to the International Training page for requirements or call 800.826.9228 prior to enrollment. AK, HI, Canadian and international students may be required to pay extra duties required by customs authorities at the time of receipt of study material. Here is a helpful online Currency Converter.
Methods of Payment
You may use your Visa, Discover, Master Card, or American Express Card to securely enroll online. You may also pay for your program by money order or check. A returned check fee of $25.00 will apply.
NOTE: To Employed Individuals
Some students may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement of their tuition by their employers. Your company may be able to take advantage of The Employee Education Assistance Act (IRS Code, Section 127). Check with your supervisor or personnel department.
Student Tuition Protection Policy
Review Blackstone Career Institute’s cancellation and refund policy below.
Blackstone Career Institute is confident that the course you have selected will be everything we advertise. To assure you of this, we provide this cancellation and refund policy. A student may cancel the program by notifying the school in any manner; a written request is recommended. If you cancel within 5 days from the signature date on your Enrollment Agreement, all monies will be refunded. (If you are taking the program under GI Bill benefits, you have a minimum 10-day waiting period before submitting a signed affirmation, and you will receive a prompt refund of the total amount paid.) If you cancel after 5 days from the signature date of your Enrollment Agreement, but prior to receipt by the school of your first exam (or, if you are using GI Bill benefits, then after the 10-day affirmation period), you are obligated to a registration fee of 15% of the tuition or $150, whichever is less. (Students using GI Bill benefits are liable to the school for a registration fee of 10% of the tuition or $50.00, whichever is less.) If you cancel after submitting the first exam, you are obligated to pay the school the registration fee plus a percentage of tuition as follows:
A. Up to and including 10% of the exams, 10% of the tuition.
B. After submitting more than 10% up to and including 25% of the exams, 25% of the tuition.
C. After submitting more than 25% up to and including 50% of the exams, 50% of the tuition.
D. After submitting more than 50% of the exams, you owe the school the full tuition.
If you choose to cancel and have paid the school more than the amount as calculated above, all excess payments will be refunded upon receipt of all unused book(s) and learning material(s) in ‘resalable condition.’ All materials, books, CDs, and hardware will be inspected for use. If you have written in your book(s), highlighted, bent, folded, or otherwise damaged any of the returned materials, they will be considered not resalable and will require a refund reduction equal to the replacement cost of those materials. B.C.I. is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected mail; retain verification of your return shipment. No CODs or postage-due returns will be accepted. Refunds are processed within 30 days to the payee of record. No refunds will be issued after 15 months.
Tuition Comparison
While the cost of attending a private career school today can be over $10,000 a year, the total cost of Blackstone’s distance education Dental Office Assistant course is only $826.00! This low tuition cost includes everything you will need to complete your Blackstone program and upon successful completion, receive your career diploma. In addition, Blackstone offers two ways to complete your career program coursework: traditional correspondence-based home study or through the Blackstone Online Student Center, which allows you access to your coursework and exams online. You select the method that best fits your educational preferences and your learning style all for one low tuition cost. When you factor in the value of your time, our traditional or online distance education program becomes an even better investment. Because you can complete your Blackstone career program in less time than other programs, you realize the return on your investment a lot sooner.
Blackstone Career Institute offers the Dental Office Assistant career program at a competitive tuition cost. Below you will see how Blackstone compares to other traditional and online career schools.
| Tuition Cost* | Other Fees ** | Total Program Cost | |
| Blackstone Career Institute | $826 | $0 | $826 |
| Penn Foster Career School | $707 | $191 | $898 |
* Cost is for the entire program tuition as of 12/172007 and is subject to change. Costs were collected from each school’s Web site.
** Other course fees can include textbooks and materials, registration fees, credit application fees, technology fees, online fees, and shipping and handling fees.
At Blackstone Career Institute there are no application fees. A down payment of $59.00 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your program tuition releasing your first package of lessons. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. Enroll now, online!
Call us toll free at 1.800.826.9228 to speak with a student service representative if you have questions or would like to enroll directly!
Dental Office Assistant Career Resources
Career Resources include sites that specifically relate to your future career as a Dental Office Assistant. Find organizations to join and increase your networking abilities. Many of these organizations and associations have their own newsletters or magazines, job databases, and certification exams. You will also find links to other relevant web sites for your career path and books, software or journals that can help as you build your professional knowledge.
Following is a list of resource categories available to Dental Office Assistants. Click on the category you would like to explore.
- Dental Office Assistant and Related Associations
- Job Resources for Dental Office Assistants
- Reference Sites for Dental Professions
- Books and Journals for the Dental Office Assistant Profession
Dental Office Assistant and Related Associations
American Dental Assistants Association
Dental Assisting National Board
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Association of Orthodontists
Job Resources for Dental Office Assistants
U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics • Occupational Outlook Handbook for Dental Assistants
Dentalworkers.com • Registering gives you the ability to post your resume and access the job database
iHireDental • Search jobs, upload your resume, and receive live customer support and email notifications of new job postings that match your qualifications
HealthServicesJobs.com • Post your resume and create your portfolio, research the latest trends in your industry, and search for jobs
DentalAssistantJobs.com • Search jobs, post your resume, view company profiles and more
Dental Care Partners • View Dental Assistant employment opportunities in several states
Absolutely Healthcare • Browse healthcare and medical jobs, post your resume, obtain licensing information, review salary data, and set up a job search agent
Healthcare Job Bank • Search jobs, post your resume, or sign up to receive job listings automatically by email
Reference Sites for Dental Professions
Online Dictionary of Dental Terms
Toothpick.com- Dentist Search Engine • A national database, directory, and search engine for locating a dentist by geography, specialty, and over 20 other criteria
Medline Plus • Articles on gum disease
Cunning Dental Fun-N-Games • Tooth Fairy, Smile Fun, Dentist, Teeth, Hygienist and Dental Poems, Mazes, Clip Art and Puzzles
The Stanford Health Library • Links to articles on Dentistry, Oral Diseases, and Oral Health
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research • Health information, clinical trials, news and reports, and research aimed at improving oral health
Simple Steps to Better Dental Health • Preventing prblems, understanding conditions, exploring treatments in dental health
Books, Journals and Software for the
Medical Office Assistant Profession
Amazon.com • Check out the various titles available by typing “Dental Assistant” into the search bar
The Dental Assistant Journal • Downloadable files from the American Dental Assistants Association
MedBioWorld • Links to Dentistry and Orthodontics Journals
Train for your new career with accredited online training programs and courses. Enroll today!
Blackstone Career Institute is a Direct Learning Systems School. ©1999-2008 Direct Learning Systems, Inc.
Blackstone Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Washington D.C., regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Philadelphia, PA and licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
BCI provides an excellent foundation for anyone interested in earning a career diploma from home. With more than a century of expertise, Blackstone offers a committed, responsive faculty and a quality education, all at an affordable rate.