Our 180-Hour Dental Assistant Internship
ACI Medical & Dental School recognizes the significance of internships in shaping the future of their dental assistant students. The internship program provides students with a practical learning experience by allowing them to work in a real dental facility and apply the concepts and skills they have learned in the classroom.
During the 180-hour internship program, students can observe and work alongside experienced dental professionals. This hands-on experience will enable students to understand the daily duties of a dental assistant, such as patient care, sterilizing instruments, managing dental equipment, taking X-rays, and other crucial tasks.
Participating in an internship program will not only provide valuable experience, but it also offers several benefits to the students. These include enhancing their resumes, building professional relationships with industry experts, demonstrating their commitment to the field, obtaining references from dental professionals, and increasing their chances of securing employment after completing the program.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of a dental care team. With strong communication and interpersonal skills, they help create a comfortable experience for patients while keeping office operations running smoothly. Their daily responsibilities include:
- Assisting dentists with intra-oral procedures
- Communicating with patients to provide guidance and reassurance
- Cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing dental instruments and equipment
- Performing radiological tasks such as taking and processing x-rays
- Managing front office tasks in a dental practice
- Updating and maintaining electronic health records (EHR)
A solid understanding of dental terminology, anatomy, emergency procedures, and clinical protocols is essential for success in this role.
What is the Job Outlook for Dental Assistants?
Like many healthcare careers, the demand for dental assistants is growing faster than the number of qualified professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for dental assistants are projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029—significantly higher than the average job growth rate. With strong graduation and employment rates, now is an ideal time to begin a career in this expanding field at ACI Medical & Dental School.
Graduates of this program will be prepared for a range of in-demand roles, including:
- Surgical Dental Assistant
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant
- Oral Surgery Assistant
- Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Asst)
- Orthodontic Technician
Beyond these roles, experienced dental assistants can pursue career advancements in areas such as office management, dental research, sales, dental hygiene, or even dentistry itself.
What Should I Look For In An Ocean County Dental Assistant Program?
When selecting a Dental Assistant program in Ocean County, NJ, consider the following key factors to ensure you receive quality training and career opportunities:
1. Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized dental or healthcare education body, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or a similar organization. Accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards and is recognized by employers.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum
A strong program should cover essential skills and knowledge, including:
- Chairside assisting techniques
- Dental radiology (x-rays)
- Dental terminology and anatomy
- Handling electronic health records (EHR)
- Dental office management and communication skills
3. Hands-On Clinical Training
Look for a program that offers practical experience in real dental settings. Clinical externships or internships at local dental offices help you apply classroom knowledge and gain valuable hands-on skills.
4. Experienced Instructors
Programs with licensed dentists and experienced Dental Assistants as instructors provide high-quality training and industry insights.
5. Certification Preparation
Check if the program prepares you for certifications such as:
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Radiology (X-ray) certification, which is required in New Jersey
6. Job Placement Assistance
Programs with strong career services help graduates find employment after completion. Look for schools that offer:
- Job placement assistance
- Resume-building workshops
- Networking opportunities with local dental practices
7. Flexible Scheduling
If you need to balance work or other commitments, check if the school offers evening, weekend, or part-time class options.
8. Cost & Financial Aid Options
Compare tuition fees and see if the program offers:
- Financial aid or scholarships
- Payment plans
- Grants or workforce development funding
9. Positive Student Outcomes
Look for a school with high graduation and employment rates, as this indicates strong program effectiveness and employer connections.
Learn More About Our Dental Assistant Training Program
ACI Medical & Dental School in Eatontown, NJ provides students with the skills necessary to become a Ocean County Dental Assistant with Radiology Licensing through hands-on training with our experienced faculty and state-of-the-art equipment. Once a student has successfully completed this program, they will be ready to work with dentists and patients as part of a dental team. If you want to enroll in ACI Medical & Dental School’s Dental Assistant Training program, contact us today and take the first step towards an exciting, in-demand new career!
