PROGRAM OBJECTIVES -  

The Dental Assistant Program is designed so that upon completion the “DA“ can perform duties and carry out procedures in the Dental Office except those for which licensing is required. This enables the dentist to increase quality and quantity of services with less cost to the patients. This program is intended to provide an entry-level education to those who possess a High School Diploma or its equivalency. Credit may be granted for previous programs attended after submission of the appropriate documentation from an institution which is Accredited by an agency recognized by the USDOE or CHEA and review by the Academy. No test-out procedures are used. No distance learning is offered.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION -

The brief description listed is meant to show the wide scope of the program of instruction, which allows “DVA” graduates to work in their choice of the many specialized dental practices that make up the field. Inquire at the Placement Assistance Office for examples of the varied types of job opportunities available to Delaware Valley Academy gradu­ates through our Job Placement Assistance Program.

 MAJOR EQUIPMENT -

The Dental Assistant classroom resembles a general dental office setting with such equipment as complete dental operatories including high speed and conventional units, cabinets stocked with various types of instruments used throughout the field, model trimmers and the basic supplies found in most dental practices. Multiple work stations with sinks are also located in the classroom. Separate x-ray and darkroom facilities are located within the classroom for the radiological portion of the program. The front office area includes telephones, typewriters, computers, and a varied supply of office and insurance forms. Lectures and audio/visual presentations are also conducted in the Dental Assistant classroom.

 INTRODUCTION -  3 Weeks -  42 Hours

During the Introduction Module you will be familiarized with the basic rules and regulations of the Academy and the Medical Assistant Program itself, proper study habits, organizational skills, Medical Terminology including basic prefixes and suffixes, keyboarding and basic computer knowledge. 

 MODULE A / Units 1 – 3;  5 Weeks -  112.5 Hours

Your objective in this Module is to become proficient with dental anatomy, tooth morphology, human anatomy, physiology, dental hygiene and pharmacology. 

MODULE B / Units 4 – 7;  6 Weeks -  135 Hours

Your objective in this module is to become proficient with diet and nutrition, dental instruments, operative dentistry, anesthetics, microbiology, pedodontics and sterilization.

 MODULE C / Units 8 – 9;  5  Weeks -  112.5 Hours

Your objective in this module is to become proficient with prosthodontics, orthodontics, four handed dentistry and charting.

MODULE D / Units 10 – 12;  8  Weeks -  180 Hours

Your objective in this module is to become proficient with oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics safeties and hazards of x-radiation, CPR and business administration.

INTERNSHIP -  8 Weeks -  240 Hours

You are expected to perform an internship of 30 hours a week for 8 weeks.  The hours will be scheduled by the internship office according to their needs. You will utilize the skills developed at DVA to perform the duties of a Dental Assistant in a Dental Facility.

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANTS (RDA)

Upon satisfactory completion of Delaware Valley Academy’s Dental Assistant Program, a diploma is awarded which makes our graduates eligible to take the registry examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). For more information on becoming an RDA, inquire at the Academy.

 CLASSES AND SCHEDULING -

Day classes are Monday thru Friday; Evening classes are Monday thru Thursday. Classes begin at various times throughout the year.  Evening Dental Assistant classes are offered only when a sufficient number of students are enrolled. A schedule of class hours and starting  dates is enclosed on the services & tuition page of this site.

Delaware Valley Academy of Medical & Dental Assistants

Grant Academy Shopping Center

3330 Grant Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19114

Copyright 2008