Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development

Executive Director
Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
n.pratt@csuohio.edu

Clinical Dental Assistant Program

Start Your Career in Dental Assisting

Cleveland State University’s Clinical Dental Assisting Program combines live virtual instruction, hands-on clinical training, and a supervised externship in a participating dental practice. Learn from experienced dental professionals, develop foundational knowledge and practical skills, and prepare for industry credentials and entry-level work in dental assisting.

The initial phase includes live virtual classes in the evening and on-site clinical training on weekends. After completing the required preparation, students begin a supervised externship during regular business hours. Students should plan for daytime availability during this portion of the program.

Program cost is $7,500 and includes live, virtual instruction, clinical training, all course materials, exam preparation, exam fees and externship.

Apply Today

Program at a Glance
252 Total Clock Hours
60 Clock Hours of Live Virtual Instruction
Build foundational knowledge through live, instructor-led virtual sessions covering dental assisting concepts, procedures, patient care, safety, technology, and professional practice.
60 Clock Hours of On-Site Clinical Training
Practice and demonstrate essential dental assisting skills through hands-on clinical training sessions in a dental practice facilitated by a team of dental professionals.
18 Clock Hours of External Training and Certification
Get a CPR certification and the approved training to become an Ohio Dental Assistant Radiographer.
114 Clock Hours of Supervised Externship
Apply your knowledge and skills in a dental practice while gaining supervised experience in a real-world clinical environment.

Credential Preparation

The program includes coursework and preparation for industry credentials and certification examinations relevant to entry-level dental assisting. Students build the knowledge and skills assessed on these examinations. Earning each credential requires meeting the issuing organization’s requirements, including passing any required examinations.

Credentials Students Can Earn
- American Red Cross CPR Certification
- Ohio Dental Assistant Radiographer Certificate
- DANB National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) Certification
Required Courses, Examinations, and Clinical Experience
- The DALE Foundation RHS Review Course
- DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Examination
- DANB Infection Control (ICE) Examination
- DANB Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP) Examination
- 174 hours of hands-on clinical training and supervised externship experience

Knowledge and Skills You’ll Develop

The curriculum combines foundational knowledge with practical instruction in dental assisting, patient care, clinical procedures, dental technology, and professional practice.

Curriculum Area	What You’ll Learn
Professional Foundations, Radiology, Infection Prevention, and Clinical Safety	Build a foundation in professional dental assisting, workplace expectations, dental ethics and law, regulatory requirements, and patient confidentiality. Develop knowledge and skills in infection prevention, sterilization, disinfection, instrument processing, dental unit waterlines, and clinical safety. Begin foundational preparation in dental radiology.
Foundational Sciences, Oral Anatomy, and Dental Structures	Study human anatomy and physiology, head and neck anatomy, oral structures and development, dentition, dental anatomy, tooth morphology, occlusion, and the temporomandibular joint. Apply this knowledge through tooth identification, charting, occlusion evaluation, and dental anatomy practice.
Oral Disease, Prevention, and Periodontal Assisting	Learn about dental caries, periodontal disease, oral pathology, preventive dentistry, nutrition and oral health, periodontal assessment, caries risk assessment, fluoride therapy, and gingival and periodontal conditions. Practice recognizing oral abnormalities, periodontal charting, assisting during prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance, preparing for fluoride application, and setting up and breaking down the operatory. Instruction also introduces coronal polishing and sealant procedures.
Patient Assessment, Medical Considerations, and Emergency Management	Develop skills in patient assessment, health history review, risk evaluation, vital signs, patient records, charting, and clinical documentation. Study pharmacology, anesthesia, pain control, and care considerations for patients with disabilities or complex medical conditions. Practice measuring vital signs, reviewing health histories, interpreting prescription information, using electronic health records, and responding to simulated medical emergencies.
Chairside Assisting, Instruments, and Clinical Procedures	Learn to support dental care through patient seating and dismissal, communication, four-handed dentistry, and assistance with anxious patients and children. Study dental instruments, handpieces, digital dentistry, dental informatics, isolation, moisture control, and rubber dam placement. Practice instrument transfer, ergonomics, rubber dam placement, and chairside procedures.
Dental Materials, Impressions, and Laboratory Procedures	Study restorative and esthetic materials, liners, bases, bonding systems, cements, impression materials, and prosthodontic laboratory procedures. Practice mixing materials, taking and disinfecting impressions, pouring dental stone, and preparing models.
Comprehensive Dental Procedures and Specialty Assisting	Develop knowledge of restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics. Explore fixed appliances, clear aligners, retainers, records, scans, impressions, separator placement, and assistance during debonding. Reinforce learning through specialty instrument setups and procedure simulations.
Overview of Expanded Functions and Preventive Clinical Procedures	Learn about expanded functions, coronal polishing, dental sealants, and preventive care associated with the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) role. Practice applicable skills through instructional exercises and clinical skills assessments.
Practice Management, Career Development, and Professional Transition	Develop skills in patient and practice management, insurance, dental coding, practice management software, appointment systems, insurance claims, and electronic workflows. Prepare for employment through resume development, interviewing, job search strategies, and individual career planning. Explore career and academic pathways, continuing education, and professional organizations.

Your Path Through the Program

Build Your Foundation
Develop foundational knowledge in dental anatomy, infection prevention, clinical safety, patient care, and professional expectations.
Develop Clinical Skills
Practice essential dental assisting procedures through guided, hands-on clinical training.
Prepare for Credentials
Complete the required coursework and prepare for the credential examinations included in the program.
Gain Supervised Workplace Experience
Complete your supervised externship in a participating dental practice, applying your knowledge and skills in the workplace.
Take the Next Step
Build on your training, clinical experience, and earned credentials to pursue entry-level employment and continued professional development in dental assisting.

Who Can Apply?

This program is designed for individuals interested in beginning a career in dental assisting. No previous dental assisting experience is required.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Demonstrate the English language proficiency needed to participate in instruction and communicate in clinical settings.
Be able to participate in required coursework, clinical training, and the supervised externship, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Be able to perform the essential functions of dental assisting, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Applicants who need accommodations may contact CSU’s disability services office for information about available support.

Take Your First Step Toward a Career in Dental Assisting

Build foundational knowledge and practical skills through Cleveland State University’s Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program. Learn from dental professionals and gain supervised experience in a participating dental practice.

Questions About the Program?

Email workforce@csuohio.edu for information about the program and application process.