Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development
Executive Director
Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
n.pratt@csuohio.edu
Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate
Prepare to enter the dental profession through a comprehensive training program that combines live instruction, hands-on clinical education, and supervised experience in a dental practice.
Cleveland State University's Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program prepares students with the technical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies needed to begin a career in dental assisting.
Learn from experienced dental professionals, practice essential clinical procedures, and develop your abilities in a participating dental practice. Along the way, prepare for nationally recognized certification and the credentials needed to support your entry into the profession.
No previous dental experience required.
Our Program at a Glance
Career-focused training with the experience and credentials to help you enter the dental profession.
- 252 Clock Hours
- Comprehensive dental assisting instruction, clinical training, credential preparation, and supervised externship experience.
- 174 Clock Hours
- 60 clock hours of on-site clinical training and 114 clock hours of supervised externship experience.
- Evening and Weekend Schedule
- Live virtual instruction in the evenings and on-site clinical training on weekends.
- Industry Credential Preparation
- Prepare for DANB NELDA certification and the Ohio Dental Assistant Radiographer Certificate, with CPR certification included.
- Personalized Student Support
- Receive guidance from CSU personnel throughout enrollment, training, credential preparation, and program completion.
Build the knowledge and competencies needed for entry-level dental assisting.
The curriculum combines foundational knowledge with practical instruction in clinical procedures, patient care, dental technology, and professional practice.
| Area of study | Knowledge and skills |
|---|---|
| Dental and Oral Health Foundations | Dental anatomy, tooth identification, charting, oral structures, occlusion, oral disease, and preventive care. |
| Infection Prevention and Clinical Safety | Personal protective equipment, asepsis, sterilization, disinfection, instrument processing, and infection prevention protocols. |
| Patient Care and Chairside Assisting | Patient assessment, vital signs, health histories, operatory preparation, instrument transfer, four-handed dentistry, and patient communication. |
| Dental Radiography | Radiation health and safety, radiographic principles, and preparation for the Ohio dental radiography credential pathway. |
| Dental Materials and Laboratory Procedures | Impressions, cements, restorative materials, models, and basic laboratory procedures. |
| Specialty Dental Assisting | Introduction to restorative, prosthodontic, endodontic, periodontal, oral surgery, pediatric, and orthodontic assisting. |
| Dental Practice Management | Dental software, clinical records, scheduling, insurance, coding, communication, and daily office operations. |
| Professional and Workplace Competencies | Patient confidentiality, professionalism, teamwork, workplace communication, and clinical responsibilities. |
Learn the skills. Practice the procedures. Prepare for the workplace.
Dental assisting requires more than understanding clinical concepts. Students must learn to use instruments and materials, maintain safe clinical environments, communicate with patients, and assist dental professionals during procedures.
The program includes 60 clock hours of onsite clinical training in which students practice and reinforce the skills introduced through virtual instruction.
Clinical training includes:
- Operatory setup and breakdown
- Instrument identification and preparation
- Instrument transfer and four-handed dentistry
- Chairside techniques and ergonomics
- Patient assessment and vital signs
- Infection prevention, PPE, sterilization, and disinfection
- Dental materials and impressions
- Radiography-related skills
- Introduction to preventive procedures
- Patient communication and professional interactions
- Dental records and practice-management systems
Training provides opportunities to develop practical skills and demonstrate proficiency before entering the supervised externship.
Take your training into a working dental practice.
The program includes 114 clock hours of supervised externship experience in a participating dental practice.
Students gain experience in the daily operations of a dental office while applying the clinical knowledge and professional competencies developed through their training.
Working alongside dental professionals, students become familiar with clinical workflows, patient interactions, infection prevention practices, and the responsibilities of an entry-level dental assistant.
Externship opportunities are coordinated with participating dental practices, taking student preferences and clinic requirements into consideration.
Important scheduling information
Unlike the evening virtual instruction and weekend clinical sessions, externship experience may take place during regular business hours. Scheduling is coordinated between the student and the participating dental practice.
From foundational knowledge to supervised clinical experience.
Build your foundation
Begin with dental anatomy, infection prevention, clinical safety, patient care, and professional expectations.
Develop clinical competencies
Apply your knowledge through guided, hands-on training and demonstrate proficiency in essential dental assisting skills.
Prepare for professional credentials
Complete the required training and examination preparation for the external credentials included in the program.
Gain supervised workplace experience
Complete your externship in a participating dental practice, putting your learning into practice while working alongside dental professionals.
Complete your CSU certificate
Demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and professional competencies for successful completion of the Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program.
Prepare for your next professional opportunity
Use your training, clinical experience, and earned credentials as a foundation for entry-level employment and continued development in dental assisting.
Executive Director
Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
n.pratt@csuohio.edu