On-Campus Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Associate of Science Degree Program
On-campus training with online learning.
Train for a career in a growing field.1
Learn How We Can Help You Succeed
Earn your associate degree in 20 months or more.2
What is a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions?
A dental assistant performs many important tasks in a dental office, including handling patient records, scheduling appointments, sterilizing equipment, and preparing patients for procedures. Expanded functions may include fabricating temporary restoration and whitening trays, taking digital and analog X-rays, and creating impressions.
Working as a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions
When you enroll in the Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program at UMA's Clearwater Campus, you'll learn field-specific subject matter such as dental and medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, nutrition, health, infection control, tooth morphology, preventive dentistry, dental radiology, and dental office management. The training you receive will prepare you to pursue entry-level positions as a dental assistant.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average for all occupations. This field is projected to have 54,900 job openings each year, on average, over that decade.1
UMA graduates in this program have found entry-level dental assistant positions in the following environments:
- Dental offices
- Physicians' offices
Why UMA?
Ultimate Medical Academy offers healthcare programs that support the whole learner.
Student Support
- 1-on-1 academic assistance
- Individual help in the job search
- Potential resource guidance for outside the classroom
- Committed advisors from start to finish
UMA On-Campus Learning
- On-campus programs are blended, featuring hands-on training and online coursework.
- Programs include on-site externships to help you gain real-world experience.
- You'll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students.
Certification Prep
- Our programs help prepare you to sit for applicable certification exams.3
- Our team will help you with exam-focused material and support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost.
Robin T.
UMA Graduate
I finally picked up the phone and called. The voice on the other end was overwhelmingly confident I could do it!
Program Outline
62 Credits
Core Courses
Introduction & History of Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Preventive Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology, Office Management, and CPR
3.5 Credits
Radiology and OSHA
3.5 Credits
Anatomy, Microbiology & Dental Materials
3.5 Credits
Expanded Functions
3.5 Credits
Externship
5 Credits
General Education Courses
English Composition
3 Credits
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
3 Credits
College Math
3 Credits
General Biology
3 Credits
Sociology
3 Credits
Elective Courses (21 Credits)
Accounting for Managers
3 Credits
Introduction to Healthcare Computer Information Systems
3 Credits
Interpersonal Professional Communications
3 Credits
Local, National & International Events
3 Credits
Psychology
3 Credits
Working with People
3 Credits
Patient Relations
3 Credits
Ecology
3 Credits
Core Courses
Introduction & History of Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Preventive Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology, Office Management, and CPR
3.5 Credits
Radiology and OSHA
3.5 Credits
Anatomy, Microbiology & Dental Materials
3.5 Credits
Expanded Functions
3.5 Credits
Externship
5 Credits
General Education Courses
English Composition
3 Credits
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
3 Credits
College Math
3 Credits
General Biology
3 Credits
Sociology
3 Credits
Elective Courses (21 Credits)
Accounting for Managers
3 Credits
Introduction to Healthcare Computer Information Systems
3 Credits
Interpersonal Professional Communications
3 Credits
Local, National & International Events
3 Credits
Psychology
3 Credits
Working with People
3 Credits
Patient Relations
3 Credits
Ecology
3 Credits
Health Sciences — Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Associate of Science Degree Program
26 Credits
Core Courses
Introduction & History of Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Preventive Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology, Office Management, and CPR
3.5 Credits
Radiology and OSHA
3.5 Credits
Anatomy, Microbiology & Dental Materials
3.5 Credits
Expanded Functions
3.5 Credits
Externship
5 Credits
Introduction & History of Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Preventive Dentistry
3.5 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology, Office Management, and CPR
3.5 Credits
Radiology and OSHA
3.5 Credits
Anatomy, Microbiology & Dental Materials
3.5 Credits
Expanded Functions
3.5 Credits
Externship
5 Credits
Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program
Melissa C.
UMA Graduate
Let's face it, the one thing that is not going to change is the need for healthcare workers. That is an ever-growing industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
The role of a dental assistant differs from that of a dental hygienist since hygienists typically perform more complex work such as patient examinations, dental cleanings, and other preventative oral care.
To earn Registered Dental Assistant certification, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements, such as formal education from an accredited program or equivalent military/on-the-job training. You’ll also need instruction in several key content areas, plus CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Upon meeting the eligibility requirements, candidates must take and pass the RDA certification exam. UMA’s coursework prepares students to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant exam with coverage of all four content areas as well as CPR training.
Ultimate Medical Academy is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org), a national accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Though UMA is not a university or college, we offer online diplomas and degrees as well as blended healthcare programs, some of which offer on-site externships/practicums and certification preparation — all intended to put you in a position to pursue a healthcare career after graduation.
Browse the UMA Catalog
Take a look at the UMA Catalog for comprehensive information on programs, course descriptions, admissions, financial aid guidance, and more.
Advance Your Education
Your associate degree doesn’t need to be the end of your education. UMA maintains agreements with various educational partners where you may be able to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in select areas of study.
Explore Financial Aid
If you qualify for financial aid, we’ll walk you through the process. Multiple resources may be available to help pay for the cost of your education. Our Student Finance advisors are committed to helping you understand your options.
Take the Healthcare Career Quiz
Try our fun and informational Healthcare Career Quiz to better understand which UMA program might align with your goals. In just a few minutes, answer some simple questions and get your results instantly!