Dental Assistant Program with Expanded Functions Training in Clearwater

Learn what it takes to work in a dental office.

Dental Assistant Program with Expanded Functions Training in Clearwater

Learn what it takes to work in a dental office.

Earn your diploma both online and on campus in 12 months.2

If you’re looking for a healthcare career with faster-than-average job growth, dental assistant training could be right for you. Ultimate Medical Academy offers a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions diploma program with courses in preventative dentistry, radiology, CPR, and other essential topics.

Your UMA education will include a blended format of campus lab sessions, online coursework, hands-on training through a supervised externship, and preparation to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam.

Study and learn from home and train on campus while earning your Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions diploma, and be prepared to pursue an entry-level job in 12 months2! Once you complete the diploma program, you may continue on to the Health Sciences – Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions associate degree program.

What is a dental assistant with expanded functions?

A dental assistant with expanded functions performs a wider range of responsibilities such as polishing teeth, applying sealants and topical fluorides, and suture removal. Additional tasks include fabricating temporary restoration and whitening trays, taking digital and analogue x-rays, and creating impressions.

Let’s talk about it.

You have questions. We have answers.

Complete this form and we’ll email you info on how to get started at UMA, financial aid if qualified, selecting a program, and more. We’ll also give you a call to ensure your questions are answered so you can decide which program is right for you.

By clicking the Request Info button, you agree to be contacted by phone, text message, or email via automated systems by Ultimate Medical Academy about your education at the email addresses and phone numbers you provided above, including any wireless number(s). You are not obligated to agree to automated contact to enroll; instead, you may call us at 888-205-2510. Note that even non-automated calls are recorded for quality assurance.

Training to Become a Dental Assistant

While you can learn on the job and become a dental assistant with limited functions, people who complete formal education in expanded functions may perform a wider range of dental assistant responsibilities such as polishing teeth, applying sealants and topical fluorides, and suture removal. Additional tasks include fabricating temporary restoration and whitening trays, taking digital and analogue x-rays, and creating impressions.

Formal education and expanded functions training may offer more opportunity within the dental assistant field. UMA’s program is Florida Board of Dentistry approved to provide courses in expanded duties and radiology.

Typical Courses

UMA diploma and associate degree students must complete core dental assistant courses in addition to an externship. Associate degree students must also complete general education and elective courses.

Diploma Program

Credits: 26 Approx. time to complete: 12 months2

  • Introduction and History of Dentistry 3.5 credits
  • Preventative 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 5.0 credits

Associate Degree Program

Credits: 62 Approx. time to complete: 20 months2

  • Prepares students to pursue entry-level jobs in this field.
  • This degree program offers an education specific to the field while also training students in the soft skills employers look for through general education and elective courses.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having an associate degree can lead to higher earnings and a lower unemployment rate overall, compared to those with only a high school diploma or some college but no degree.6

Associate Degree Typical Courses7

  • Introduction & History of Dentistry 3.5 credits
  • Preventative 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 5.0 credits
  • English Composition 3.0 credits
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 3.0 credits
  • College Math 3.0 credits
  • General Biology 3.0 credits
  • Sociology 3.0 credits
  • 21 Credits in Elective Courses 21.0 credits  More Info

Work Environments

Dental Assistants typically work in:

  • Dental offices
  • Health institutions
  • Dental laboratories
  • Dental supply companies
  • Dental product manufacturers

Graduates from this program may apply for entry level jobs, such as:

  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Lab Technician
  • Dental Hygiene Assistant

While many dentists have traditional daytime business hours, some offer extended schedules for patients’ convenience. As a result, the BLS notes that some dental assistants may work evenings or weekends, and they may be employed full-time or part-time.8

Why choose UMA for dental assistant training?

There are many reasons to choose UMA for your dental assistant training:

  • You’ll receive hands-on training via dental assistant lab classes and a 240-hour dental office externship.
  • UMA’s core subject instructors are equipped with industry experience.
  • UMA’s job training includes preparation to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam offered by AMT.
  • You gain a strong foundation for pursuing your new career.
  • You’ll have UMA staff dedicated to your success.
  • You have a career services team committed to getting you interview ready so you can jumpstart your search for a career.

At UMA, you won’t feel like just another number. In fact, you’ll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students. Our student support teams can help you with academic support, technical assistance, job search guidance, mock interviews, financial aid if qualified, and more.

Our programs also include 24/7 tech support that helps you become comfortable with computers and in the UMA online environment. Receive guidance from your instructors and learn what it takes to pursue your career.

What kind of financial aid options are available?

If you qualify for applicable 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 the options you qualify for and can assist you in applying for various forms of financial aid to see if you qualify.

To learn more about financial aid possibilities, contact a Student Finance advisor at 727-298-8685.

Not sure which program to choose?

Try our fun and informational healthcare careers quiz for inspiration. Just answer a few simple personality questions and learn which program may best suit you!

In their words…

FAQs

  • What is the difference between a dental assistant with expanded functions diploma and associate degree?

    The diploma curriculum includes core dental assistant courses and prepares students with the skills needed to perform tasks in the field. Students who meet graduation requirements for the diploma program are awarded a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions diploma in as little as 12 months.2

    Those who opt to continue their studies may go on to earn a Health Sciences - Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions associate degree. The associate curriculum includes additional classes in general education and electives. While this type of credential is often referred to as a two-year degree, UMA’s Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions program may be completed in as little as 20 months.2

  • Is hands-on dental assistant training available?

    Your UMA education will include a blended format of campus lab sessions and online coursework. It also includes hands-on dental assistant training through a supervised 240-hour unpaid externship, which takes place at a local dental office.

  • Will this program prepare me for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam?

    UMA’s Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions training prepares students to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam, administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Graduates must meet eligibility requirements to sit for the exam. Earning this certification may offer a number of benefits including expanding your scope of practice, increasing your earning potential, and making you a more competitive job candidate.

  • What is a dental assistant?

    These trained healthcare support employees work under the supervision of a dentist and assist with tasks ranging from patient care to office work. In Florida, a dental assistant with formal education is permitted to perform more duties than one with only on-the-job training.9

    Dental assistant responsibilities may include preparing the dentist’s work area, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, processing invoices, and more.

    This role 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.

  • What is a dental assistant with expanded functions?

    This title indicates that you have completed formal education to master a broader range of skills and knowledge. In general, expanded functions encompasses tasks like polishing crowns and applying sealant, fluoride treatments, and topical anesthetic.

  • What should I look for in top schools for dental assistant training?

    Different people have different ideas of what makes a top dental assistant school. To us, top schools provide hands-on dental assistant training through on-campus labs and a supervised externship. They should have relevant accreditation and Florida Board of Dentistry approval.

    Top dental assistant schools should also provide support every step of the way with services like one-on-one academic support, job search assistance, and more. Finally, you may want to enroll with a dental assistant school that will prepare you to sit for an industry certification examination, such as the RDA certification.

  • Is there a difference between dental assistant schools?

    Absolutely. While the basic training may be similar between schools that offer dental assistant programs with expanded functions, UMA is pleased to offer an extensive list of student services, all included in our tuition. UMA’s dental assistant training programs include one-on-one academic support, on-the-job training during an unpaid externship, help with resume writing, job interview coaching, and job search assistance.

  • How much does a dental assistant make?

    Entry-level positions for this career field typically start in the lower range of estimated salaries, with the lowest 10 percent being $29,580 or less annually. UMA’s DAEF program prepares graduates for such entry-level positions and its median graduate salaries generally tend to be in the lower part of this range, based on self-reported data from graduates shortly after graduation.

    The median annual salary for all those in this career field (not just UMA graduates) is $38,660. The top 10 percent of earners in this career field earned more than $59,540. In other words, not many people in this field make more than this amount annually.

    Note: Salaries may vary according to location and other factors.

  • Where can I find more information about a dental assistant career?

  • How long is each class, and how long does it take to get a diploma or degree?

    UMA’s dental assistant classes are generally about five weeks in length (excluding holidays and breaks). While program completion time may vary by student, the Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions diploma can typically be completed in as little as 12 months.2 The associate degree in Health Sciences - Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions will typically take an additional eight months to complete or 20 months2 in total.

  • What is the difference between a dental assistant diploma and a dental assistant associate degree?

    Both of these training programs include the same core dental assistant courses plus expanded functions. However, the associate degree curriculum features general education and elective courses which is why the degree program takes longer to complete. Earning an associate degree may make you a more competitive candidate in this field.

    At UMA, you’ll earn your diploma first then enroll in the associate degree program.

  • How do I get certified to be a dental assistant?

    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, 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.

  • How much does it cost to go to school for dental assistant training?

    Tuition at dental assistant training schools can vary widely depending on your location, the type of program, and your choice of school. You can find current tuition rates for all UMA programs in the UMA catalog. Better yet, contact us directly for details on tuition, as well as guidance on your financial assistance options (for those who qualify).

  • How do I become a dental assistant with expanded functions?

    Florida requirements mandate that individuals receive formal education and training in order to become a dental assistant with expanded functions.9 You can complete a diploma program in as little as 12 months or an associate degree program in 20 months.2

    Before pursuing a career in this field, you may want to consider earning an industry credential, such as AMT’s Registered Dental Assistant certification, to better position yourself as a more competitive candidate.

  • What is the fastest way to become a dental assistant?

    The quickest way to complete training for Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions is to enroll in a diploma program.

    UMA’s dental assistant education offers multiple start dates throughout the year so you won’t have to plan your education around the traditional Fall and Spring start times.

    UMA’s diploma program can also be completed in as little as 12 months2 depending on the individual student, so you could potentially be ready to pursue dental assistant jobs in 12 months.2

    Once you’ve attained your diploma, you can also transfer your earned credits into UMA’s Health Sciences - Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions associate degree program if you wish to continue your education.

  • Is UMA Accredited?

    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 your traditional 4-year university or local community college, we offer online diplomas and degrees in 11 healthcare programs, some of which offer on-site externships and certification preparation — all intended to put you in a position to pursue a healthcare career after graduation.