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On-Campus Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program

On-campus training with online learning.

a dental assistant with expanded functions taking x-rays on a patient in a chair after completing a dental assistant training program

Train for a career in a growing field.1

Learn How We Can Help You Succeed

Earn your diploma in 12 months.2

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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.

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.

Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program

Your Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program Education Path in 12 Months2

Once you complete the diploma program, you may continue for an additional 8 months to earn your associate degree if you choose.2

In addition to the field-specific knowledge and certification prep you gain with a diploma, UMA’s associate degree program includes soft skills, which potential employers may be looking for.

Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program

12 months2

Certification Prep

Prepare to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam, if eligible.

On-Site Externship Included

240 hours of supervised training

While graduates will be prepared to take an applicable certification examination to enhance their employment prospects, they are not required to sit for this examination.

a dental assistant smiling at a patient in a dental chair while holding dental instruments

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:

  • CheckDental offices
  • CheckPhysicians' offices
a dental assistant with expanded functions holding an instrument while looking into the mouth of a patient

Why UMA?

Choose a healthcare program at a school that supports the whole student.

Student Support

  • Check1-on-1 academic assistance
  • CheckIndividual help in the job search
  • CheckPotential resource guidance for outside the classroom
  • CheckCommitted advisors from start to finish

On-Campus Learning

  • CheckOn-campus programs are blended, featuring hands-on training and online coursework.
  • CheckPrograms include on-site externships to help you gain real-world experience.
  • CheckYou'll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students.

Certification Prep

  • CheckOur programs help prepare you to sit for applicable certification exams if you meet eligibility requirements.
  • CheckOur team will help you with exam-focused material and support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost.
Quotation mark

Jennifer M.

UMA Graduate

Jennifer M.

UMA was the best place for me. You feel seen. You feel heard. You feel cared for and respected

Program Outline

Diploma

Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program

12 month program2

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

Diploma

Health Sciences — Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Associate Degree Program

20 month program2

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

Diversity in the Workplace

3 Credits

Quotation mark

Sydnee C.

UMA Graduate

Sydnee C.

I have never seen a school that has had someone with you from the very first time that you send information, wanting information, all the way until graduation, then past graduation.

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.

Both training programs include the same core dental assistant courses plus expanded functions. However, the associate degree curriculum features general education and elective courses. In turn, this degree program takes longer to complete.

Earning an associate degree may make you a more competitive candidate in this field. If you choose to complete the associate degree program at UMA, you’ll first earn your diploma. Once complete, you’ll enroll in the associate degree program.

Of course, you’re looking for the best education — for you. So, we recommend looking at your individual needs.

The quickest way to complete Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions training 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 12 months or more. So, you could potentially be ready to pursue dental assistant jobs in 12 months.

If you’d like to talk, call us at 888-213-4473. UMA is here to listen and walk you through deciding which program is a good fit for you. The more we understand about your unique situation, the more we can try to help.

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.

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Browse the 2024 UMA Catalog

Take a look at the UMA Catalog for comprehensive information on programs, course descriptions, admissions, finance, and more.

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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.

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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.

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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 personality questions and get your results instantly!