On-Campus Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma 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 diploma in 12 months.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.
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.
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?
Choose a healthcare program at a school that supports the whole student.
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
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 if you meet eligibility requirements.
- Our team will help you with exam-focused material and support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost.
LaRoya B.
UMA Graduate
I feel like I show my kids that being positive, being an ear for somebody that does not always have somebody to speak with, it makes a difference.
Program Outline
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
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
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
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
Javious B.
UMA Graduate
I graduated because of the help they gave me along the way.
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.
Browse the 2024 UMA Catalog
Take a look at the UMA Catalog for comprehensive information on programs, course descriptions, admissions, finance, 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.
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