10 week programs vs. 10 month program

Hi all!

I am looking at different schools in my area for Dental Assisting. There is one school with a 10 month program which looks good but is quite expensive. There is another that's more reasonable that teaches you the basics and is only 10 weeks long (1 time a week). I was wondering if anyone has any experience with attending a short term program such as a 10 week course? Any feedback is appreciated. Please keep the comments of "Don't go into Dental Assisting" to yourself.

Thank you! :)

I just finished a ten wk program that met once a wk for 9 hrs. and I am now a certified dental asst. with radiology. I just entered the job market THIS week so wish me luck. I would say its definately worth doing if they are going to do the radiology. But if they are not than no. Thats what dentists are looking for. Good luck

You mean..You are a Dental Assistant RHS certified..Not a Certified Dental Assistant..:)

Big schooling difference there..:)

Gabbriana in Fishers, Indiana said: Big schooling difference there..:)

Who cares...If I can get the same position as you without the time and $$ spent, then hurrah for me...Miss big difference. Some of us do not have the time and money to spend when changing careers.

I finished a 10-week course 3 months ago with no luck in locating work yet.

How are you that finished your 10-week course work doing?

Have you found employment?

Was it easy? Did it take long?
Did you have to do a working interview?

WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE SCHHOL AND HOW DO I FIND THEM SO I CAN GO TO SCHOOL .. I AM IN THE SAME BOAT I DONT HAVE THE MONEY FOR A LONG SCHOOL OR THE TIME I HAVE A FAMILY THAT I DONT WANT TO BE AWAY FROM . I WANT A 10 WEEK PROGRAM SO HOW DO I GET AHOLD OF THE ONE YOU WENT TO

Terry in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Hi there, I was wondering the same thing before I started school. The 7 month programs were around 8k, but i found one that was 12 weeks long for 2300. In my opinion, go with the shortest program. Dentist don't care how long school was, they just want to know if you have experience or not. Some of them even train girls without school. As many interviews as I have gone to, not one has asked me how long school was, nor cared. They just want to know if I know how to suction, take impressions and pour models and take x-rays which you will learn in school. I AM SOOO GLAD I DIDN'T GO TO A LONG TERM PROGRAM!!!! besides, half the stuff they teach you , you will never need. Go with the short one, you'll be better off by getting a job faster, and saving money. (btw, i just got hired today, yay!)

~Terry~

I would check to see if either program is CODA certified. Yes you can come off the street as a dental assistant, take a 10 week course, or do a 10 month course. You should aim for a course that is going to qualify you to sit for the DANB exam to become a CDA. The DANB website can also tell you what each states laws are on dental assistants duties.

CDA with no experience start at 15 a hour. DA who are not certified make low as 8-10.

School is worth it plus when you show up with a CDA after your name the doctor knows he getting a professional who is continuing their education not a person off the street who just paid another DDS thousands of dollars to play in the office.

Some states like CA, OH, NY,FL require you to be a RHA.

do yall know a short course in houston tx???

I would encourage anyone looking into investing in these schools to find out if you will be certified or registered when your done. Check your State Board of Dental Examiners rules and laws. Do some homework before you make an investment that might not pan out. I started assisting when I was in high school back in the 80's. I have seen many women come out of these programs very disillusioned about the instant career and tons of money they were told by these programs that they would make. Check a site called dentalpost.net sometimes you will find a doctor willing to train. If you can afford it consider working for free while they train you (it's still cheaper than paying a school "thousands"). This will not work in all states because of rules which is why I started the post the way I did. Look at the amount of doctors hiring in your area and do the math on how many programs are out there that produce new DAs every couple of months. The math suggest most of these ladies don't get jobs in the field, especially when most of these doctor want "experience". I love what I do, I don't always love who signs my paycheck. You have got to take the good with the bad and be willing to make very little when you are fresh out of school.

Hi Everybody, Please give me information of the school short trainning to be come dental assistant. I want to attend that course asap. Thanks.

Hi im interested in being a dental a. i would love to go to a school where i can live there.does anybody know a school like that in phoenix?

I took a 10 week course almost a year ago and still havent found a job yet.

Julie in Hemet, California said: Who cares...If I can get the same position as you without the time and $$ spent, then hurrah for me...Miss big difference. Some of us do not have the time and money to spend when changing careers.

HI, I am also gettin ready to attend schooling in Hemet. Can you tell me did you learn coronal polishing. And also have you found work yet.?

I personally found that my quick pace 10 month program was almost too short and I went 4 days a week. They already cram so much information to get you out in 10 months that I couldn't imagine how much important stuff would be left out if it were only a 10 week deal. I have never meet anyone that has gone through a 10 week program so I am not very useful here.

Also keep in mind if taking this quick program would be helpful in landing a job. It is difficult finding a job right when you graduate already and I'm not sure if a 10 week program would be look at differently or not. Just know it is a lot of information, and it is important to learn as much as you can in school to get some lead.

Best of luck

I am mine in New Jersey said: Hi all!

I am looking at different schools in my area for Dental Assisting. There is one school with a 10 month program which looks good but is quite expensive. There is another that's more reasonable that teaches you the basics and is only 10 weeks long (1 time a week). I was wondering if anyone has any experience with attending a short term program such as a 10 week course? Any feedback is appreciated. Please keep the comments of "Don't go into Dental Assisting" to yourself.

Thank you! :)

where did u find the 10 week prgram at i been looking ALL over for that!!! please let me kno someone! ::NEW jersey:: and if it doesnt come with radiology i would just go to the community college and get the x ray license seperate.

not sure if my reply went through so just incase once more i would LOVE and MUST kno where in new jersey that 10 week program for dental assisting is?!!?!?!?!

Not in jersey, Im in California

found one anyway but thank you!

[I looked into both for my daughter, she ended up doing the ten week in Alaska, we live in NH. Neither class would have gotten her Xray certified. She did that in two days at BU. She got a job a few weeks after she moved back to NH and has been there since (15 months). Her friend just finished the 10 month one and didnt learn much more than she did. She had a lot of take home studying to do and interned in an office in Alaska.

QUOTE who="I am mine in New Jersey"]Hi all!

I am looking at different schools in my area for Dental Assisting. There is one school with a 10 month program which looks good but is quite expensive. There is another that's more reasonable that teaches you the basics and is only 10 weeks long (1 time a week). I was wondering if anyone has any experience with attending a short term program such as a 10 week course? Any feedback is appreciated. Please keep the comments of "Don't go into Dental Assisting" to yourself.

Thank you! :)

I went to a 10 week course and it was great. I learned a lot but I did graduate in Jan of 2010 and I have still not found a job yet.

Most of the the 10 week courses that I know of teach the basics which is good but they don't teach you how to take x-rays and at least in nh you need 400 hours of chairside assisting time before you can go and get x-ray certification

Im not sure if it is the same down in Mass but if it is you probably will have a easier time finding a job where you are since there are so many dental offices down there.

If you can afford it it would be a great thing to do just wanted to warn you that it may take you awhile to find a job and you may have to go and take extra classes before you will get hired that's at least what I am dealing with.

March 2010 not Jan

kim in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania said: not sure if my reply went through so just incase once more i would LOVE and MUST kno where in new jersey that 10 week program for dental assisting is?!!?!?!?!

I am starting a 8-10 week program at ASI in burlington NJ on Monday Aug,8th.I have to admit I am a lil skeptical sfter reading some of these posts about the amount of time needed,but we really do not have any accredited programs in our area.I have to believe alot of it would depend on the person and how professional they appear.my daughter was told to not do the LPN program and she has landed great jobs and done very well for herself.I have never,nor do I intend to work for 8-10 dollars an hour.especially after any type of training.I have seen ads and my own dentist was looking for a DA for 17 an hour.its up to the person to try and learn as much as they can,be the most professional they can be and work the 2 years required here in nj if the program wasn't accredited and then go sit for the CDA test.the way I look at it is,I would have been in the 2 year college program anyway,not making anything at all.just do the best you can with the situation and it will work out fine.good luck to all and take care

does any one know of a short dental assistant program in dallas tx

kim from new jersey in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania said: where did u find the 10 week prgram at i been looking ALL over for that!!! please let me kno someone! ::NEW jersey:: and if it doesnt come with radiology i would just go to the community college and get the x ray license seperate.

Hi ASI Burlinton NJ...* weeks with Radiology...just checked it out..$4000, was wondering if it was reputable

dawn in Gloucester City, New Jersey said: I am starting a 8-10 week program at ASI in burlington NJ on Monday Aug,8th.I have to admit I am a lil skeptical sfter reading some of these posts about the amount of time needed,but we really do not have any accredited programs in our area.I have to believe alot of it would depend on the person and how professional they appear.my daughter was told to not do the LPN program and she has landed great jobs and done very well for herself.I have never,nor do I intend to work for 8-10 dollars an hour.especially after any type of training.I have seen ads and my own dentist was looking for a DA for 17 an hour.its up to the person to try and learn as much as they can,be the most professional they can be and work the 2 years required here in nj if the program wasn't accredited and then go sit for the CDA test.the way I look at it is,I would have been in the 2 year college program anyway,not making anything at all.just do the best you can with the situation and it will work out fine.good luck to all and take care

Hi Dawn...just found this site...I am from Vineland NJ...I just checked out ASI, for the dental assisting program in Burlington NJ, this will be their second graduating class( max. 8 students)...If I sign up, I will be in the class in two months, were you happy with the course?....I was in an industry for 26 years/ layed off, looking for new career. Longer programs are not available, and ASI has programs every few months.....not accredited, was just concerned on your thoughts...thank you for your time!...all the best, Maria

labnjab in Rochester, New Hampshire said: I took a 10 week course almost a year ago and still havent found a job yet.

is there any 10 or 12 week dental assistant programs in either nh or ma?

labnjab in Rochester, New Hampshire said: I took a 10 week course almost a year ago and still havent found a job yet.

Where did you take your course. I would love to take a 10 week course. I'm in Farmington,NH

Henniker in Hillsborough, New Hampshire said: Hi Everybody, Please give me information of the school short trainning to be come dental assistant. I want to attend that course asap. Thanks.

i dont know about new hampshire, but I am taking a 10 week course in South Portland Maine. its called The Dental Career Institute. its definately overpriced ($3800) but its the only school in my area and doesnt accept financial aid. i wish i was in your areas because i would prefer to attend the seacoast career school in manchester, nh

candace rayburn in Pearland, Texas said: do yall know a short course in houston tx???

Yes there is one called Houston Dental Assistant School. There are two locations. One in Katy and the other is located in THe Woodlands. I will starting March 31. Your should look them up the site is hdas.biz.
Hope this helps!!

I took mine in Concord NH but its closed down now.

I congratulate all those taking the step to become Dental Assistants!

Before you enroll in your program...send out as many letters as possibe to EVERY DENTAL practice letting them know you are going to school and you are seeking to "SHADOW" a Dental Assistant. Then once you take your course, IMMEDIATELY go and get your certification Radiology Certification for the Dental Assistant.

10 week program and then a weekend program for the radiology cert and I'm working!!!

DO NOT BE LAZY! Dental Assistants CAN NOT be lazy.

I work with women who have taken months to become a D.A. and they are have been the biggest egomaniacs and not good at taking x-rays, etc.

Now, do have one step above 10-week dental assistants...they ARE eligible to do the DANB and you will not be UNLESS your school is certified on the DANB list. Check with DANB.

And they can take tests to do the Expanded Functions and you will not be (UNLESS your school is on the DANB list).

So, there are some fall backs to the 10 week programs!!!

Don't forget to get your CPR Certification and GOOD LUCK to all.

Familia Dental is hiring!!!
(they just opened 7 locations in New Mexico and opening 6 new locations in Colorado)

WALMART is now opening Dental offices!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

candace rayburn in Pearland, Texas said: do yall know a short course in houston tx???

astrodome carreer centers

cspurcell@aol.com in Kokomo, Indiana said: I just finished a ten wk program that met once a wk for 9 hrs. and I am now a certified dental asst. with radiology. I just entered the job market THIS week so wish me luck. I would say its definately worth doing if they are going to do the radiology. But if they are not than no. Thats what dentists are looking for. Good luck

What was the name of the school I'm in Baltimore, MD Thanks

The CDA after your name means nothing to a prospective employer. I am a dentist in Atlanta and DANB's "CDA" title gets you nada....it's how you perform during the working interview. CDA just means you passed a written test, which, BTW, anyone can take after working 2-3 months in a dental office.

dentalgurl in Saint Louis, Missouri said: I finished a 10-week course 3 months ago with no luck in locating work yet.

How are you that finished your 10-week course work doing?

Have you found employment?

Was it easy? Did it take long?
Did you have to do a working interview?

I found work...took a year. Worked for a year with Familial Dental. Then found another job. But the majority of Dental assistant jobs require you to be "registered" or "certified" through an DANB school program. Especially the military.

Mike486 in Marietta, Georgia said: The CDA after your name means nothing to a prospective employer. I am a dentist in Atlanta and DANB's "CDA" title gets you nada....it's how you perform during the working interview. CDA just means you passed a written test, which, BTW, anyone can take after working 2-3 months in a dental office .

Not true! Those acronyms carry ALOT of weight.

If a dental office says they seek those credentials ...you better know they truly are not playing around (lest you get caught lying) and you can NOT take a test to get DAB
DANB accreditation if your school is not on the Accreditation lists for Dental Assistants.

This DOES NOT mean you can't find employment as a Dental Assistant, it just means you will have to look a bit harder to find an office or firm that is more lax.

Salemgurl in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Not true! Those acronyms carry ALOT of weight.

If a dental office says they seek those credentials ...you better know they truly are not playing around (lest you get caught lying) and you can NOT take a test to get DAB
DANB accreditation if your school is not on the Accreditation lists for Dental Assistants.QUOTE]

Oooooo....the DANB Police will come after you if you're fibbing!!! Look, I've been a dentist for 30 years in Atlanta and none of my colleagues give a hoot about DANB "Certified" status. If you can do the job in a working interview, you've got the job. Period.

DANB is a self-aggrandizing organization looking for legitimacy and political power for their bureaucrats in Chicago...nothing more than that. You must be a shill for DANB

mike486

dawn in Gloucester City, New Jersey said: I am starting a 8-10 week program at ASI in burlington NJ on Monday Aug,8th.I have to admit I am a lil skeptical sfter reading some of these posts about the amount of time needed,but we really do not have any accredited programs in our area.I have to believe alot of it would depend on the person and how professional they appear.my daughter was told to not do the LPN program and she has landed great jobs and done very well for herself.I have never,nor do I intend to work for 8-10 dollars an hour.especially after any type of training.I have seen ads and my own dentist was looking for a DA for 17 an hour.its up to the person to try and learn as much as they can,be the most professional they can be and work the 2 years required here in nj if the program wasn't accredited and then go sit for the CDA test.the way I look at it is,I would have been in the 2 year college program anyway,not making anything at all.just do the best you can with the situation and it will work out fine.good luck to all and take care

Can you please tell me if you took the DA course at ASI in Burlington, NJ?? I am looking into it and might sign up next month, July2012...any info would be greatly appreciated.

Maria in Darby, Pennsylvania said: Hi Dawn...just found this site...I am from Vineland NJ...I just checked out ASI, for the dental assisting program in Burlington NJ, this will be their second graduating class( max. 8 students)...If I sign up, I will be in the class in two months, were you happy with the course?....I was in an industry for 26 years/ layed off, looking for new career. Longer programs are not available, and ASI has programs every few months.....not accredited, was just concerned on your thoughts...thank you for your time!...all the best, Maria

Hi can you please give me any info on the ASI dental assisting school. I am thinking about signing up next month July 2012 but want to know what previous students thought of it and did they get a job?

Hello, I just sat in on a class for the day. I decided to wait for my vo-tech in my county to have a class.
I was dissappointed in the class format.....reading OUT LOUD, taking turns from the text book. I would prefer THE TEACHER to give a lecture on the important material...I can read a book at home!
I think you will be able to get a job, but lower salary than coming out of a school that you could get immediate credentials from.....
Good luck in your school search. Maria

Hi Maria in Vineland,

Congrats, you've just found out why most of these one year programs are so crappy, even though they are endorsed by DANB and the ADA---gee, do I smell the stink of politics here??

We have those kinds of one year programs here in Atlanta and I know from talking with other dentists, NONE of us would hire one of those grads as they are so poorly trained. "Reading out of a textbook"?? Ha, that's only the beginning. How about trying to learn how to take xrays using 1950s equipment that doesn't even work. Or taking courses like "nutrition" or math or English that don't have anything to do with dental assisting? These schools HAVE TO PAD their curriculum with lots of "fluff" to make them ONE YEAR LONG, cause that's how they qualify for GOVERNMENT AID programs. Government aid payments are the ONLY thing that keeps these schools in existance.

10-12 week programs which are taught in practicing dental offices are, by and large, excellent. You will be taught in a REAL, functioning, modern dental office with lots of hands-on experience. Anyone who tells you that the one-year "commercial" schools are better is either lying or is working for one of those schools.

The for profit trade schools have flooded the market with mostly unemployable dental hygenists, dental assistants, medical assistants, medical billing and coding, etc. and lure students into over $20K of student loan debt for "the booming medical field", "the booming dental field", etc. The medical and dental offices don't pay that well and certainly not well enough to pay back an over $20K student loan.

Even worse is that when a graduate of one of these for profit trade schools walk into a dental or medical office then they are often shown the door and told not to come back.

The other problem with dentistry is given the poor economy, many people have lost their dental insurance due to unemployment and no longer can afford to visit the dentist. My dentist has over 30 years experience and ALL of his staff have been with him for over 10 years so he treats his people well. Even so, he has had to cut expenses and fortunately he owns and does not rent his office. He tells me "I have never seen the dentistry field so bad. The job market is glutted beyond belief and I tell my patients if they know people thinking of becoming DHs to seriously consider doing something else."

Mike486 in Marietta, Georgia said: Hi Maria in Vineland,

Congrats, you've just found out why most of these one year programs are so crappy, even though they are endorsed by DANB and the ADA---gee, do I smell the stink of politics here??

We have those kinds of one year programs here in Atlanta and I know from talking with other dentists, NONE of us would hire one of those grads as they are so poorly trained. "Reading out of a textbook"?? Ha, that's only the beginning. How about trying to learn how to take xrays using 1950s equipment that doesn't even work. Or taking courses like "nutrition" or math or English that don't have anything to do with dental assisting? These schools HAVE TO PAD their curriculum with lots of "fluff" to make them ONE YEAR LONG, cause that's how they qualify for GOVERNMENT AID programs. Government aid payments are the ONLY thing that keeps these schools in existance.

10-12 week programs which are taught in practicing dental offices are, by and large, excellent. You will be taught in a REAL, functioning, modern dental office with lots of hands-on experience. Anyone who tells you that the one-year "commercial" schools are better is either lying or is working for one of those schools.

Well Mike, MAybe you should get up here to teach a class, because what I witnessed was a disgrace.
No on the job training here.
Short program 2 months, old beat up equipment.
6 month program,new equipment,NO FLUFF.

.