The New Standard In Dental Assisting Education
Hybrid program with online lectures and hands-on labs
14 Week Dental Assisting Program
The purpose behind the curriculum and goal for the students is to provide hands-on training through real-world dental scenarios before they enter the workforce.
Students will receive hands-on training in an actual dentist practice during the 20 hours of Patient Clinical training and 50-hour externship at Toothbeary Pediatric Dentistry which is located at 4300 Pouncey Tract Road Glen Allen VA 23060. Every student will be exposed to the necessary clinical techniques required in a dental practice. It is the goal of OPDA of RVA to train students to a level of proficiency that will allow them to qualify for immediate employment at a dental practice upon completion of the course.
Our 14-week Dental Assisting Program comprises of 172 total course clock hours:
- 24 hours of online modules,
- 72 laboratory hours + 6 hours obtaining CPR Certification,
- 20 hours of patient clinical training
- 50 hours of externship experience.
Hybrid Structure: The program has been structured to meet the demands of today’s students by teaching and training in a flexible and convenient two-part series of classes. Prerequisites for each course is the completion of the previous numbered module as listed in the “Course Outline Table” within the table of contents. The program consists of a cumulation of 24 hours of online modules which is comprised of online video lectures, PPT slides, homework quiz and test, and reading assignments. 72 hours of hands-on laboratory training, 6 hours of CPR, 20 hours of patient clinical, and 50 hours of externship.
24 Clock Hour – Part 1 Online Learning & 20 Clock Hour Patient Clinicals: During the first four weeks of the program, students will complete 12 Online learning modules via the OceanPointe LMS Online Platform and complete 20 clock hours of Patient Clinicals. In the LMS Online Platform, students will watch instructional training videos, guide themselves through lectures slides, complete homework quizzes and tests. The online portion of the program is completed at the student’s home. Students are required to have internet capable devices that will allow them to properly complete the components of the program.
128 Clock Hours – Part 2 Hands-On Training: Students will find familiarity with the material learned in each of these classes as they work through the entire curriculum via in-person hands-on training. This portion of the program includes laboratory hours, CPR training, and an externship experience.
Our Program
Real Word Training
- 24 hours of online learning
- 72 laboratory hours + 6 hours obtaining CPR Certification
- 20 hours of patient clinical training
- 50 hours externship experience
Our Class
Student Focused
- Small Class Sizes
- Externship & Job Placement Assistance
- Career Services
- Personalized Instructor Support
View our Course Catalog for more information
Student Services
As students navigate their job search, OPDA of RVA makes no guarantee, expressed or implied, of future employment. Current law prohibits any school from guaranteeing job placement as an inducement to enroll students. OPDA of RVA provides employment assistance to students and alumni which comprise of resume workshops (non-credit, non-mandatory), posting of job openings, interview skill workshops and job lead identification support at no additional cost. Students seeking assistance should contact Dr. Braxton.
Because the quality and success of each OPDA student is important to us, the following services will be offered to ensure all students are given the opportunity to achieve their goals:
- Tutoring (private or in a group setting) for any student of OPDA – $25/hour
- Library Resources: Online webinars and reading materials
- One on One meeting with instructor and Dr. Braxton
- Resume writing workshops
- Interviewing techniques with role-playing
- Career counseling