Administrative
Dental Assistant

Career Prep

About the Program

As an integral part of the dental healthcare team, an administrative dental assistant is responsible for managing the daily operations of the dental office while providing a caring environment for patients.

This online program will provide a comprehensive overview of the dental office and the role of the administrative dental assistant. Students will learn how to manage patient records, maintain office inventory, conduct scheduling and recall functions, submit and manage patient insurance claims, and utilize technology to ensure a well-structured administrative system. Upon completion of this course, students will be fully prepared to become vital members of the dental healthcare team.

This is a self-paced program. Self-paced programs create a unique learning experience that allows students to learn independently and at a pace that best suits them.

Tuition: $2,587

Duration: 165 Hours

Students will have access to the program for 1 full year.

Prerequisites: HS diploma/GED, basic computer skills and familiarity with the internet

To learn more about ETI’s tuition and financial aid options, click here.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Dental Profession

In this lesson, you will receive an introduction to the dental profession.  The first section of this lesson will provide an orientation to the dental profession, and the second topic will provide an overview of dental basics.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the dental profession.

Lesson 2: Communication Skills: Principles and Practices

In this lesson, you will learn about the communication skills that are used in a dental care setting.  You will learn proper telephone communication skills and techniques, as well as appropriate methods of written correspondence.  You will also learn about interpersonal communication with patients and the healthcare team.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have the skills necessary to effectively communicate within a dental healthcare setting.

Lesson 3: Managing Dental Records

In this lesson, you will learn how to manage and maintain patient information systems and dental records. You will learn the function of patient records, as well as how to collect the necessary information to complete patient records.  You will also learn how to file and organize patient records to ensure accurate recordkeeping, patient confidentiality, and accessibility to information.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the key components of managing dental records. 

Lesson 4: Patient Scheduling and Recall Systems

In this lesson, you will learn about patient scheduling and recall systems.  First, you will learn about the various types of software available to electronically maintain patient information and schedule appointments.  From there, you will learn about different patient scheduling procedures.  Finally, you will learn about patient recall systems.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a thorough understanding of the patient scheduling and recall process and will be prepared to apply your knowledge to a dental office.

Lesson 5: Managing Dental Office Inventory and Equipment

In this lesson, you will learn how to manage dental office inventory and equipment.  First, you will learn about the different types of inventory management systems, along with inventory management procedures.  You will learn about the different ordering and tracking options and identify the ways in which you can organize and track office inventory.  In the second section of this lesson, you will learn about the various types of office equipment used in a dental office, including electronic equipment, telecommunications equipment, and various office machines.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a thorough understanding of the different types of office equipment and how to maintain office inventory.

Lesson 6: Understanding and Processing Dental Insurance

In this lesson, you will learn how to understand and process dental insurance.  You will learn about the different types of insurance and coverage options.  You will also learn how to code insurance claims properly.  Finally, you will learn the different methods of filing insurance claims and the responsibility of the dental office assistant into he insurance claim process.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a thorough understanding of dental insurance and the various policies and procedures associated with processing insurance claims.

Lesson 7: Managing Dental Office Finances

In this lesson, you will learn how to manage dental office finances.  First, you will learn about financial arrangements and collection procedures.  Then, you will learn about bookkeeping procedures, with individual topics for accounts payable and accounts receivable.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a thorough understanding of dental office finances and will be ready to manage the finances of a dental office.

Lesson 8: Managing Your Career

In this lesson, you will learn how to manage your career as a dental office assistant.  In the first section, you will learn about career opportunities for dental office assistants.  In the second section, you will learn how to develop employment strategies.  Upon completion of this lesson, you will be fully prepared to enter the workforce as a dental office assistant.