Dental Assistant Programme

Start your dental career with our comprehensive Dental Assistant training programme

Programme Overview

The Dental Assistant programme at SPACS provides students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to support dentists and dental hygienists in providing quality patient care. Our programme combines theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience to prepare graduates for immediate employment in dental practices, clinics, and healthcare facilities.

What You'll Learn

Clinical Support Skills

  • Chairside assistance techniques
  • Dental instrument identification and handling
  • Patient preparation and positioning
  • Suction and retraction techniques
  • Dental material preparation
  • Sterilization and infection control

Administrative Skills

  • Patient scheduling and management
  • Dental insurance processing
  • Medical and dental record keeping
  • Billing and payment processing
  • Inventory management
  • Office communication systems

Specialized Procedures

  • Dental radiography (X-rays)
  • Impression taking
  • Temporary crown fabrication
  • Oral health education
  • Basic laboratory procedures
  • Emergency response protocols

Programme Details

Duration & Structure

  • Programme Length: 12-18 months
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Classroom instruction
  • Laboratory practice sessions
  • Clinical externship

Entry Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Basic science background preferred
  • Health clearance
  • Background check
  • Personal interview

Career Opportunities

  • General dentistry practices
  • Specialty dental offices
  • Public health dental clinics
  • Hospital dental departments
  • Dental insurance companies
  • Dental supply companies

Core Courses

Foundation Courses

  • ADA 101 - Introduction to Dental Assisting
  • ADA 102 - Dental Anatomy and Terminology
  • ADA 103 - Oral Biology and Pathology
  • ADA 104 - Infection Control and Safety
  • ADA 105 - Dental Materials and Equipment

Clinical Courses

  • ADA 201 - Chairside Assisting Techniques
  • ADA 202 - Dental Radiography
  • ADA 203 - Dental Laboratory Procedures
  • ADA 204 - Specialty Dental Procedures
  • ADA 205 - Clinical Externship

Administrative Courses

  • ADA 301 - Dental Office Management
  • ADA 302 - Patient Communication
  • ADA 303 - Dental Insurance and Billing
  • ADA 304 - Professional Ethics
  • ADA 305 - Career Development

Hands-On Training

Laboratory Experience

  • Dental instrument handling
  • Impression taking practice
  • Radiography techniques
  • Sterilization procedures
  • Material mixing and preparation

Clinical Externship

  • Real dental office experience
  • Patient interaction
  • Professional mentorship
  • Skill application
  • Career networking

Technology Training

  • Digital radiography systems
  • Practice management software
  • Electronic health records
  • Digital imaging
  • Modern dental equipment

Why Choose SPACS for Dental Assisting?

Comprehensive Training

  • Complete skill development
  • Theory and practice integration
  • Industry-standard curriculum
  • Continuous assessment

Industry Connections

  • Established dental practice partnerships
  • Job placement assistance
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Continuing education support

Flexible Learning

  • Day and evening classes
  • Part-time options available
  • Accelerated programme tracks
  • Individual student support

Certification & Career Advancement

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to:

Job Outlook & Salary

The dental assisting field offers excellent career prospects with:

Ready to Start Your Healthcare Career?

Join SPACS College and become part of Jamaica's leading paramedical education institution.