If working in the dental field is your dream, attending a dental assistant school can get you started on your way. It’s important to consider different factors and ask questions about each school when deciding which one to attend. The Praxis Institute in Miami, Florida, offers an outstanding Dental Assistant diploma program with experienced teachers and flexible schedules. Here, we discuss important questions you should consider when choosing your dental assistant school.
What Accreditations Does the Program Have?
When completing a dental assistant program, you’ll want to make sure it is accredited or accepted by a related agency or association. The Praxis Institute’s Dental Assistant program is accepted by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB). Once graduated, students can take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification exam to become fully certified.
How Long Does the Program Take?
When choosing your dental assistant school, you’ll want to know how long it will take to complete. The length of a dental assistant program can depend on whether you receive a degree or diploma and what type of externship training is required. The dental assistant school at The Praxis Institute consists of 900 instruction hours and 120 externship hours, which take 11 months to complete.
What Degree Will You Earn?
One of the most important considerations when choosing your dental assistant school is what degree or diploma you’ll receive when complete. Each state has different requirements for licensing and certification of dental assistants, so make sure the school you choose offers the degree or diploma type you’ll need. The Praxis Institute’s Dental Assistant program provides graduates with a diploma.
Are Courses Available Online?
If it’s important to you that your classes are available remotely, make sure to ask about the kind of instruction each prospective school offers. The dental assistant school at The Praxis Institute combines both online and in-person teaching methods to provide students with versatile learning. The theory components of the program are delivered online, while the laboratory, practice, and externship components are completed in person.
Is the Class Schedule Flexible?
If you’re planning to work while attending school or have other responsibilities to tend to, you should consider whether dental assistant schools offer any flexibility with their programs. Some schools only offer classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while others like The Praxis Institute hold classes until 10 p.m. to accommodate students’ busy lifestyles. The Praxis Institute also offers program start dates every week, so you don’t have to wait long to get started.
Does the School Offer Career Support?
Embarking on a new career path can be scary, but choosing a school that offers career services can help you feel supported along the way. The Praxis Institute offers many career services, from job placement assistance and resume writing to interviewing techniques.
Does the Teaching Staff Have Real-World Experience?
Another consideration to take into account when choosing your dental assistant school is the quality of the teaching staff. It’s most beneficial to receive training from instructors who have real-world experience in the field like the educators at The Praxis Institute, because they can give insight into dental assisting that books cannot.
Are There Externship Opportunities?
Along with the staff having real-world experience, it’s also good to ask if you’ll receive any externship training outside of the classroom. Externships can help you interact with experienced dental staff, gain experience, and network. The Dental Assistant program at The Praxis Institute includes 120 hours of an externship working with community dentists to help you in your future employment.
Request More Information Today
If you’re ready to get started on the journey to becoming a dental assistant, consider the above questions when choosing your school. The Praxis Institute is the place to go for high-quality healthcare training programs in the Miami, FL, area and can help prepare you for your dream career. Call 786-577-6909 today to request more information about our dental assistant school or other programs at our campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL.
