Dental Assistant Training

Dental Assistant Training

Vincennes University provides a noncredit training program that prepares students for an entry level position in one of the fastest growing healthcare careers. Beginning Fall 2010 this expanded course will include a new state approved education program which provides students the proper training to be a Limited Dental Radiographer.

The purpose of this 102-hour course is to familiarize students with all areas of entry level dental assisting and provide training in the professional skills required to function as an assistant in the dental practice.

Classes available in the Fall in Bedford; Spring in Jasper, and other locations in southern and central Indiana. 



The inside of a dentist's office

What You Will Study:

Clinical and administrative instruction will include an introduction to the dental office, legal aspects of dentistry and dental assisting, state dental practices policies and guidelines, introduction to oral anatomy, dental procedures, dental equipment, operation, and maintenance; tooth structure-primary and permanent teeth, oral cavity and related structures, proper patient positioning, dental hand-pieces, and dental burns, dental anesthesia, maintaining sterility and asepsis, and observations in local dental offices

The Limited Dental Radiographer portion of the training is to provide classroom training so that the student may be licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health. All persons operating diagnostic x-ray equipment in the State of Indiana must be certified by the Indiana State Department of Health. For certification, each diagnostic x-ray machine operator must:

  • Enroll in a state approved education program. This program meets the criteria.
  • Obtain a provisional permit from the Indiana State Department of Health after the start of the course.
  • Complete this approved educational program.
  • Complete clinical training with certificate of proficiency from an appropriate licensed provider.
  • Pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiology Health and Safety Examination.

Financial aid:
Typical student financial assistance through Pell Grants and other financial aid programs do not apply to this noncredit program. Tuition assistance may be available through your local Indiana Workforce Development office. Call 812.482.3007 for Jasper or 812-424-4473 or 812-331-6008, WorkOne Bloomington for Bedford for further details. Call 800-400-4520 for eligibility requirements. Loans from private lenders are also available. Send an email to jtooley@vinu.edu for details.

Admission and Completion requirements:
Students must possess a high school diploma or GED to enroll, but high school seniors in good standing may also take this course, with permission from principal. No formal admission to VU is required. Upon successful completion of the program students will receive a VU Certificate of Completion. To receive the certificate students must have a good attendance record, and successfully pass quizzes and exams. Although this is a NON-CREDIT program, letter grades will be assigned.

For questions on this program call Mr. John Tooley at 812-888-2870 or email jtooley@vinu.edu.



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