WVJC Online’s Free Dental Assisting Career Guide!
This comprehensive guide is designed for anyone interested in starting a career in dental assisting. Our free 13-page guide includes an overview of the WVJC Online Dental Assisting program, the current healthcare landscape, career outlook, frequently asked questions, and more.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource! Download your copy of our free digital guide today!
About WVJC Online
West Virginia Junior College has been a trusted educator in West Virginia and the surrounding states for over 130 years. The first brick-and-mortar campus was established in 1892 in Charleston, West Virginia, and has since expanded to include campuses in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Bridgeport, West Virginia.
In 2013, the institution developed a virtual learning platform, WVJC Online. WVJC Online aims to allow students in rural regions of West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky to gain quality education and career training from their homes.
With current online program offerings in nursing, allied healthcare, and professional services, WVJC Online has evolved to meet the needs of local employers and residents of West Virginia and the surrounding states.
WVJC Online’s unique approach to education allows each student to receive a personalized and high-quality education despite taking classes virtually. Each individual employed at WVJC Online is held to high standards, ensuring they uphold our core values: Work Ethic, Exemplary, Caring, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence (WE CARE). By adhering to these fundamental values, our faculty and staff can fulfill our purpose of empowering change by creating opportunity.
WVJC Accreditation and Licensing
West Virginia Junior College
148 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
West Virginia Junior College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools to award diplomas and associate’s degrees. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools’ contact information is 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Phone: (301) 291-7550.
West Virginia Junior College is authorized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-2101, to offer baccalaureate programs and West Virginia Junior College is authorized to offer post-secondary education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in the state of West Virginia in accordance with its permit issued by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-0265 in accordance with Chapter 18B of the West Virginia State Code.
West Virginia Junior College is certified by the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20202 (800) 872-5327, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended to participate in Title IV student aid programs.
West Virginia Junior College offers some programs that are approved by the State Approving Agency (through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-0263) for students to use veterans’ benefits. Please check with the financial aid office to confirm if your program of interest is an approved program prior to enrolling.
West Virginia Junior College is approved under the U.S. Department of Labor WorkForce Investment Act to train WorkForce Act eligible individuals.
What Is A Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are essential members of the dental team who help keep the dental office running smoothly, both with patients and behind the scenes. They are responsible for tasks including preparing patient care rooms, sterilizing instruments, developing x-rays, taking dental impressions, assisting with dental procedures, and supporting dental hygienists and dentists.
In addition to direct patient care tasks, dental assistants provide administrative support to keep the office running smoothly. Some of these duties include scheduling, managing patient records, insurance billing, and inventory management.
A career in dental assisting is ideal for someone who enjoys interacting with patients and completing behind-the-scenes tasks. They must be passionate about patient care, highly organized, compassionate, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator. If this sounds like you, download our free guide to get started on the path to your career as a dental assistant!
The WVJC Online Academic Process
In over a century of career training, WVJC has developed and evolved its six-step academic process to guide students through their educational journey: Plan, Equip, Learn, Enhance, Apply, and Succeed.
Step One: Plan
A student’s first point of contact at WVJC Online is their admissions team member, who will guide them through the application and admission process. The admissions team will provide detailed information about the institution, program of choice, and our academic process. They will also work closely with the student to create a personalized plan to help them meet their educational, career, and financial goals.
Step Two: Equip
Upon meeting with the admissions team and determining that WVJC Online is a good fit, they will be connected with a financial aid team member to discuss financing their education. The WVJC financial aid team will equip students with the resources they need to create a financial plan, help them file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid^, and provide information on additional funding options such as institutional scholarships* and student loans.
Step Three: Learn
After completing the admissions and financial aid process, the student’s admissions team member will guide them through enrollment and register them for New Student Orientation. During this course, students will continue learning about WVJC Online, their chosen program, and the resources available as a WVJC Online student. Once the orientation course is completed, students are prepared to enter classes related to the Dental Assisting program, where they will learn the skills and knowledge necessary for their future careers.
Step Four: Enhance
Students will have fulfilled the program’s learning requirements at this point in their education. Then, they will be prepared to sit for the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP)’s Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant** (NRCDA) certification exam. When students sit for and pass an industry certification exam, it signifies that they meet national standards for comprehension and skills in their field.
Step Five: Apply
Students will then put their skills into practice by completing an externship experience arranged by the WVJC Online Career Management Department. This opportunity allows students to gain real-world experience, connect with regional employers, and further develop their skills.
Step Six: Succeed
At the end of their journey as WVJC Online students, graduates will be conferred associate degrees, allowing them to begin their new careers as dental assistants.
^For those who qualify.
*For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.
**Certification is contingent on passing this industry certification exam. Required/ Included in Tuition/Fees.
Earning Your Specialized Degree in Occupational Dental Assisting
WVJC Online’s accelerated18-month dental assistant training program allows dental assisting students to immerse themselves in online courses directly related to their program, complete hands-on experiences during weekend lab days at one of WVJC’s campus locations or at WVJC Online’s sister school, East Ohio College’s campus, complete an externship at a regional dental office, be prepared to sit for the Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA)* certification exam and earn their Specialized Associate Degree in Occupational Dental Assisting in two years or less.
Our comprehensive training program equips students with the technical skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to work proficiently as a dental assistant. Students will build fundamental knowledge by taking didactic courses online and completing virtual simulations to test their knowledge. Then, as the program progresses, students will attend weekend lab experiences at the campus location closest to them, where they will put their knowledge into practice. These lab experiences are led by qualified instructors and provide students with the opportunity to ask questions and communicate with their peers.
Some essential dental assistant skills students can expect to learn in WVJC Online’s Dental Assisting program include exposing and developing x-rays, taking impressions, sterilizing instruments, mixing dental cement, and more. Students are also trained in administrative tasks such as patient communication, scheduling, insurance billing, managing inventory, and other back-of-office duties. For a detailed list of required courses throughout the program, refer to page 6 of our free downloadable guide.
The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) has been granting healthcare professionals credentials since its establishment in 1982. Among their credential offerings is the Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA)* certification. Dental assistants with this credential meet nationally recognized competency standards for medical knowledge and technical proficiency to assist dental professionals in healthcare settings.
The NRCDA examination is designed to be a comprehensive and challenging test of technical skills and theoretical knowledge related to the dental assisting profession. It ensures that those who pass it meet high standards. To be credentialed, a score of at least 70% must be obtained, and certain NAHP requirements must be met.
Although many states do not require dental assistants to obtain a certification before becoming employed, the benefits of entering the field with the NRCDA credential are significant. It can also potentially lead to increased job opportunities, career advancement, and ongoing professional development.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
Benefits of WVJC Online
WVJC Online’s unique educational approach allows students to complete their degree in an environment where they feel supported. Our online lectures and virtual simulations, combined with real-world clinicals and an externship experience, prepare students with the valuable skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their new careers. The WVJC Online team understands that students are busy and must balance their personal lives, families, work schedules, and education. This is why WVJC Online puts the student experience at the forefront of our education model.
One significant advantage to attending WVJC Online versus a traditional college is our academic approach, which allows students to save time and money by entering classes directly related to dental assisting from the beginning of their time at the college. The curriculum is designed in an accelerated format, which means rather than being organized by semesters with long breaks between, WVJC Online students will complete courses in 6-week increments, allowing them to cover more material in less time. Students can expect to be challenged in their education and receive support from their academic team when needed.
WVJC Online students also benefit from hands-on training and individualized instruction. During virtual lectures, students will learn the fundamental knowledge and basic skills they will apply during labs and clinical experiences developed by their instructors. In addition, preparation for the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA) certification* exam is incorporated directly into the program curriculum, allowing students to work toward taking and passing their industry-specific exams. Toward the end of the program, students will also complete an externship with a local dental employer where they will put their knowledge and skills into practice in a real-world environment with actual patients.
WVJC Online provides students access to support resources through the career services department during their time as students and beyond. Our career management team offers students professional, personal, and academic assistance, including resume writing, job placement, tutoring, career planning, and more. In addition, the career management department facilitates the organization of a student’s externship experience.
As an added benefit, WVJC Online alums have lifelong access to the career management team for assistance with career development and industry refresher courses^ at no additional cost to the student.
WVJC Online understands the importance of earning a quality education. We aim to provide every student with exceptional support and resources from the first time they contact us through graduation and beyond. Join the WVJC Online family and Get Started today!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
^Career Management Services are subject to specific conditions and requirements and continued campus operations. Please see the campus catalog for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I become a certified dental assistant?
A: The first step in becoming a certified dental assistant is enrolling in a program that offers preparation for the Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant certification* exam. WVJC Online’s Dental Assistant program provides students with exam preparation, hands-on training, and an externship experience.
Q: What do dental assistants do?
A: A dental assistant’s role is to support patients and other dental team members and keep the office running smoothly. A dental assistant’s key responsibilities include taking X-rays, creating dental impressions, preparing patient care rooms, sterilizing instruments, and more.
Q: How long does it take to become a dental assistant?
A: WVJC Online’s dental assisting associate degree program can be completed in 18 months. According to Stepful, most associate degree programs can take up to two years to complete, making WVJC Online’s program an excellent option for students who want to begin their dental assisting careers quickly.
Q: Where do medical coders work?
A: The unique skill set of medical coders allows them to be versatile healthcare team members in various facilities, including healthcare, government agencies, insurance companies, and more.
Q: Is dental assisting a good career path?
A: Dental assisting can be a lucrative career path for students who want to enter the dental field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for dental assistants is expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032. While this percentage represents a national average, needs may vary by area.
Do you still have questions about a career in dental assisting? Contact the WVJC Online admissions team to learn more by Requesting Information!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
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Get started at WVJC today by applying to our career training school online!
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Scholarship Information
Scholarships are available for many of our programs and vary by location.