Question 1

How long is the dental assistant program?

Accepted Answer

Our comprehensive program is 10 weeks long, consisting of 160 hours of online coursework, 160 hours of hands-on theory training, and 240 hours of externship experience in a real dental practice. This totals 560 hours of training that prepares you for immediate employment.

Question 2

Is the program approved and accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes! B.O.B Dental Assisting Academy is DPOS (Division of Private Occupational Schools) approved in Colorado. This ensures our curriculum meets state standards and that your certificate will be recognized by employers throughout Colorado and beyond.

Question 3

What certifications will I receive?

Accepted Answer

Upon successful completion of our program, you will receive: Dental Assistant Certificate, CPR/BLS Certification, Dental Radiography Certification, OSHA Certification, HIPAA Certification, Infection Control Certification, and Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification. These certifications significantly increase your employability and earning potential.

Question 4

What are the prerequisites to enroll?

Accepted Answer

We have no formal prerequisites! You need to be at least 18 years old (or 17 with parental consent), have a high school diploma or GED, and possess a genuine interest in dental healthcare. No prior medical or dental experience is required.

Question 5

How many students are in each class?

Accepted Answer

We limit each cohort to a maximum of 10 students. This small class size ensures personalized attention, hands-on practice time with equipment, and direct access to your instructor. You're never just a number in our program.

Question 6

When does the next class start?

Accepted Answer

We offer rolling admissions throughout the year. Our next cohort begins soon, and with limited seats available, we encourage early application. Contact us for specific start dates and to secure your spot.

Question 7

How much does the program cost?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us directly for current tuition information. We offer competitive pricing for one of Colorado's most comprehensive dental assistant programs, and the investment is a fraction of traditional college programs while offering immediate career entry.

Question 8

Do you offer payment plans or financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We understand that education is an investment, and we work with students to make it affordable. We offer payment plans and can connect you with third-party financing options. Contact our admissions team to discuss your specific situation.

Question 9

Are there any additional costs beyond tuition?

Accepted Answer

Tuition covers your instruction, materials, textbooks, certifications, and externship placement. You'll need to budget for scrubs, comfortable shoes, and possibly a background check required by some externship sites. We provide a complete list of any additional costs during enrollment.

Question 10

What is the job placement rate?

Accepted Answer

95% of our graduates are employed within 90 days of program completion. Many students receive job offers from their externship sites. We provide ongoing job placement assistance, resume help, interview preparation, and connections with hiring dental practices.

Question 11

How much can I expect to earn as a dental assistant?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level dental assistants in Colorado typically earn $35,000-$40,000 annually. With experience and additional certifications, salaries range from $42,000-$55,000+. The career offers excellent benefits including health insurance, dental care, and retirement plans.

Question 12

What types of dental practices can I work in?

Accepted Answer

Our graduates work in general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, community health centers, and dental schools. Your skills transfer across all practice types, giving you flexibility in your career.

Question 13

Is the program full-time or part-time?

Accepted Answer

Our program is designed as a full-time, intensive training experience. The online coursework offers flexibility to complete on your schedule, while theory classes and externship require in-person attendance during scheduled hours.

Question 14

What is the schedule like?

Accepted Answer

Online coursework: Self-paced within designated weeks. Theory training: Typically held during daytime hours on weekdays. Externship: Usually 30 hours per week over 8 weeks, scheduled during your placement site's operating hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).

Question 15

Can I work while attending the program?

Accepted Answer

The intensive nature of our program makes full-time work challenging. However, many students work part-time, especially during the online learning phase. We recommend discussing your situation with our admissions team to create a realistic plan.

Question 16

What happens if school is cancelled due to weather?

Accepted Answer

We follow Pueblo School District 60's schedule for weather-related closures. If District 60 cancels in-person classes due to inclement weather, we will transition to our online learning platform for that day to ensure your education continues without interruption. You'll receive notification via email and text about any schedule changes.

Question 17

How is my externship site chosen?

Accepted Answer

We carefully place students in quality dental practices based on location preferences, schedule availability, and learning objectives. We maintain relationships with numerous practices throughout Colorado to provide diverse learning experiences.

Question 18

Am I paid during my externship?

Accepted Answer

The externship is an educational experience and is unpaid. However, it's an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience, build professional references, and often leads to job offers. Many students are hired by their externship site upon graduation.

Question 19

What will I do during my externship?

Accepted Answer

You'll work alongside licensed dentists and experienced dental assistants, assisting with patient care, taking X-rays, preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, mixing dental materials, and learning practice management. You'll gain hands-on experience with real patients in a supervised setting.

Question 20

What skills will I learn?

Accepted Answer

You'll master chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, instrument sterilization, dental materials, patient care, four-handed dentistry, dental terminology, anatomy, treatment room preparation, emergency procedures, administrative skills, and much more.

Question 21

Will I get hands-on practice before the externship?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Our 160-hour theory training includes extensive hands-on practice with dental equipment, instruments, and materials. You'll practice on phantom heads and with classmates before ever working with actual patients during your externship.

Question 22

Can I advance my career after becoming a dental assistant?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many dental assistants advance to lead assistant positions, office manager roles, or specialize in specific areas of dentistry. Some pursue additional education to become dental hygienists, dental lab technicians, or even dentists. Your dental assistant training is an excellent foundation.

Question 23

Do you offer continuing education?

Accepted Answer

We support our graduates' ongoing professional development and can connect you with continuing education opportunities. Staying current with new techniques and technologies enhances your value and career advancement potential.

Question 24

Who will be teaching me?

Accepted Answer

Brittni Sanchez, our founder and lead instructor, is a Certified Dental Assistant/EDDA with over 17 years of hands-on experience in the dental field. She brings real-world knowledge, industry connections, and genuine passion for student success to every class.

Question 25

What makes B.O.B Dental Academy different?

Accepted Answer

Our small class sizes (10 students max), experienced instructor, comprehensive curriculum, DPOS approval, 240-hour externship, multiple certifications included, job placement assistance, and 95% employment rate make us Colorado's premier choice for dental assistant training.

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