Dental Assisting Foundations: Brightening Our Beginnings
10 weeks | 560 total hours | Hybrid instruction
DPOS Approved Program
Our dental assistant program is officially approved by the Colorado Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS), ensuring compliance with all state educational standards and regulations.
Program Schedule Overview
Length
10 Weeks
Total Hours
560 Total Hours
Format
Online + Theory + Internship
Program Schedule & Hours
The Dental Assisting Foundations: Brightening Our Beginnings program is completed over a 10-week period and includes 560 total clock hours with the following weekly structure:
- Online Learning: 16 hours per week of online coursework and materials
- Theory/Classroom: 16 hours per week of in-person instruction at our campus
- Internship (Lab): 24 hours per week of hands-on experience at approved partner offices
All three components run concurrently throughout the 10-week program. The internship component is required for graduation, and students will attend their assigned internship site on scheduled days in addition to their online and classroom schedule.
Internship Expectations
All students complete a 240-hour clinical internship (24 hours per week) at a licensed dental office throughout the 10-week program. This hands-on lab experience allows students to:
- Assist with actual patient care under supervision
- Practice infection control and sterilization procedures
- Observe and support radiographic imaging
- Strengthen communication and professionalism in a clinical setting
Each internship site provides an on-site supervisor, and qualified school instructor Brittni Sanchez oversees the student's educational progress. Students may not graduate or receive a certificate until all 240 internship hours are completed and verified.
Campus Locations
All instruction takes place at our convenient Pueblo campus:
Classroom Instruction:
1401 N. Elizabeth St., Suite C
Pueblo, CO 81003
Clinical Training:
1401 N. Elizabeth St., Suite A
Pueblo, CO 81003
Convenient Design: Both facilities are located within the same building complex to provide students with a seamless transition between classroom learning and clinical practice.
Weekly Curriculum Breakdown
Our comprehensive 10-week curriculum combines classroom instruction with concurrent externship experience to provide you with all the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a dental assistant
Introduction to Dentistry & Professional Standards
Topics Covered:
- History of dentistry and professional roles
- Legal and ethical responsibilities
- Professional standards and workplace expectations
Learning Objectives:
- Identify roles within a dental office
- Understand professional standards and workplace expectations
Dental Anatomy & Terminology
Topics Covered:
- Dental anatomy & physiology
- Dental terminology and abbreviations
- Tooth numbering systems and charting
Learning Objectives:
- Master dental terminology and anatomy
- Identify tooth structures and numbering systems
Infection Control & OSHA Standards
Topics Covered:
- OSHA standards and compliance
- PPE usage and protocols
- Sterilization procedures and monitoring
Learning Objectives:
- Apply OSHA-compliant safety protocols
- Demonstrate proper sterilization techniques
HIPAA & Patient Privacy
Topics Covered:
- HIPAA regulations and compliance
- Patient privacy and confidentiality
- Documentation and record keeping
Learning Objectives:
- Understand HIPAA requirements
- Maintain patient confidentiality protocols
Dental Materials & Tray Setup
Topics Covered:
- Dental materials and properties
- Instrument identification and setup
- Tray organization and preparation
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and organize dental instruments
- Prepare procedure-specific tray setups
Chairside Assisting Techniques
Topics Covered:
- Four-handed dentistry techniques
- Patient positioning and comfort
- Suction and retraction techniques
Learning Objectives:
- Master four-handed dentistry techniques
- Provide effective chairside assistance
Radiology Essentials
Topics Covered:
- Radiation safety and protection
- X-ray equipment and techniques
- Image processing and quality assurance
Learning Objectives:
- Follow radiation safety protocols
- Produce quality diagnostic radiographs
CPR & Emergency Response
Topics Covered:
- CPR certification training
- Medical emergency recognition
- Emergency response protocols
Learning Objectives:
- Obtain CPR certification
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies
Administrative Skills & Charting
Topics Covered:
- Patient charting and documentation
- Appointment scheduling systems
- Insurance and billing basics
Learning Objectives:
- Master patient charting techniques
- Understand administrative procedures
Final Review, Mock Scenarios & Career Prep
Topics Covered:
- Comprehensive skills review
- Mock clinical scenarios
- Resume building and interview preparation
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate competency in all skills
- Prepare for job placement and career success
Learning Management System
All course materials, digital resources, instructor communications, and supplemental assignments are securely delivered through Karma Merchant Brokers, our private learning management platform built exclusively for our students.
Students will receive a personal login to access everything they need throughout the program, including handouts, assessments, progress tracking, and digital certifications. This system allows for seamless support and communication, ensuring students can engage with content both in the classroom and between sessions.
Certification & Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of our program, you will be certified in Dental Assisting, Nitrous oxide monitoring, CPR/BLS, Dental Radiography, ICE (infection control), OSHA, and HIPAA.
With your certification, you'll be qualified for positions such as:
The demand for qualified dental assistants continues to grow, with excellent job prospects in the dental field. Our graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities with our comprehensive training and dedicated job placement assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our dental assistant program
What are the prerequisites for enrollment?
There are no prerequisites required to enroll in our program.
How is the program structured?
Our program is 100% in-person instruction with materials delivered via our LMS, powered by Karma Merchant Brokers. All hands-on training takes place at our campus located at 1401 N. Elizabeth, Suite C, Pueblo, CO.
What certification will I receive upon completion?
Upon completion, you will be certified in Dental Assisting, Nitrous oxide monitoring, CPR/BLS, Dental Radiography, ICE (infection control), OSHA, and HIPAA.
Do you offer job placement assistance?
Yes, we have established relationships with dental practices in the area and offer job placement assistance to all graduates. We also provide resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.
What textbooks and supplies are required?
All required textbooks and supplies will be provided to enrolled students upon program start. Details will be included in the enrollment materials.
What is the Learning Management System?
All course materials, digital resources, instructor communications, and supplemental assignments are securely delivered through Karma Merchant Brokers, our private learning management platform built exclusively for our students. Students will receive a personal login to access everything they need throughout the program, including handouts, assessments, progress tracking, and digital certifications.
Have more questions? We're here to help you navigate your educational journey.
Transcript & Certificate Policy
Students who successfully complete the program will receive both a Certificate of Completion and an official Transcript. These documents are maintained on file by the school in perpetuity and may be requested at any time.
Begin Your Dental Assistant Career
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive dental assistant program.