Dental Office Administrative Assistant Certificate Program

• Have knowledge in HIPPA, professional ethics, professional conduct and the roles of the dental professionals.
• Identify and/or interpret basic anatomy and dental anatomical structures, charting symbols, tooth numbering systems and common dental procedures.
• Gain an understanding of effective communication, including written, verbal and nonverbal.
• Describe the functions and components of the patient clinical record, risk management, patient record maintenance, filing methods and patient appointment scheduling.
• Classify different types of dental insurance coverage, and file and process dental insurance claims.
• Describe the elements of a financial policy, accounts receivable and payable, collections and financial transactions.
• Describe and perform bookkeeping procedures: posting transactions, both manual and computerized, audit report and trail, payroll record, and reconciling bank records.
• Identify dental practice management software functions.
• Perform basic functions using Dentrix dental software.
• Prepare the components to assist in securing employment: resume, cover letter and job applications.
• Practice techniques for a successful job interview: attitude, behavior and answering questions.

This program is divided into three modules. Your final grade for the program will be an average of your three module scores. A minimum score of 70% is required.

• Students must check the course calendar for assignments. All assignments must be completed.
• All online quizzes and tests are required and are open book.
• Downloadable glossaries are provided for each unit.
• All Bulletin Board questions are required and are part of the final grade.
• The instructor is available to the students for the duration of the program via email.
• Each module uses a textbook that is tied to the course objectives.

• The Administrative Dental Assistant
• Dental Healthcare Team Members
• Dental Law and Ethics
• Privacy Rules

• Basic Dental Anatomy
• Numbering Systems
• Charting Methods
• Common Dental Terminology

• Methods of Communication
• Telephone Techniques
• Letter Writing
• Business Equipment

• Collecting Information
• Preparing the Clinical Record
• Maintaining Records
• Filing Methods, Equipment & Supplies
• Patient Scheduling

• Types of Dental Insurance
• Filing Insurance Claims
• Insurance Coverage
• Completing Dental Forms & Claims

• Financial Policies
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Payroll
• Reconciling a Bank Statement

• Variability of Dental Software
• Basic Functions of Software
• Dental Practice Set-up: 1) Office Manager 2) Family File 3) Ledger 4) Chart 5) Appointment Book 6) Office Reports

• Behavior & Attitudes for Employment
• Employment Applications
• Professional Resume
• Cover Letter
• Job Interview Basics