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This exclusive guide is an informational resource for anyone interested in starting a career as a dental assistant. We have created a free 13-page guide that provides an overview of the East Ohio College Dental Assisting program, the current healthcare landscape, the career outlook, and frequently asked questions.
Don’t miss out on this informational guide! Download your free copy by filling out the form below.
About East Ohio College
East Ohio College, previously known as Ohio Valley College of Technology, has served as a reliable educator in Northeastern Ohio for more than a century. Founded in 1886 in East Liverpool, Ohio, the college has continuously responded to local employers’ needs by equipping professionals with practical training for careers in healthcare and various professional sectors.
In 2022, East Ohio College launched East Ohio Online, an online platform offering several healthcare and professional training programs. This initiative enables Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia students to balance their family, work, and educational commitments effectively. The college takes pride in delivering the same high-quality education and support to both residential and online learners.
With current programs available in nursing, allied healthcare, and professional services, East Ohio College provides comprehensive training for those planning to enter these expanding fields.
East Ohio College’s distinctive hands-on educational approach ensures that each student receives personalized support and quality career training from experienced faculty members who embody the college’s mission and core values. Each team member within the organization upholds fundamental values, including Work Ethic, Exemplary, Caring, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence (WE CARE). By adhering to these principles, East Ohio College successfully fulfills its mission of empowering change by creating opportunity.
What you can expect to learn
East Ohio College Accreditation & Licensing
East Ohio College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (ABHES). Phone: (301) 291-7550.
The College is registered with, and its degree programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, 30 East Broad Street, Suite 2481, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3138, Phone (614) 466-2752, John Ware, J.D., Executive Director. Registration #1555B. The Boardman Training Center is also registered with and its programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Programs offered at the Boardman Training Center are NOT ABHES accredited.
Each state and US territory has its own standards to sit for the professional certification/licensure exam and/or to transfer a license from one state/territory into its state/territory. The document linked HERE provides you a list of those states and territories where this institution has made the determination that its curriculum either meets the educational requirements for certification/licensure or does not meet the educational requirements for certification/licensure.
What Is A Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are vital members of the dental team who keep the dental office running seamlessly with direct patient care and administrative tasks. They are often responsible for tasks that directly impact the patient’s experience, including taking dental impressions, sterilizing instruments, preparing patient rooms, assisting with dental procedures, and supporting dentists and hygienists.
In addition to patient care tasks, dental assistants also perform administrative roles. Some of these duties include scheduling appointments, managing patient health records, handling insurance billing, and managing inventory. Completing these tasks accurately and efficiently ensures a dental office runs smoothly behind the scenes.
A dental assisting career is ideal for someone passionate about helping others and wanting to play an administrative role. They must be compassionate, highly organized, detail-orientated, and a strong communicator. If this sounds like you, then a career in dental assisting may be the right path for you! Download our free guide by filling out the form to get started on your path to becoming a dental assistant in Ohio!
East Ohio College’s Academic Process
In our over a century of training career-ready individuals, East Ohio College has developed its six-step academic process to guide students from their first day into their careers: Plan, Equip, Learn, Enhance, Apply, and Succeed.
Step One: Plan
The student’s first point of contact at East Ohio College is an admissions team member, who will guide them through the admissions process, including providing detailed information about the institution and its programs and helping them fill out the application. The admissions team will also work closely with the student to create a personalized plan to help them achieve their educational, career, and financial goals.
Step Two: Equip
Upon meeting with the admissions team and determining that East Ohio College is a good fit, students will be connected with a financial aid team member to discuss their unique financial situation. The EOC financial aid^ team will equip them with information about funding their education, including the FAFSA, institutional grants*, external scholarships, and student loans.
Step Three: Learn
Upon completing the admissions and financial aid process, an admissions team member will assist the student with enrollment and register them for New Student Orientation. Throughout this course, students will deepen their understanding of East Ohio College, their selected program, and the resources available to them as students. After completing the orientation course, students will be ready to begin classes in the Dental Assisting program, where they will acquire the essential skills and knowledge for their future careers.
Step Four: Enhance
Students will have completed the program’s learning requirements at this stage in their education. They will then be qualified to sit for the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP)’s Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA) certification** exam. Successfully passing this industry certification exam demonstrates that students meet the national standards for knowledge and skills in their profession.
Step Five: Apply
Through an externship organized by the East Ohio College Career Management Department, students will apply their skills in a practical setting. This experience allows students to gain hands-on knowledge, network with local employers, and enhance their skill set.
Step Six: Succeed
Upon completing their journey as East Ohio College students, graduates will receive associate degrees, enabling them to embark on 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 Associate Degree in Occupational Dental Assisting
East Ohio College’s accelerated online dental assistant training program allows students to become prepared for careers as dental assistants in only 18 months. This program enables students to engage in online courses tailored directly related to their program and participate in hands-on experiences during weekend lab days at the East Ohio College campus or one of EOC’s sister, WVJC’s campus locations. Students will also complete an externship at a local dental office, preparing them to sit for the Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA)* certification exam and earn their Specialized Associate Degree in Occupational Dental Assisting in under two years.
Our all-encompassing training program provides students with the technical skills, knowledge, and confidence essential for proficient work as a dental assistant. Students will establish a foundational understanding through online didactic courses and virtual simulations to assess their knowledge. As the program advances, they will attend weekend lab sessions at the nearest campus, where they can apply what they have learned. These lab sessions are conducted by experienced instructors, allowing students to ask questions and interact with their peers.
In EOC’s Dental Assisting program, students will acquire vital skills such as exposing and developing x-rays, taking impressions, sterilizing instruments, and mixing dental cement. Additionally, they will receive training in administrative responsibilities, including patient communication, scheduling, insurance billing, inventory management, and other back-office tasks. For a comprehensive list of required courses throughout the program, please refer to page 6 of our free downloadable guide.
The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) has granted healthcare professionals credentials since its establishment in 1982. The Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA)* certification is among their credential offerings. Dental assistants with this credential have met nationally recognized competency standards for medical knowledge and technical proficiency to assist dental professionals in healthcare settings.
The NRCDA examination is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of both technical skills and theoretical knowledge relevant to the dental assisting field. It ensures that successful candidates meet and maintain high standards in their practice. A score of at least 70% must be obtained to be credentialed, and specific 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 this industry certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
Benefits of East Ohio College
East Ohio College offers a distinctive educational experience that fosters a supportive environment for students to complete their degrees. Our combination of online lectures, virtual simulations, real-world clinicals, and externship opportunities equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in their future careers. The EOC team recognizes that students juggle busy schedules, balancing personal lives, work commitments, and education. This is why we prioritize the student experience in our educational model.
A key benefit of choosing East Ohio College over a traditional institution is our tailored academic approach. Students can save both time and money by enrolling in classes focused on dental assisting right from the start. Our curriculum is structured in an accelerated format, allowing EOC students to complete courses in 6-week increments instead of traditional semesters with lengthy breaks. This enables them to cover more material in a shorter period. Attending a college that utilizes an accelerated format can present academic challenges, but our dedicated academic team is here to support students each step of the way.
Additionally, East Ohio College students gain hands-on training and personalized instruction. In virtual lectures, they will acquire fundamental knowledge and essential skills that will be applied in labs and clinical experiences designed by their instructors. The program curriculum also integrates preparation for the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant (NRCDA) certification exam, enabling students to work towards passing their industry-specific exam. Toward the end of their program, students will complete an externship in the dental field, where they will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting with actual patients.
EOC offers students valuable support resources through the career services department throughout their studies and beyond. Our career management team provides professional, personal, and academic assistance, including resume writing, job placement, tutoring, and career planning. Furthermore, the career management department organizes each student’s externship experience.
As an additional advantage, East Ohio College alums enjoy continued access to the career management team for assistance with career development and industry refresher courses^ at no extra cost.
East Ohio College understands the importance of a quality education. We aim to provide each student with exceptional support and resources from the first day of their academic journey through graduation and into their careers. Join the EOC family and Get Started on your educational path today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I become a certified dental assistant?
A: The initial step to becoming a certified dental assistant is to enroll in a program that prepares you for the Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant* certification exam.
Q: What do dental assistants do?
A: A dental assistant plays a vital role in supporting both patients and the dental team by carrying out various tasks, including taking X-rays, preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and more.
Q: How long does it take to become a dental assistant?
A: According to Stepful, the majority of associate degree programs typically require up to two years to finish. However, East Ohio College offers an accelerated dental assisting associate degree program that can be completed in 18 months.
Q: Is dental assisting a good career path?
A: A career in dental assisting can be a promising option for students interested in the dental industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% increase^ in the demand for dental assistants from 2022 to 2032.
Do you still have questions about East Ohio College’s online dental assisting training program? Our admissions team members are here to help answer any specific questions you may have. Contact us by calling 833-EASTOHIO or Requesting Information today!
*Certification is contingent upon passing this industry certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
^While this growth represents a national average, employment demands may vary by state or region.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.
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Get started at East Ohio today by applying to our career training school online!
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Grant/Scholarship Information
Grants/Scholarships are available for many of our programs and vary by location.