3000 41st Street
Moline, IL 61265
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the opportunities available in the dental assisting field and the benefits of attending Dental Assisting Technologies versus other local Illinois and Iowa institutions.
Are there jobs in the Dental Assisting Field?
The National Center for Education Statistics, www.nces.ed.gov, reports that those students earning a vocational certificate can enter the workforce faster than students in a 4-year program and spend considerably less in doing so. The field of Dental Assisting, between 2019 & 2029, is expected to grow by 7%. Trade school graduates are benefiting from strong demand and are needed to fill these roles.
What other opportunities does dental training provide?
There are many positions available to a dental trained individual:
- Dental Assisting
- Front Desk Coordinator
- Insurance Coordinator
- Billing Coordinator
- Treatment Plan Coordinator
- Sterilization Assistant
- Orthodontic Assistant
- Surgical Assistant
- Hygiene Assistant
- Lab Tech
- Dental Hygienist
- Dentist
What is the State of Illinois requirements for the employment of Dental Assistants?
In the state of Illinois, there are currently no requirements for the employment of Dental Assistants, but Dental offices generally seek an applicant that has knowledge of the field of Dentistry.
Each state has its own requirements for this. It is possible to visit the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) website if you are considering working in any state including Illinois. Visit www.danb and select State by State requirements / Resources, then type in the state that you are inquiring about.
A listing of its requirements and duties that are allowed and not allowed as a Dental Assistant is outlined on this website. Some states offer the ability for the Dental Assistant to be trained to do Expanded functions. These guidelines are also shared on the DNAB site.
What is the cost to attend Dental Assisting Technologies?
Choosing Dental Assisting Technologies is an affordable way to lower the cost of obtaining a Dental Assisting Vocational Certificate. The cost of each session is $5000, which includes:
- Tuition
- Product and lab fees
- CPR certification (if in attendance)
- A uniform (this uniform isn't branded so that you can use it for your first position after graduation)
- Instrument Package
- Other training fees
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Illinois public universities charge nearly $14,000.00 to 16,000.00 a year in tuition and fees on average to obtain a Dental Assisting Certificate, while private universities cost over $32,000.00.
What is required in order to attend Dental Assisting Technologies?
Students need to be 18 years or older at the time of attendance.
A high school transcript showing proof of successful completion of the 12th grade or its Equivalent GED Program.
Shot records will need to be provided to the school The shot records are requested to show proof of having had a Hepatitis B vaccination series.
A person entering the Dental Assisting profession should be able to physically and mentally perform the duties of a Dental Assistant and CPR.
This program is offered in only the English language.
How do I apply to attend a session at Dental Assisting Technologies?
It's easy to start the process by applying to the program by completing the application offered here.
After you submit the application, we will ask you to schedule a consultation where we will:
- Answer any questions you may have
- Offer you a tour of the facility
- Review the enrollment agreement
- If you are interested in attending the most current class session we will help you complete the registration and enrollment agreement.
- There is a $150 registration fee that will be collected at the time of registration. This fee is part of the total tuition.
- We will also ask you to try on uniforms so that we can order one for you.
Does Dental Assisting Technologies offer In-Office Job experiences?
Dental Assisting Technologies works closely with many of the Dental offices in and around the Quad Cities. These offices allow our students to visit so that the student can see an office in working motion.
Two shadowing experiences are required of each student. These are organized by Dental Assisting Technologies. The shadowing requires that the student leave a resume at the time of their visit so that the doctor in that office can evaluate prospective hires. These opportunities are carefully scheduled around the hosting dental office and the student's schedule during the week.
What is earned after completing a Class Session at Dental Assisting Technologies?
Dental Assisting Technologies provides a Certificate for the successful completion of a Dental Assisting Program. This certificate gives proof of Dental Assisting training and can be used in any state for that purpose. It does not nor does any certificate replace the requirements made by any state.
Is Dental Assisting Technologies an Accredited school?
Dental Assisting Technologies is not an accredited program. It is a vocational trade school for higher education. Dental Assisting Technologies is registered and has been issued a certificate to operate by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, #1 N Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701-1377. www.ibhe.org.
Trade schools in Illinois provide career-focused training in areas, such as Dental Assisting, combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences through practicum, lab, and clinical requirements. They must apply and receive a Certificate to operate on a yearly basis. The Illinois Board of Higher Education has a listing of all institutions that are registered and met the criteria to operate in the state.
What is the Student to Teacher ratio at Dental Assisting Technologies?
The Student to teacher ratio is always 10 to 1. Each session is limited to 20 students, thus increasing to a 20 to 2 ratio. If there is a need, additional instructors can be provided.
Can I use the FAFSA for my education at Dental Assisting Technologies?
The FAFSA program is a federally funded program that can be used for schools of 320 clock hours or more. The class sessions held at Dental Assisting Technologies are 96 clock hours, therefore it is not used for funding in this program.
There are state-funded programs that Dental Assisting Technologies is approved with:
American Job Center, Partners in Job Training (IL residence) & Promise Jobs (IA residence) Supportive services are offered to program participants as they prepare to become work-ready individuals. Each local area has a network of community resources and supportive services.
SERVICES FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY MAY INCLUDE:
Transportation Assistance,
Childcare,
Housing Assistance,
Educational Assistance Including Tuition and Books,
Work-Related Licensing,
Interview Assistance,
Work Uniforms.
If you are a PROMISE JOBS participant and are new to the program you can find additional information in our online Orientation Packet. https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/promise-jobs
IowaWORKScenter, 1801 East Kimberly Road, Suite A, Davenport, IA 52807 Phone 563-445-3200 (Career Planner-Amrik Sumita) Hours 8:30am - 4:30pm M, Tu, Th, F; 9am - 4:30pm W
Free Internet and resume writer access computers are on site.
Veteran representatives are available at this location.
Representatives are available with an appointment.
Full range of job seeker and employer services.
Free standing brick building in strip-mall shopping center in NW Davenport, Iowa.
Website https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/davenport
The American Job Center (Illinois residence) 500 42nd Street, Rock Island, IL 61201-2155 Phone 309-788-7587 (Career Planner-Teresa Andersen) Hours-by appointment only.
Through a partnership of workforce development organizations, Partners in Job Training and Placement-Rock Island offers a single convenient connection point for job seekers and employers to find each other and tap into a pool of education, training, employment opportunities, and Unemployment Insurance information.
Veterans reps, employment reps, phones, free internet & resume writer access computers are on site.
Representatives are available with an appointment.
Full range of jobseeker and employer services.
Website https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Connect/Pages/LocationSearch.aspx
Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. DHS's Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities. 4711 44th St, Suite #3, Rock Island, IL 61201. Office Phone: 309-786-1263 ( a medical diagnosis is required) For general questions about DRS, email DHS. www.DRS@illinois.gov
Does Dental Assisting Technologies offer any financial assistance or payment plans?
Dental Assisting Technologies offers payment plans & accepts Scholarship monies that have been awarded toward education tuition.
Dental Assisting Technologies works closely with RIA Credit Union that offers those that qualify a "Computer/Education Loan" at a lesser rate than a signature loan R.I.A. Federal Credit Union, 201 5th St, Silvis, IL Phone: (563) 355-3800 Website: http://riafcu.com
Dental Assisting Technologies accepts Loan checks, Personal checks, or Money Orders from any bank, or credit union that a student works with.
Credit Cards are accepted for nominal amounts in excess of $500.
Why should I go to DAT vs. other local institutions?
Flexible learning experiences and low tuition benefits the student. Dental Assisting Technologies offers a 12 Saturday class session that is from 8 am to 5 pm for 12 consecutive Saturdays. These sessions are configured around and not held on Memorial Day or Labor Day. There are 2 sessions held each year, A Spring session and a Fall session.
Students in longer programs are screwed if they have to stop/pause mid-session. Other programs are rigid, whereas DAT is flexible for “real-life” issues.
We are hands-on. Other local programs teach you with bookwork. DAT prepares you with hands-on experience.
Because DAT is not a big institution, you’re a person, not a number. We really care if the student succeeds, not just pushing another body through the course machine. If someone feels they’re doing poorly, or ARE having trouble, and asks for extra one-on-one, DAT is willing and able to provide that extra attention.
Students aren’t required to buy all the items they’ll use. Other local programs require students to buy all the tools.
DAT provides instrument packages to make sure students are learning how to hold and pass instruments with actual instruments. The competition sends you home to practice on your own so you’re just using pencils and whatnot.
DAT also helps you learn the process and steps/flow of various dental procedures.
Instead of a 5-week internship (unpaid), DAT provides job shadowing. Other schools use those internships as “placements” and therefore show a much higher placement rate than they really create.
Other schools have their 5-week internship at ONE office. DAT places you in multiple job shadowing opportunities so students experience that all offices work differently. So just because they’re taught the “right” way in school, they have to adapt to how an office wants things done.
The homework load is more balanced for people who are working a full-time job while going to school.
DAT is more closely in touch with various dental offices and orthodontic offices. Many of those offices call Sherri rather than placing employment ads. Sherri tailors which students she offers as applicants based on the student’s personality and the personalities of the dental office in need of an assistant.
Dental Assisting Technologies
Dental Assisting Technologies
3000 41st Street
Moline, IL 61265
309-764-4646
Certificate of approval to operate issued by:
IL. Board of Higher Education
1N. Old State Capital Plaza, #300
Springfield, IL 62701
www.ibhe.org
Owned and Operated by Sherri Mikles and Janean Brown
Site Design by Tri-R Marketing Solutions| Dental Assisting Technologies 2024