Dental Assistant Program
The Fortis Dental Assisting program in Orange Park, Florida, offers a 48-week hybrid curriculum that prepares students for entry-level roles in dental assisting. This program combines hands-on training, classroom learning, and an externship to develop skills essential for working in a dental office.
Program Highlights
- Hybrid Format: Courses are delivered both online and on-campus for flexible learning.
- Comprehensive Training: Includes 1,040 contact hours, covering clinical, radiographic, and administrative dental tasks.
- Externship Experience: Gain real-world experience through supervised externship hours in dental settings.
Program Structure
The Fortis Dental Assisting program is structured to provide a balanced combination of theory, practical skill development, and real-world experience. Over 48 weeks, students complete 1,040 contact hours, including both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The curriculum covers foundational health sciences, dental procedures, infection control, and radiology, providing a thorough preparation for work in dental offices.
Course Overview
The program includes a variety of essential courses:
- Introduction to Health Professions: Covers basic concepts in health professions, essential for new entrants.
- Medical Terminology and Anatomy: Foundational medical terms and anatomy are introduced to help students understand patient care and communication in a healthcare setting.
- Dental Procedures and Radiology: Training in dental procedures, radiology, and infection control prepares students to assist dentists in a clinical environment.
- Dental Office Procedures and Billing: Teaches administrative and billing tasks to support the dental office’s daily operations.
Externship
Fortis’s program includes a mandatory externship component where students apply classroom knowledge in a professional dental setting. Under supervision, students work alongside dental professionals, gaining insight into day-to-day dental office operations. This experience is critical for building confidence and developing hands-on skills in patient care, sterilization, and assisting during procedures. However, it’s important to note that externship hours are typically during regular office hours, with no evening or weekend options.
Prerequisites
Before starting the program, Fortis requires students to meet specific prerequisites, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of dental assisting:
- Current BLS CPR Certification by the American Heart Association.
- Immunizations and Health Clearances in line with externship site requirements.
- Drug Screen and Background Check as part of the externship agreements.
These prerequisites are essential for both patient and student safety, particularly in the clinical externship setting.
Credentialing Exams
Students enrolled in the Fortis program are required to complete two credentialing exams:
- Infection Control Examination (ICE): Taken after completing the DAS116 course, focusing on proper sanitation and safety practices.
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Examination: Taken following the DAS135 course, covering radiological safety protocols essential for dental assisting.
These exams help students meet industry standards and enhance their employability upon graduation.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Fortis Dental Assisting program are equipped to pursue various entry-level positions in dental care settings, such as:
- Private and Group Practices: Assisting dentists with patient care, sterilization, and dental procedures.
- Dental Specialties: Working in orthodontic, pediatric, and other specialty clinics.
- Healthcare Facilities: Employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and dental school clinics.
The hands-on training and externship experience provided by Fortis aim to enhance students’ versatility, making them valuable assets in diverse healthcare environments.
Schedule and Flexibility
Fortis offers a structured schedule, with classes held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., which can accommodate students seeking a predictable routine. However, externship hours vary and are scheduled during typical office hours, which may pose challenges for students requiring evening or weekend availability.
Why Fortis?
The Fortis Dental Assisting program in Orange Park provides robust training in both clinical and administrative aspects of dental care, making it a strong option for students seeking a career in dental assisting. Key strengths include the hybrid learning model and an emphasis on practical experience through externships, which help students gain industry-relevant skills. However, the program’s high cost and the rigid externship schedule may be limiting for some. For those seeking a comprehensive dental assisting education in Florida, Fortis offers a well-rounded curriculum with a clear pathway to entry-level employment.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | $22,144 |
| Program Duration | 48 Weeks |
| Class Schedules | Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Classes Offered | Hybrid (Online and On-Campus) |
| Admission Requirements | BLS CPR Certification, Health Clearance, Drug Screen, Background Check |
| Online Classes? | Yes (Hybrid Program) |
| Job Placement? | Yes, assistance provided after graduation |
| Financial Aid Options | Available |
| Location | 700 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065 |
| Phone | (855) 436-7847 |
| Website | https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/florida/orange-park/dental-assisting.html |