About our Program

Authorization

Our program is a beacon of excellence and quality in dental assistant education. Rest assured, your educational journey is supported by a strong foundation of credibility and excellence.

Tennessee Dental Assisting Academy is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Program Structure

Unlock the doors to a comprehensive and blended curriculum that seamlessly integrates online learning with invaluable in-person sessions.

Your pathway consists of:

12 Remarkable Weeks: A fast-tracked, intensive program designed to catapult you into your new career.
Flexible Scheduling: Classes convene once a week, on Fridays, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, accommodating your unique needs and schedule.
Hands-on Experience: Dive deep into real-world dental assisting practices with engaging laboratory and operatory exercises.

Blended Learning Experience

Harness the power of online and offline worlds:

Online Convenience: Engage with 25 hours of captivating online content, accessible anytime, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
In-Person Mastery: Revel in 80 immersive in-person hours, fostering a space for practical mastery and enriched learning experiences.

Admission Criteria

Our doors are open to passionate individuals ready to soar. Here are the only requirements:

Age: students should be over 18 years of age.
Educational Qualifications: a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Career-Ready Certifications

Graduate with a prestigious certificate enabling you to apply to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), marking a monumental step in your career trajectory.

Along with your DANB (Dental Assisting National Board] radiology and Basic Life Support (BLS) certificates.

Robust Support System

We stand by you, not just as educators, but as unwavering supporters of your dream:

Job Application Assistance: Benefit from personalized coaching, resume crafting, and remarkable interview preparation.
Salary Negotiation Skills: Arm yourself with essential negotiation strategies to secure rewarding compensation packages.

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Dental Assisting

Course Outline

• WEEK 01 •

General introduction to the exciting field of Dentistry, including your orientation to our clinic and dental terminology.

• WEEK 02 •

Four-handed dentistry, instrumental transfer, isolation techniques, suctioning (HVE), local anesthesia, patient positioning, handpiece maintenance, sealants and coronal polishing.

• WEEK 03 •

Radiology theory and practice of intraoral and extraoral X-ray techniques, X-ray safety, darkroom procedures.

• WEEK 04 •

Amalgam and composite materials, instruments, mixing, curing, tubs, trays.

• WEEK 05 •

Cements and liners, alginate impressions (upper arch), model pouring and trimming, X-ray quiz. CPR Training.

• WEEK 06 •

Midterm exam. Oral surgery, periodontal instruments and materials, sterilization procedures, alginate impressions (lower arch).

• WEEK 07 •

Crown and bridge instruments and materials, making temporary restorations, bite registration.

• WEEK 08 •

Endodontic materials and instruments, orthodontics, job interview skills.

• WEEK 09 •

Office management, front desk operation, appointments, billing dental insurance, office management software, OSHA regulations. Review and practice for final exam.

• WEEK 10 •

Final exam and practical exam. Pediatric dentistry, final written exam, X- ray practical clinical exam.

• WEEK 11 •

Externship

• WEEK 12 •

Externship

Graduation!

Meet The Team

MARK WHITLOCK, D.D.S.: School Owner, Director, and C.E.O.

My name is Dr. Mark Whitlock. We are super excited to have you all here and to have access to this program. We built this curriculum for those people who want to learn cutting edge dental practices. This is the next of level of training for dental assistants that want an all-inclusive road map on how to be the most wanted dental assistants in the area. You will be immersed in training that is crucial to you being one of the most valued pieces of your dental office meanwhile still being able to have a life outside of school and not having to break the bank to get this education. We are happy to have you. Let’s go!

TRISTAN MOSELEY: Chief Operating Officer

Welcome! My name is Tristan and I’ve been in dentistry for over 20 years. I started out as a dental assistant then migrated to management. I have a full understanding of front and back office to help prepare you for your dental journey!

ASHLEY BARRETT: Instructor

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m a Registered Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. I have been in this field for 10 years and have had expanded function for 5 of those years. You’re never fully dressed without a smile.

LEILA O’LEARY: Instructor

Hi! My name is Leila. I have been a Certified Dental Assistant for 30 years and a Registered Dental Assistant for over 20 years! I have had expanded functions and worked in several offices over the years.