Welcome

Dear Student,

Thank you so much for your interest in AM Training Institute. I, along with our instructors look forward to welcoming you to our innovative and unique course in dental assisting. We offer a course designed to give you the skills necessary to start your new career, at a minimum cost of time and expense.

We offer this opportunity from the perspective of practicing dentists and experienced dental assistants in the setting of an actual dental office. While we will seek to give you exposure to a wide range of techniques, materials, and dental knowledge, we will focus on the skills that dentists see as “core necessities” for starting a job as a dental assistant right away.

Job opportunities for trained dental assistants are readily available in today’s marketplace. While no one can guarantee job placement, the dental profession is currently facing a shortage of trained dental assistants. With our course, you will be equipped to start your new exciting career in dental assisting with an eye on future opportunities.

Our enrollment process is easy and we will guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to change your life?

Schedules

  • Spring (12 weeks)

    April 3, 2023 - June 23, 2023
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: March 20, 2023

  • Summer (12 weeks)

    June 26, 2023 - September 15, 2023
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: June 12, 2023

  • Fall (12 weeks)

    September 18, 2023 - December 22, 2023
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: September 4, 2023

  • Winter (12 weeks)

    January 8, 2024 - March 20, 2024
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: December 25, 2023

  • Spring (12 weeks)

    April 1, 2024 - June 21, 2024
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: March 18, 2024

  • Summer (12 weeks)

    June 24, 2024 - September 13, 2024
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: June 10, 2024

  • Fall (12 weeks)

    September 23, 2024 - December 16, 2024
    (Labs offered Tues/Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm)
    Registration Deadline: September 9, 2024

Cost & Payment Options

The registration fee ($50) is due with an enrollment agreement to hold your place in the class.

The total cost for the 12 week Dental Assisting Program is $4,200 and many students utilize our financing options. Click here to see if you qualify.

There are a limited number of seats available in each class. Seats are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Submit your Enrollment Application here.

Financing options are available to help students receive a quality yet affordable education.

Ask an admissions representative about how you can lower your monthly payments through our financing partners.

Click here to see if you qualify.

Financial Options

Financing options are available to help students receive a quality yet affordable education. Ask an admissions representative about how you can lower your monthly payments through our financing partners.

Click here to see if you qualify.

CREDIT CARD

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

In-House Payment Options

There are affordable financing options to make sure everyone can afford this program.

There are a limited number of seats available in each class. Seats are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Graduate Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median dental assistant salary in Iowa is $46,230 a year and is rising because dental assistants are in such high demand.


The highest-earning dental assistants are earning as much as $60,010 a year. Once you become a dental assistant there are many different paths you can take to advance. After graduating from our program you will have the opportunity to earn advanced certifications while working in a dental office. Additional certifications provide a pathway to continue advancing your dental assisting career.

Here is an example of the path that Madison took:

Job Placement

During the program, you will do 40 hours of learning shadowing professionals at a reputable dental office. We then help match you with a dental practice so you can start your career as a successful dental assistant upon completion of the program.

Ready to change your life?

Program Structure

Hybrid Structure: The program has been structured to meet the demands of today’s students by teaching and training in a flexible and convenient two-part series of classes. Prerequisites for each course is the completion of the previous numbered module as listed in the “Course Outline Table” within the table of contents. The course consists of online video lectures, PPT slides, and reading assignments, including live Zoom tutoring sessions as needed. 72 hours is hands-on laboratory, 20 hours are clinical, and 40 hours are Externship.

Part 1 Online Learning: Offered exclusively through our online student portal, here, students will watch instructional training videos, guide themselves through lecture slides, obtain homework assignments, and complete quizzes and tests. Once each online module has been completed with a passing grade, students will then concurrently move onto Part 2 for that week.

Part 2 Hands-On Training: Students will find familiarity with the material learned in each of these classes as they work through the entire curriculum for a second time via hands-on labs and clinical training. Each online lecture will cover not only dental sciences but also lab procedure videos ensuring the student is given multiple opportunities to learn the required material prior to completing the program.

Program Modules

INTRODUCTION TO DENTISTRY AND EQUIPMENT

Explanation of homework assignments in the textbook and demonstration of the simulation software and other videos. Office tour and orientation/operation of all equipment. View patient education videos to get an idea as to the scope of modern dental treatments available. Students are oriented to the Academy and receive our video platform on-boarding. General introduction to terminology and equipment, including vocabulary and definitions, equipment set up and list, maintenance and safety review.

HUMAN DENTITION, HEAD & NECK ANATOMY, DENTAL CHARTING

Students will learn the form and structures of the natural human teeth in the dental arch. Topics also include the method of identifying teeth by reviewing using the Universal Numbering System for permanent and primary teeth.Tooth identification by name, number and letter; Review Oral Anatomy, including structures and tooth surfaces.

Introduction to tooth nomenclature, dental anatomy and “landmark teeth.”

FOUR-HANDED DENTISTRY

Four handed dentistry, including but not limited to operatory set up, instrument transfer, isolation techniques (how to use cotton rolls, dry angles and rubber dams), suctioning (use of high-volume suctions and low volume suction including how to keep the patient comfortable during a dental procedure, how to hold the high-volume suction so that it efficiently removes liquid and saliva without suctioning the patient’s cheeks, tongue or other oral structures).

Tub and tray setups for various procedures, handpiece sterilization, and maintenance. Appropriate protective attire for both dental professionals and patients. Dental sealants. Advanced Six-Handed dentistry techniques (using videos).

FOUR-HANDED DENTISTRY

Four handed dentistry, including but not limited to operatory set up, instrument transfer, isolation techniques (how to use cotton rolls, dry angles and rubber dams), suctioning (use of high-volume suctions and low volume suction including how to keep the patient comfortable during a dental procedure, how to hold the high-volume suction so that it efficiently removes liquid and saliva without suctioning the patient’s cheeks, tongue or other oral structures).

Tub and tray setups for various procedures, handpiece sterilization, and maintenance. Appropriate protective attire for both dental professionals and patients. Dental sealants. Advanced Six-Handed dentistry techniques (using videos).

DENTAL RADIOLOGY

Student will demonstrate procedures for preparing patient for dental x-rays, assembling XCP instruments/grip holders, using traditional and digital equipment, perform radiographic surveys using both paralleling and bisecting techniques, processing, mounting and critiquing, while adhering to radiation safety precautions and infection control standards. Dexter mannequin training is done in class (4 sets of x-rays, processing, critiquing and mounting) and the clinical portion will be done on 4 patients. One FMX (full mouth x-ray) will be done in class on each other, with regular film. The remaining 4 patients required can be done on a scheduled clinical rotation with either regular film or digital.

CROWN AND BRIDGE

The topics covered: why are they needed, the materials crowns are made out of, how to set up operatory for a crown procedure, (instruments used and materials needed including impression materials, bite registration material, temporary restoration material), how to assist during the preparation of a crown, where to place suction, how to keep dentists mirror clean, how to mix build-up material and learn what a buildup is, how to pack cord, how to mix impression material and place in tray for the doctor to take a impression and what impression material the doctor uses around the crown preparation, how to make temporary restoration using luxatemp and temp bond (cover other materials available for temporaries, e.g. Aluminum crown forms).

DENTAL MATERIALS AND MODELS

Theory, chemistry, selection, and techniques of the preparation, placement, and finishing of these restorations will be discussed, along with proper mixing, isolation, bonding, curing, and adjustments needed after placement. Curing light types, curing light safety, hygiene, and proper cooling of the target area.

ORAL SURGERY, PERIODONTICS, ANESTHETICS

Presentation and discussion of the various oral and periodontal surgical instruments and techniques. Discuss and demonstrate the use of the various instruments, throat packs, surgical suction uses and techniques, sterility and instrument scrubbing techniques, intro to dental lasers, limitations and safety of dental lasers. Lower alginate impression techniques. Nitrous oxide: an introduction.

ENDODONTICS AND ORTHODONTICS

Endodontic theory and various techniques. Review the uses of Dental Dams, manual and mechanical instrumentation, Radiography pertinent to endo, irrigants, medicaments, Apex locators, temporary and final restorations. An introduction to orthodontics – fixed appliances (braces), removable appliances, clear aligners.

OFFICE PROCEDURES, CHARTING, DENTRIX

Office procedures including telephone communication techniques, front office administration and how it applies to the dental assistant, making appointments, billing, and checking patients in and out. Practice proper phone answering techniques on each other, role-play making appointments, asking for money and making payment arrangements. Students will learn the importance of first impressions on a new patient, welcoming a new patient.Soft skills are taught to a high proficiency level. Review of Dental insurance terms, insurance codes and filing dental insurance.

Tours

To schedule a tour click here.

Program Catalog

Click here to download our program catalog.