FAQs

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After you have earned your Howard Healthcare Academy dental assistant certification, you are eligible to take the State exam to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). You will need to pass a written State examination by the Dental Board of California in order to become an RDA.

The dental field is growing at a rapid pace. U.S. News and World Report ranked Orthodontist and Dentist in the top 5 of the 100 Best Jobs. With more demand for orthodontists and dentists, there are more opportunities for dental assistants and other careers in the dental office.

Many dental assistants will tell you that there is no typical day because every day brings something different. Depending on where you work, you may perform many tasks including providing care to patients, setting up for dental procedures and running the front office. The dentist you work for will determine which responsibilities to assign you. In addition to your duties as a dental assistant, you will also treat and work with many people in your practice.

Being a valued dental assistant can lead to promotions. You may decide to get additional training or become a registered dental assistant by passing the State exam. A dental assisting job can also lead you to other careers in the dental office. Once you have experienced working in a dental office you may want to pursue a career in dentistry with more responsibilities such as a registered dental assistant, registered dental assistant in extended functions, dental hygienist or dentist.

Being a dental assistant can be a full-time or part-time job. You can search for work opportunities as a dental assistant based on what type of schedule you want to work.

Currently, Howard Healthcare Academy offers financial assistance through a third-party loan company. When you come in for your initial meeting with one of our Admissions Representatives, you will be guided through any available options that apply to you. If you choose the third-party loan, your Admissions Rep will help you complete the online application. Whether you qualify depends on your credit. You will know immediately if you qualify for the loan. Through the financial assistance loan program, students will have monthly payments determined by the third-party loan company. Howard Academy also participates in a scholarship program for military spouses and offers a 10% discount for military members.

Howard Healthcare Academy is dedicated to the success of each student. That includes helping you complete your dental assistant certification and finding gainful employment once you’ve graduated. Our affiliation with The Super Dentists will provide you with interviewing practice. You will experience what happens during an interview as well as receive feedback on how to present yourself in job interviews throughout your career.

You can enroll to earn your dental assistant certification from Howard Healthcare Academy in San Diego whenever you are ready. Our curriculum is flexible so that our students don’t have to wait for months until a school year begins.

It takes as little as 10 months to earn your dental assistant certificate with Howard Healthcare Academy provided that all courses attempted are completed. During this time you will attend lectures, classes, labs, preclinical, clinical and an externship to give you real-world experience as a dental assistant.

Yes, as part of the Howard Healthcare Academy program, you will receive hands-on training working in a real dental office. Through our partnership with The Super Dentists and affiliated dental practices within the San Diego community, Howard Healthcare Academy students receive practical experience by training on actual dental equipment and patients in a thriving pediatric and orthodontic dental practice.

Howard Healthcare Academy has a convenient San Diego location to make attending class easy for you. We are located in Kearny Mesa. Visit our Contact Us page for our address and phone number.

For your convenience, Howard Academy offers morning, afternoon and evening classes for dental assistant courses. Standalone courses are weekend classes. Please contact Howard Healthcare Academy at 1-619-ACADEMY (619-222-3369) to speak with one of our Admissions Representatives to discuss your current life schedule so we can best accommodate your educational needs.

Yes, Howard Healthcare Academy courses are approved by the Dental Board of California and our program is approved through the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Yes, you can earn your continuing education units (CEUs) at Howard Healthcare Academy. Please contact Howard Academy at 1-619-ACADEMY (619-222-3369) to speak with one of our Admissions Representatives about having everyone in your office attend continuing education at the same time to ensure your team is up to date with their certifications.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please visit our Contact Us page to ask your question. Or if you prefer, call 1-619-ACADEMY (619-222-3369) Monday to Friday from 8am–5pm. If we are busy helping other students, please leave a message. One of our Admissions Representatives will contact you with an answer to your question within two business days. Thank you for your interest in Howard Healthcare Academy.