“Why should I pick GDCA over the longer dental assistant courses at the local colleges?”
The first thing you will notice is that our program is much shorter and therefore our tuition is less. We focus on hands-on skills and essential knowledge so that you spend your time learning the things you will use every day. We believe your hands on skills and abilities are more important than book knowledge.
Our inspiration for starting GDCA came from serving as a externship site for several of our local technical colleges. Over a 4 year period our office hosted a number of technical school students for externships after they had attended dental assisting classes full time for almost a year. In many cases, the students knew the names of the equipment and instruments but not how to actually use them. Very few of them had ever assisted a dentist actually performing procedures. We felt like they did not have the practical experience they should have had after a year, so we wanted to start a program to focus more on hands-on skills during classes.
Because we provide hands on experience in class, we do not require our students to complete externships. At GDCA, our dentists personally work with all of our students individually during class hours. Any students who would like additional experience are invited to spend time observing and participating in real patient care during business hours in our office and other offices in our area, including several specialty offices.
“When are the classes held?”
Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Please contact us for specific start dates.
“What if no one answers the phone?”
If we are not able to answer your call, please leave a message and we will call back shortly. We normally answer or return calls between 8am and 4:30pm, Monday-Friday. If you would prefer to email instead please click here to email us.
“Will I be able to find a job if I don’t have a certificate from a college?”
No program, not even the colleges, will guarantee that you will be able to find a job! It is up to YOU to find a job. Your success will depend on your attitude and personality as much as your education. As part of our course we will help you write a resume and a cover letter, and coach you in interviewing and job seeking skills.
Click here to view testimonials from some of our successful students!
“What makes GDCA different from other 10 week private programs?”
There are several 10 week, private practice based dental assistant programs in metro Atlanta. Here are a few questions you should ask when comparing our program to others:
1. Do they offer CPR certification?
GDCA graduates are certified by the American Heart Association in Healthcare Provider CPR as part of our course. If you are not certified in CPR as part of the course, you will be responsible for paying for certification on your own before getting a job.
2. Does the dentist actually participate in teaching the course?
At GDCA, Dr. Herington and her associates work with each student individually during class hours.
3. Is their program certified?
Gwinnett Dental Career Academy has been certified by the Georgia Non-public Postsecondary Education Commission. This means that our facility, curriculum and course catalog have been evaluated and approved, and we must continually meet NPEC standards to maintain our certification.
4. What is their facility and equipment like?
At GDCA, you will learn in a state of the art office with all the latest dental technology including digital xrays, lasers, CEREC CAD-CAM single visit crowns, Eagle Soft complete office software.
5. How much experience does the staff have?
At GDCA we truly have a passion for teaching. Dr. Herington has been a certified flight instructor for 20 years, and is a past volunteer clinical instructor at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Cindy has been a dental assistant for over 20 years in general dentistry and several specialties, and has been teaching dental assisting for many of those years. Dana has over 20 years experience as an assistant in general dentisry and oral surgery practices.
We have sucessfully graduated over twenty-eight separate classes from Gwinnett Dental Career Academy since 2006, and the majority of our graduates are enjoying successful dental careers.
“Does GDCA need patients?”
No, GDCA does not utilize live patients. If you are interested in becoming a patient in a dental training program please click here for more information.