The dental assistant is an important member of the dental health team; their duties are varied, interesting, and challenging. Major responsibilities include assisting chairside with the dentist during patient treatment, management of infection control measures, preparing dental radiographs and performing laboratory procedures. Additional responsibilities may include; making appointments, keeping records and supervising general office procedures. Under the direct supervision of the dentist, the assistant may also carry out specific phases of patient treatment.

Our yearlong program includes lectures, demonstrations, and rotations within the dental school and private dental offices where students engage in a broad range of clinical experiences which include:

Housed within Alabama’s dental school, the UAB’s Dental Assisting Program helps position graduates for careers in oral healthcare. Upon completion of the program requirements, graduates receive a certificate of completion issued by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.