Program & Curriculum

Hands-On Dental Assistant Training in Just 10 Weeks

At Bay Area Dental Assisting Institute (BADAI), we believe the best way to learn is by doing. Our accelerated 10-week program is designed to give you the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence to start working in a dental office immediately after graduation.

This fast-track, career-focused training combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab exercises and real-world externship experience—preparing you for a successful entry-level position as a dental assistant.

What You’ll Learn:

Our curriculum includes all of the essential skills dental offices look for in new hires:

Chairside assisting techniques
Dental radiography (X-rays)
Four-handed dentistry
Sterilization and infection control
Taking dental impressions and models
Coronal polishing and fluoride treatments
Charting, tray setups, and instrument identification
Scanning and temporary crown fabrication
Front office professionalism and communication
Externship experience in a real dental office

Classes are held in a modern dental facility, providing students with a professional environment to learn, practice, and grow.

Weekly Curriculum Breakdown:

Each week of the program focuses on specific technical and clinical competencies. Below is a week-by-week summary:

Week 1: Foundations of Dental Assisting

Universal Numbering System
Landmarks of the face and oral cavity
Dental dam placement and removal
Cotton roll isolation
Dental hand instruments
Pre-cleaning, disinfecting, ultrasonic use, and sterilization
Impression tray selection and alginate impressions

Week 2: Dental Radiography

Bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and full-mouth radiographs
Film holding devices and positioning
Pouring stone casts for study models

Week 3: Restorative Procedures & Sealants

Composite tray setup and chairside assisting
Dental sealant tray setup and application
Continued practice with radiographs

Week 4: Anesthesia & Prosthodontics

Anesthesia tray setup and selection
Aspirating syringe assembly/disassembly
Fixed prosthodontic procedures
Digital scanning for impressions
Introduction to 4-handed dentistry

Week 5: Surgical & Endodontic Procedures

Oral surgery and endodontic instrument identification
Post-operative instructions
Prosthodontic setup and assisting
Introduction to coronal polishing

Week 6: Periodontics & Restorative Support

Periodontal instruments and charting
Handpieces, burs, and instrument ID
Temporary crowns, wedges, and isolation bands

Week 7: Fluoride & Preventative Care

HVE positioning and intraoral instrument use
Rubber cup polishing
Fluoride varnish application
Bleach tray fabrication

Week 8: Continued Preventative Practice

Continued polishing and fluoride application
HVE, mirror, and instrument positioning refinement
Repetition and skills checks for fluency

Week 9: Impression Mastery

Mixing alginate, mandibular & maxillary impressions
Inverted pour technique for dental models
Skills checkoff on all techniques

Week 10: Matrix Bands & Provisionals

Matrix band and wedge placement/removal
Provisional crown fabrication
Comprehensive skills checkoff
Graduation preparation

Week 11: Externship

Your externship will be arranged with a local dental office by the Program Director. This final stage provides on-the-job experience, reinforcing everything you’ve learned and helping build your resume before entering the field.

Certification & Career Outcomes

Upon completion, students will receive a Dental Assistant Certificate of Completion. The program also prepares students with the knowledge and skills to confidently take the RDA exam (if desired) and start a career in: