Check out our Frequently Asked Questions by clicking on any of the questions below!
Let us know if you have any additional questions.
Are dental assistants considered to be healthcare and medical industry professionals?
Absolutely! Although countless people can thank dentistry for their beautiful, sparkling white smiles, dental health is an important part of everybody’s overall health profile. Without proper diagnosis and care, even a “simple” toothache can turn into something really serious like heart disease. As a dental assistant, you will help doctors diagnose and treat every patient with essential skills and expertise.
What are those essential skills … what type of responsibilities will I have on a daily basis?
A career as a dental assistant is not boring – every day is a little different which makes life fun and exciting. But, in general, you’ll be trained to handle day-to-day responsibilities that may include:
- Sterilizing and disinfecting equipment, tools and treatment rooms
- Making and processing x-rays as well as checking them for errors
- Chair-side assistance to the doctor and patients
- Training patients on preventative care
- Making dental impressions, whitening teeth and fabricating night guards
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
Will I get to observe a real patient experience; seeing what it’s like for a dental assistant to work side by side with an actual dentist?
You’ll do more than observe treatment … you’ll actually work with a dentist through our internship program! Upon graduation, all SunRock Dental Career students have completed a required 40-hour internship, and many of our graduates have earned more than 100 hours of intern experience. And what could look better on your resume than to show that you have actual experience in your new field?
How do I apply for an internship?
Internships are included as part of SunRock’s eleven-week training session. No application. No legwork. No problem! Many of our students work with Dr. Chris Neilson, the founder of SunRock Dental Careers, but we also place student interns in various orthodontia, oral surgical and pediatric dentistry offices throughout the area.
How often do classes meet?
Sunrock’s training schedule was designed with your busy lifestyle in mind. Classroom, academic and clinical training classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5:30 – 8:30 for the duration of your eleven-week session. Internship hours are offered throughout the Monday – Friday workweek between 9 am – 5 pm each day.
When does the next session start?
We currently offer 4 sessions per year, each running for eleven weeks including internship. Call 435-674-ROCK (7625) to talk about which upcoming session works best for you.
Besides classroom training and dental practice experience, what else does tuition cover?
All of your class text books, a set of personalized scrubs, customized whitening trays and bleach for your personal use are also covered with your tuition. Oh … and the fun and new lifelong friendships? We’ll throw those in at no charge!
Upon graduation, what does a certification cover?
As a SunRock Dental Careers graduate, you will receive a dental radiology certificate, which is required by the State of Utah, a CPR certificate, which is recognized nationally, and a certified dental assisting certificate, which is also accepted in every state. You also join a network of alumni that we encourage you to interact with!
What kind of salary can I expect as a dental assistant?
Wages vary across the country, but the United States Department of Labor’s most recent labor statistics report shows that the current median pay for dental assistants is $36,000. They also note that job growth for dental assistants is at 18 percent – much faster than average.
Do you offer any tuition payment options?
Of course. We accept cash, personal checks and all forms of credit cards, however, student loans are also an option. SunRock Dental Careers, LLC has partnered with Mountain America Credit Union (MACU) who can provide student loans if needed. Let us know if you would like student loan information and we’ll put you in touch with MACU’s wonderful and understanding staff.
Note: No matter which payment option you choose, all students must make a $500 deposit to reserve a spot in the session of your choice, and the remaining cost of tuition is required in full before the session begins. (A 3% discount is applied for those who pay cash in full.)
What does a Dental Office Administrator Do?
A Dental Office Administrator is an essential person in every dental office. Their job is to ensure that a dental office’s day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently.
This important position requires an individual who is highly organized, adept at maintaining positive patient relationships, able to present proper treatment plans and has the skills necessary to make sure that the business side of the practice is well taken care of.
What does the SunRock Dental Business Administration program curriculum cover?
Curriculum includes; Legal Records Maintenance, Terminology and Abbreviations, Dental Charting, Dental Procedures, Tooth Numbering Systems, Insurance Claim Management, Procedure Codes, Accounts Receivable, Systems Management, Telephone and Written Communication Skills, Dental Appointment Management, Dental Treatment Planning and Presentations, Scripting and Verbal Communication Techniques, and Dental Software Practices and more.