Shark Dental Academy offers a practical, hands-on dental assisting program in a real dental office, designed to get students ready for a dental career in as little as 14 weeks. With evening classes and small class sizes, the program is accessible to those with busy schedules.
Hands-On Learning in a Real Dental Office
Shark Dental Academy stands out for its approach of teaching in an active dental office. This gives students direct, practical experience with the tools and techniques used in daily dental operations. Students practice using digital x-rays, 3D bone scanners, and other advanced technologies from the start.
Small Class Sizes
With classes limited to 4-6 students, Shark Dental ensures individualized attention, allowing each student to learn at a comfortable pace with more one-on-one guidance from instructors. This setup fosters a more interactive learning environment, which can be a significant advantage for those new to dental assisting.
Flexible Evening Schedule and Accelerated Format
The program’s schedule is designed to accommodate working students. Classes are offered in the evenings, making it possible to complete the program in 10 to 18 weeks. Students can even accelerate the pace by attending additional hours, allowing for flexibility in the program length.
Course Structure
The program includes 128 total hours, broken into 45 contact hours, 51 lecture hours, and 32 hours in an externship. The curriculum covers essentials such as infection control, dental anatomy, radiography, and clinical dental procedures. By the end, students should have both clinical and administrative skills, preparing them for varied roles in dental offices.
Externship Opportunities
Following classroom instruction, students complete a 32-hour externship. This externship can either be arranged by the academy or secured by the student, providing flexibility. This real-world training is essential for gaining hands-on skills and networking within the dental industry.
Cost and Payment Options
The tuition for the Shark Dental Academy program is $3,000. While they don’t accept financial aid like FAFSA, they offer payment plans for those who qualify. Interested students must tour the facility in person to discuss these options with an advisor, making the application process somewhat more involved than standard online enrollment.
Prerequisites
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
- Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
- X-Ray Exam: Students are prepared for the state-required x-ray exam, available to take online or in person for an additional $270.
Why Choose Shark Dental Academy?
Shark Dental Academy offers a strong focus on practical, hands-on experience and a learning environment in a working dental office, making it ideal for students eager to gain real-world skills quickly. The small class sizes and accelerated program length also provide a supportive and efficient learning path. However, prospective students should be aware that financial aid options are limited, and a tour is required before enrollment.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000 |
| Program Duration | 10-18 weeks (typically 14 weeks) |
| Class Schedules | Evening classes, 5:30PM-7:30PM |
| Classes Offered | Dental Assisting with hands-on training, externship included |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent; must be 18 or older |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Assistance provided with networking and applications to dental offices in surrounding areas |
| Financial Aid Options | Payment plans available (no FAFSA) |
| Location | Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001 |
| Phone | (215) 583-0057 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://sharkdentalacademy.com/ |
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