Dental Assisting Advancement Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median dental assistant salary in Ohio is around $40,000 a year and is rising because dental assistants are in such high demand.

The highest-earning dental assistants are earning between $55,000 and $60,000 a year.

10 Week Program

First Impressions 10 week program will provide you with everything you need to work as a dental assistant in the state of Ohio including a CPR Certificate from the American Red Cross and a Radiology Certificate from the Ohio State Dental Board.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

There are two ways to become a Certified Dental Assistant:

1
Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA). First Impressions Dental Assistants are eligible and well prepared to take the CODA exam upon completion of the dental assisting program. The last class in our ten week program,is a CODA prep class. For application and information on the CODA: http://www.codacertification.org/ Note: we will help you to get registered for this as part of our ten week course.
2
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To be eligible to sit for this exam, you must work as a dental assistant for two years or attend a two year dental assisting program. For more information on the DANB: https://danb.org/Become-Certified.aspx

Note: Both the CODA and DANB certificates are accepted to become an EFDA.

Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)

To become an EFDA in Ohio:

1
You must be a Certified Dental Assistant: CODA or DANB
2
Complete an Ohio Board-approved EFDA training course that is accredited by either the Commission on Dental Accreditation or The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
3
Pass the EFDA exam administered by the Commission on Dental Testing in Ohio (CODT) or The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments
4
Complete a basic life support (BLS) training course certified by The American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety and Health Institute.
5
Apply to the Ohio State Dental Board for registration as an EFDA

Additional Certifications that a Certified Dental Assistant can obtain:

Coronal Polishing Certification:

Coronal Polishing is a procedure used to remove stain and plaque from the enamel surfaces of the teeth, after the removal of hard deposits such as calculus have been removed from the tooth surfaces. This process requires the use of a dental handpiece, a polishing agent, and a rubber cup/brush.

Prior to applying to get certified in coronal polishing:

1
Must be a certified dental assistant: CODA or DANB
2
Must have proof of a three step hepatitis B immunization

For more information on obtaining coronal polishing certification: https://dental.ohio.gov/Licensure/Coronal-Polishing

Dental Sealants:

Dental Sealants are a protective layer of material placed in the pits and grooves of the teeth and are intended to prevent tooth decay.

Prior to taking the 8 hour continuing Sealant Education Course offered by First Impressions Dental Assisting Program:

1
Must be a certified dental assistant: CODA or DANB
2
Must have proof of three step hepatitis B immunization
3
Must have proof of one step TB skin test
4
Current CPR certificate

As a graduate of First Impressions Dental Assisting, you will be equipped to work in the following:

Orthodontics (Braces)
Pediatric Dentistry (Children)
Oral Surgery (Extractions)
Periodontics (Gum/Implant specialist)
Prosthodontics (replacement of missing teeth)
Endodontics (root canals)
General Dentistry
Hospitals
Dental Clinics
Military
Mobile Dental Units
Insurance Companies
Dental Lab

You can work for small dental offices, or large dental groups. You can work as a dental assistant, a treatment coordinator or an office manager. There are so many options. This is what makes Dental Assisting a great career.

Click here to request more information.

Looking for a Job With Potential?

We train people in 10 weeks to enter the field of Dental Assisting (no experience or college degree needed).

It's only a few hours twice a week, morning or evening.

There are dental assisting jobs available in Ohio that need to be filled soon!

Enroll Now

A lot of my friends that stayed in college have insane debt. This program is so affordable you can start your career debt free. I started my career in less than 3 months, I went from living in a small town with my parents to moving into my own place in the city and loving my job and living my dream.

Kenzie

First Impressions Grad

This is a huge opportunity for anyone who thinks they can’t succeed, you can do it. This is a short program, just two days a week. The program is the first step, you can be successful and have a successful job in less than three months.

Haley

First Impressions Grad

Get Employed Right Away

It's common for our students to start working in a Dental Assisting career right after completing the program (some start working even during the program - the demand is high).

95%

Job Placement

99%

Pass Rate

Some Facts About Dental Assisting

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median dental assistant salary for dental assistants in Ohio was $38,660 in May 2021
The highest earning 10% was $56,450 a year
There are many ways your career can progress, including positions as: Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), Dental Assisting Instructor, Dental Hygienist, and Dental Office Administrator
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm

Please call to schedule your orientation 2-3 weeks before classes start

Now enrolling for March classes

We offer convenient class times twice a week (Morning or Evening classes) in Ohio (Powell).

Apply Now

The number of spots are limited.

Tour our facilities and meet our staff

Our Facilities

First Impressions facilities are beautiful and set up with all the equipment you would find in a dental office.
Our facilities are designed to help you get comfortable with the dental office setting.
By the time you complete the 10 week course you will be confident in your ability to start working in a dental practice right away.

Our Staff

Keri Gossard

CDA, EFDA, Director of FIDA

I have worked in dentistry for over twenty years. I started out as a dental assistant, became an EFDA (placing fillings), worked as a dental consultant with offices around the United States, and then started First Impressions in 2013. It has been a true pleasure to share my passion of dentistry with the students of First Impressions. Dentistry has been really good to me and I love to provide our students with the opportunity to thrive in the dental field as well. Outside of work, I love to travel and spend time with my husband and three daughters, I love reading, and I am always up for a good adventure.

Amanda Straight

CODA, FIDA Administrator

I have worked in specialty and general dentistry for over ten years. I have a passion for education and a thirst for knowledge. I continually modify and update the curriculum at First Impressions to ensure that our students are getting a cutting edge education. What I love most about my job are the opportunities that dental assisting has provided for me. A flexible work schedule that allows me to spend more time with my husband Mike and two kids, and a rewarding career that allows me to help others. I enjoy instructing our CPR and continuing education courses to better serve the dental community as a whole. When I am not busy assisting students in the enrollment process or supporting our team of instructors, I can be found outdoors with my family working on our new home, a fixer upper in the country.

Enroll Now

Now enrolling for March classes

Testimonials & Reviews

Kenzie - First Impressions Graduate

I didn’t know what I was doing with my life and I was nervous about my future before I found the program. I got into college, but I hated it.

I’m a very hands on learner. In college it was a lot of books and lectures and it was just horrible. I dreaded those classes everyday. So I dropped out and my family and friends were devastated.

Read more...

I wasn’t sure I made the right decision because I didn't want to be stuck working in a coffee shop forever and I didn’t want to worry about money all the time. I wanted to be able to provide for myself and be independent.

I was really worried that I wouldn’t find purpose. I had a lot of self doubt, but Keri helped me believe in myself and she knew I would be successful, she saw potential in me.

The staff here is extremely supportive and Amanda really cares. The learning is hands on and they make it easy to succeed.

A lot of my friends that stayed in college have insane debt. This program is so affordable you can start your career debt free. I started my career in less than 3 months, I went from living in a small town with my parents to moving into my own place in the city and loving my job and living my dream.

If I wouldn't have found this program I would have been living at home a lot longer and I would have had a lot more struggle and stress in my life.

Savannah - First Impressions Graduate

After I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was the kid that came home from school, “Here’s my test, I got a C.” I was awful at science.

Before the program I was living at my parents. I didn’t have much faith in myself. College didn’t work out for me, but I knew I couldn’t stay living at my parents forever and I hated my retail job.

Read more...

This program is exactly what I needed because the schedule is so flexible I could keep my job and pay my bills. The course is so hands on that it makes it easy to learn so I didn’t have to go home and study for hours every night. There is something new everyday, it’s not the same thing over and over.

I was shocked at how affordable the program was and the facilities are gorgeous. I recommend this program to someone that feels their options are limited in life.

Now I’m living my dream at 20 years old, I’m doing the job that I love. I’m even buying a house with my fence. In a matter of 10 weeks I learned everything I needed to know and I got my first job before the program was even over.

It’s awesome to come into work knowing you are going to change someone's life. I never thought I could wake up every morning and love what I’m doing.

Haley - First Impressions Graduate

Everyone has trials in life, why not skip a couple. This program can change you in so many ways - by starting off the right way from the beginning. If I can do it, so can you.

I always wanted a family, to be married and successful. I had my son at 18 years old; I walked across the stage at graduation pregnant.

I thought I was stuck. I tried college, but I hated it. I was miserable and dropped out.

Read more...

I had to work a lot to keep up with the bills but I was so busy waitressing I never got to enjoy my family. I had to rely on my parents because I couldn’t afford to support myself.

When I saw the program was such a short amount of time, that got my attention. I told my mom, “This could be really good for me. It’s short and I can still work. This program allows you to learn and work at the same time. I can start a good job quickly as well, where I can have a real income. And I can stop worrying if I can make bills at the end of each month.”

I went to the program and it changed my life. Everything is hands on. Little to bare minimum book work. It’s not like sitting in class for four hours in an enclosed room like college. It’s never boring, you are always doing something new.

If you take advantage of it, you can be successful for your whole life. The program keeps you motivated and you want to succeed. My Mom thought I would never find anything to motivate me. It's great to find something that brings joy to your life.

This is a huge opportunity for anyone who thinks they can’t succeed, you can do it. This is a short program, just two days a week. The program is the first step, you can be successful and have a successful job.

When you hear the price you think, “Wow, I can do this program!” I can be successful and not be broke on student loans the rest of my life in less than three months.

Now enrolling for March classes

Currently Enrolling:

Powell Hybrid Class: Tuesday Evening 4:00pm-8:00pm OR Powell Morning Class: Tuesday/Thursday 9:00am-1:00pm

Class Schedule: March 21, 2023- May 25, 2023 June 30, 2023- August 3, 2023 August 8, 2023- October 12, 2023 October 17, 2023- December 21, 2

Cost & Payment Options

Download Catalog

Class Schedules
Current Cost & Payment Options
Financial Aid Option
Low Tuition (so everyone can afford it)

Why Dental Assisting?

Dental assistants play an important role in every successful dental office.
The core focus of dental assisting work is on patient care, often preparing patients for examinations and procedures or working alongside the dentist when treating patients.
At First Impressions you will learn everything you need to know in our 10 week course to start a successful career in dental assisting.
Graduates of First Impressions Dental Assisting Program usually start a career in a dental office by the time they graduate.
Because of our relationship with so many reputable dental offices, it is not uncommon for students to find work before the program ends. We will help you land the job that will be perfect as the first step for your new career.

Apply Now

Now enrolling for March classes

Is Dental Assisting for Me?

(a message from the Founder)

Do you want to start a career with a lot of potential, in less than three months?
Do you enjoy a hands on learning environment?
Do you need a flexible schedule?
Can you show up twice a week and put your best effort forward?
Do you get personal satisfaction out of helping others?

Dental Assisting Advancement Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median dental assistant salary in Ohio is around $40,000 a year and is rising because dental assistants are in such high demand.

The highest-earning dental assistants are earning between $55,000 and $60,000 a year.

Looking for a Job With Potential?

We train people in 10 weeks to enter the field of Dental Assisting (no experience or college degree needed).