The ADAP (Alternative Dental Assisting Program) is a special program in New York State. It's for dental assistants who already have experience but aren't licensed yet. This program helps them get the needed education and hands-on experience to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). The program is online and takes 15 weeks to complete. It has 15 modules and requires 1000 hours of work experience in dental assisting. After finishing, students must pass DANB exams and apply to the NYS Office of Professions to get their RDA license.
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The ADAP (Alternative Dental Assisting Program) has certain rules for those wanting to be chairside dental assistants. You need a high school diploma or the same level of education. Also, you must work as a dental assistant for a New York State licensed dentist who will guide you.
To join the ADAP, you must show proof of your high school diploma or its equivalent. If you work in a specialty dental office, you'll need a second preceptor. This is to get a broad education in dental office procedures and chairside dental assisting.
Applicants need at least 3,500 hours of experience in radiology for dental assistants and infection control in dentistry. You'll also need to work 1,000 hours as a dental assistant while in the program. This starts on your first day of class.
The ADAP program costs $1,200, plus extra for books, exams, and application fees. It lasts 15 weeks. After classes, you'll have clinical hours to finish within five years.
| Program | Completion Time | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis | 30 credits, 300 clinical hours | $669 per credit |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 12 months | $2,133 per term |
| San Antonio College | 5 semesters (AAS degree) | $99 per credit (in-district) |
| Hudson Valley Community College | 2 terms (certificate), 5 terms (AAS) | N/A |
| University of Houston-Downtown | 12 to 24 months | $1,199 |
The ADAP program is made to get you ready for a career in dental assisting. It has two main parts: online learning and hands-on practice. The online part lasts 15 weeks and covers important topics like dental office procedures, chairside assisting, and more.
This part makes sure you learn a lot about dental terminology and chairside assisting skills.
After the online classes, you need to do 1,000 hours of work in a dental office. You'll have to show your skills in a portfolio. You also need to pass with at least a 75% score.
The program is tough but it prepares you for big exams. You'll learn about dental materials, patient talk, and chairside skills. This way, ADAP graduates can do great in their jobs and help people get good dental care.