Academic Catalog

Dental Assisting Program Curriculum

Instructors: Derriece Davis/Amy Amaya/ Chandra Mcgee

  • The practice of general dentistry
  • Dental specialties (orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery)
  • Role of dental assistant
  • Role of expanded duty dental assistant
  • Dental office overview: equipment, setting up and breaking chairs, procedure tray set up
  • LAB: Dental chair set-up, tray set-up
  • Anatomy of the Oral Cavity
  • Dental anatomy (tooth structure, type of teeth)
  • LAB: typodont review
  • Numbering teeth (primary, permanent, Universal system, Palmer notation)
  • Dental anomaly (missing teeth, peg-shaped laterals, etc.)
  • LAB: records review
  • Setting up chairs (morning)
  • Procedure tray set up
  • Breaking down chairs (at the end of the day)
  • LAB: Chair set-up, tray set-up
  • Assistant duties
  • Suctioning
  • Four-handed dentistry
  • LAB: Four-handed dentistry
  • Anesthetics (topical, local)
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Anti-Anxiety/sedation
  • LAB: Anesthetics
  • Antibiotic Pre-Medication
  • Analgesics
  • Medical history and medical records
  • LAB: Medical record taking
  • Pathology of teeth (decalcification, caries)
  • Pathology of soft tissues (gingivitis, periodontitis)
  • LAB: Case review
  • Congenitally missing teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Oral and dental trauma
  • LAB: Case review
  • Direct dental restorations (composite filling, amalgam filling, bonding)
  • Indirect restorations (crowns, onlays, inlays, bridges)
  • LAB: Instrument and material review, four-handed dental assisting
  • Removable dental restorations (partial dentures, fixed dentures, implant-supported dentures)
  • Implants and implant-supported restorations (fixed, removable)
  • LAB: Instrument and material review, four-handed dental assisting
  • Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, safety goggles, masks, etc.
  • Hepatitis and HIV: What Every Dental Healthcare Worker Needs to Know
  • Hand Hygiene: Infection Control/Exposure Control Issues for Oral Healthcare Workers
  • LAB: PPE, chair set up
  • Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-care Items in Oral Healthcare Settings
  • LAB: Disinfection and instrument processing (ultrasonic, autoclave, etc.)
  • Radiology overview
  • Intraoral radiology (periapical, bitewings)
  • LAB: X-ray taking
  • Radiology overview
  • Extraoral radiology (panoramic, cephalometric)
  • LAB: X-ray taking
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry (extended duty assistants)
  • LAB: Typodont and instrument overview
  • Periodontics
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • LAB: Instrument and material overview
  • Restorative dental materials (amalgam, composite, bonding agents)
  • Cements
  • LAB: Introduction to materials
  • Impression materials (alginate, PVS)
  • Stones
  • LAB: Impression taking and model pour up
  • Coronal polishing State regulations
  • Coronal polishing procedure
  • Pit and Fissure sealant State regulations
  • Pit and Fissure sealant placement procedure

Orthodontic Assisting Program Curriculum

Instructors: Roxanne Santana/Lynn Hines

  • Practice of orthodontics
  • Role of an orthodontic assistant
  • Advanced dental anatomy
  • Abnormalities of teeth and malocclusions
  • Common orthodontic problems
  • Instrument overview
  • Orthodontic assistant duties
  • Orthodontic procedures
  • Orthodontic instruments
  • Orthodontic instruments cont.
  • Chair setup
  • Procedure tray setup
  • Consultation and records
  • Photography
  • Record taking 
  • Radiographs
  • Consultation appointments
  • Orthodontic appliances and procedures
  • Fixed appliances
  • Removable appliances
  • Application of separators
  • Bonding and banding
  • Adjustments and de-bonds
  • Patient teaching
  • Oral hygiene instructions
  • Appliances instructions
  • Patient teaching cont.
  • Appliances instructions
  • Internship requirements

Medical Office Administrative Assistant Program Curriculum

Instructors: Deyon Coffi/ Rebecca Howard

  • Responsibilities of the Medical Assistant
  • Characteristics of Professional Medical Assistants
  • Scope of Practice and Standards of Care for Medical Assistants
  • Professional Medical Assisting Organizations, Credentials, and Continuing Education
  • How to Succeed as a Medical Assistant Student
  • The History of Medicine
  • Practicing Professionalism as a Team Member
  • First Impressions
  • Diversity and Communication
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Verbal Communication
  • Understanding Behavior
  • Sources of Law
  • Criminal and Civil Law
  • Tort Law
  • Contracts
  • Consent
  • Patient’s Bill of Rights
  • Practice Requirements
  • Personal and Professional Ethics
  • Principles of Healthcare Ethics
  • Ethical Issues
  • Types of Medical Terms
  • Decoding Terms
  • Building Terms
  • Singular/Plural Rules
  • Common Combining Forms
  • Anatomy Review
  • Surface Anatomy Terminology
  • Positional and Directional Terminology
  • Body Cavities
  • Body Planes
  • Coaching
  • Making Changes for Health
  • Basics of Teaching and Learning
  • Coaching on Disease Prevention
  • Coaching on Health Maintenance and Wellness
  • Coaching on Diagnostic Tests
  • Coaching on Treatment Plans
  • Care Coordination
  • Computers in Ambulatory Care
  • Maintaining Computer Hardware
  • Computer Workstation Ergonomics
  • Purchasing Computer Hardware
  • Software Used in Ambulatory Care
  • Computer Network Privacy and Security
  • Continual Technologic Advances in Healthcare
  • Fundamentals of Written Communication
  • Written Correspondence
  • Mail
  • Telephone Equipment
  • Telephone Equipment Needs of a Healthcare Facility
  • Effective Use of the Telephone
  • Managing Telephone Calls
  • Typical Incoming Calls
  • Special Incoming Calls
  • Handling Difficult Calls
  • Typical Outgoing Calls
  • Using Directory Assistance
  • Telephone Services
  • Scheduling Appointments
  • Patient Processing
  • Types of Records
  • Importance of Accurate Health Records
  • Contents of the Health Record
  • Ownership of the Health Record
  • The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) and Meaningful Use
  • Capabilities of Electronic Health Record Systems
  • Maintaining a Connection With the Patient When Using the Electronic Health Record
  • Backup Systems for the Electronic Health Record
  • Retention and Destruction of Health Records
  • Releasing Health Record Information
  • Organization of the Health Record
  • Documenting in an Electronic Health Record
  • Documenting in a Paper Health Record
  • Making Corrections and Alterations to Health Records
  • Dictation and Transcription
  • Creating an Efficient Paper Health Records Management System
  • Opening and Closing the Healthcare Facility
  • Equipment and Supplies
  • Safety and Security
  • Pharmacology Basics
  • Drug Legislation and the Ambulatory Care Setting
  • Drug Names
  • Drug Reference Information
  • Types of Medication Orders
  • Over-the-Counter Medications and Herbal Supplements
  • Benefits
  • Health Insurance Plans
  • Health Insurance Models
  • Participating Provider Contracts
  • The Medical Assistant’s Role
  • Other Types of Insurance
  • The Affordable Care Act
  • The History of Medical Coding
  • What Is Diagnostic Coding?
  • Getting to Know the ICD-10-CM
  • Preparing for Diagnostic Coding
  • Steps in ICD-10-CM Coding
  • Understanding Coding Guidelines
  • Maximizing Third-Party Reimbursement
  • Providers and Accurate Coding
  • Introduction to the CPT Manual
  • Code Categories in the CPT Manual
  • Organization of the CPT Manual
  • Documentation for CPT Coding
  • Steps for Efficient CPT Procedural Coding
  • Using the Alphabetic Index
  • Using the Tabular List
  • CPT Coding Guidelines: Evaluation and Management Section
  • Hcpcs Code Set and Manual
  • Common HCPCS Coding Guidelines
  • Medical Billing Process
  • Types of Information Found in the Patient’s Billing Record
  • Managed Care Policies and Procedures
  • Submitting Claims to Third-Party Payers
  • Generating Electronic Claims
  • Completing the CMS-1500 Health Insurance Claim Form
  • Accurate Coding to Prevent Fraud and Abuse
  • Preventing Rejection of a Claim
  • Checking the Status of a Claim
  • Explanation of Benefits
  • The Patient’s Financial Responsibility
  • Managing Funds in the Healthcare Facility
  • Bookkeeping in the Healthcare Facility
  • Accounts Receivable (A/R)
  • Accounts Payable (A/P)
  • Employee Payroll
  • Medical Office Management
  • Office Management Responsibilities
  • Creating a Team Environment
  • Finding the Right Employee for the Job
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Emergencies in Healthcare Settings
  • Emergency Equipment and Supplies
  • Handling Emergencies

Billing and Coding Program Curriculum

Instructors: Colinda Kram/Deyon Coffi

  • Background of Insurance Claims, Coding, and Billing
  • Role of the Insurance Billing Specialist
  • Medical Etiquette
  • Medical Ethics
  • Employer Liability
  • Employee Liability
  • Scope of Practice
  • Future Challenges
  • Compliance Defined
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • The Privacy Rule: Confidentiality and Protected Health Information
  • The Security Rule: Administrative, Technical, and Physical Safeguards
  • Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act
  • Fraud and Abuse Laws
  • Compliance Program Guidance for Individual and Small Group Physician Practices
  • What to Expect from your Health Care Practice
  • History of Health Insurance in the United States
  • Health Care Reform
  • Legal Principles of Insurance
  • Physician–Patient Contracts and Financial Obligation
  • The Insurance Policy
  • Choice of Health Insurance
  • Types of Health Insurance Coverage
  • Handling and Processing Insurance Claims
  • The Documentation Process
  • Incentive Programs for Adoption of Electronic Health Records
  • General Principles of Health Record Documentation
  • Documentation Terminology
  • Abstracting from Medical Records
  • Documentation Guidelines for Evaluation and Management Services
  • Diagnosis Coding for Outpatient Professional Services
  • International Classification of Diseases
  • ICD-10 Diagnosis and Procedure Codes
  • Official Guidelines for ICD-10-CM
  • Understanding the Importance of Procedural Coding Skills
  • Methods of Payment
  • Format and Content of the CPT Code Book
  • Code Modifiers
  • The Paper Claim CMS-1500 (02-12)
  • Abstracting From Medical Records
  • Health Insurance Claim Form (CMS-1500 [02-12])
  • Common Reasons why Claim Forms are Delayed or Rejected
  • Additional Claim Submission Errors
  • Instructions for Completing the Health Insurance Claim Form (CMS-1500 [02-12])
  • Insurance Program Templates
  • Electronic Data Interchange
  • Electronic Claims
  • Advantages of Electronic Claim Submission
  • Clearinghouses
  • Electronic Standard HIPAA 837P
  • Practice Management System
  • Putting HIPAA Standard Transactions to Work
  • Electronic Remittance Advice
  • Methods for Sending Claims
  • Records Management
  • Response From a Submitted Claim
  • Explanation of Benefits
  • Claim Management Techniques
  • Problem Claims
  • Rebilling
  • Review and Appeal Process
  • Filing an Appeal
  • State Insurance Commissioner
  • Cash Flow Cycle
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Patient Education
  • Credit and Collection Laws
  • The Collection Process
  • Private Insurance
  • Managed Care
  • Medical Review
  • Management of Plans
  • Plan Administration
  • Financial Management
  • Background
  • Policies and Regulations
  • Medicare Managed Care Plans
  • Utilization and Quality Control
  • Payment Fundamentals
  • Medicare Reimbursement
  • Claim Submission
  • Medicaid Programs
  • Medicaid Eligibility
  • Medicaid Benefits
  • Claim Procedures
  • After Claim Submission
  • History of TRICARE
  • TRICARE Programs
  • Veterans Health Administration Program
  • Claims Procedure
  • Workers’ Compensation Laws and Insurance
  • Eligibility
  • Coverage
  • Types of State Claims
  • Fraud and Abuse
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act of 1970
  • Legal Situations
  • Reporting Requirements
  • Claim Submission
  • Disability Claims
  • Disability Income Insurance
  • Federal Disability Programs
  • State Disability Insurance
  • Health Insurance Reimbursement
  • Patient Accounts Representative
  • Admissions Procedures
  • Utilization Review
  • Coding Hospital Diagnoses and Procedures
  • Coding Inpatient Procedures
  • Coding Hospital Outpatient Procedures
  • Reimbursement Process
  • Outpatient Insurance Claims
  • Billing Problems
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Job Search
  • Self-Employment

Phlebotomy Technician Program Curriculum

Instructors: Colinda Kram/Deyon Coffi

Theory:

  • Orientation
  • Chapter 3
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Tourniquet Application
  • Body mechanics
  • Labeling/ MSDS/OSHA
  • Documentation: Tourniquet application

Theory:

  • Chapter 4
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • PPE Competency, Donning gloves, Infection control/spill kits
  • Documentation: Biohazard quiz/training

Theory:

  • Chapter 8
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Needles, tubes, trays, order of draw. Demonstrate proper procedures for venipuncture, review order of draw.
  • Order of draw assignment

Theory:

  • Chapter 9
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Begin Venipuncture. complete Requisition’s & look up test/ Cerner labels, tube labeling
  • Documentation: patient identification

Theory:

  • Chapter 10
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Demonstrate Bleeding time and PKU handout, PKU demo, Heel stick demo, slide smear/ HCT tubes, Venipuncture
  • Documentation: /bleeding time, thin smear, worksheets

Theory:

  • Chapter 6 (Self Study)
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Venipuncture butterfly needles

Theory:

  • Chapter 17
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Glucose and PT/inr, microcontainer. Venipuncture . Documenting results
  • Documentation: Glucometer/ GTT exercise

Theory:

  • Chapter 14
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Venipuncture. Volunteers. Discuss centrifuge.
  • Documentation: specimen processing, aliquot prep

Theory:

  • Chapter 15
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Blood cultures, Glucose tolerance discussion. Venipuncture. Volunteers
  • Documentation: Blood culture

Theory:

  • Chapter 16
  • Online interactive quiz
  • Drag and Drop and procedural video

Lab:

  • Urine specimen analysis, Drug screens demo, HCG, 24 hour, Venipuncture
  • Documentation: Yellow form

Medical Assistant Program Curriculum

Class 1  Chp. 1 – The Medical Record 

  • Procedure 1-1:Obtaining and Documenting Patient Symptoms

Class 2 Chp. 2 – Medical Asepsis and OSHA

  • Procedure 2-1: Handwashing
  • Procedure 2-2: Applying an Alcohol-Based Hand Rub
  • Procedure 2-3: Application and Removal of Clean Disposable Gloves
  • Procedure 2-A: Proper Use of a Sharps Container
  • Procedure 2-B: Disposal of Hazardous Material

Class 1 Chp. 4- Vital Signs

  • Procedure 4-1: Measuring Oral Body Temperature—Electronic Thermometer
  • Procedure 4-2: Measuring Axillary Body Temperature—Electronic Thermometer
  • Procedure 4-3: Measuring Rectal Body Temperature—Electronic Thermometer
  • Procedure 4-4: Measuring Aural Body Temperature—Tympanic Membrane Thermometer 
  • Procedure 4-5: Measuring Temporal Body Temperature
  • Procedure 4-6: Measuring Pulse and Respiration
  • Procedure 4-7: Measuring Apical Pulse
  • Procedure 4-8: Performing Pulse Oximetry
  • Procedure 4-9: Measuring Blood Pressure

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp. 17- Phlebotomy

  • Procedure 17-1: Venipuncture—Vacuum Tube Method
  • Procedure 17-2: Venipuncture—Butterfly Method
  • Procedure 17-3: Separating Serum from a Blood Specimen
  • Procedure 17-4: Skin Puncture—Disposable Semiautomatic Lancet Device
  • Procedure 17-A: Skin Puncture—Reusable Semiautomatic Lancet Device

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp. 7 – Physical Agents to Promote Tissue Healing

  • Procedure 7-1: Applying a Heating Pad
  • Procedure 7-2: Applying a Hot Soak
  • Procedure 7-3: Applying a Hot Compress
  • Procedure 7-4: Applying an Ice Bag
  • Procedure 7-5: Applying a Cold Compress
  • Procedure 7-6: Applying a Chemical Pack
  • Procedure 7-7: Measuring for Axillary Crutches
  • Procedure 7-8: Instructing a Patient in Crutch Gaits
  • Procedures 7-9 and 7-10: Instructing a Patient in Use of a Cane and Walker

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp. 8 -The GYN Exam and Prenatal Care

  • Procedure 8-1: Breast Self-Examination Instructions
  • Procedure 8-2: Assisting with a Gynecologic Examination
  • Procedure 8-3: Assisting with a Return Prenatal Examination

Class 2 Chp. 5- The Physical Examination

  • Procedure 5-1: Measuring Weight and Height
  • Procedure 5-2: Sitting Position
  • Procedure 5-3: Supine Position
  • Procedure 5-4: Prone Position
  • Procedure 5-5: Dorsal Recumbent Position 
  • Procedure 5-6: Lithotomy Position 
  • Procedure 5-7: Sims Position
  • Procedure 5-8: Knee-Chest Position
  • Procedure 5-9: Fowler Position
  • Procedure 5-10: Wheelchair Transfer
  • Procedure 5-11: Assisting with the Physical Examination
  • Procedure 5-A: Body Mechanics

Class 1 Chp. 9 – The Pediatric Examination

  • Procedure 9-1: Measuring the Weight and Length of an Infant
  • Procedure 9-2: Measuring Head and Chest Circumference of an Infant
  • Procedure 9-3: Calculating Growth Percentiles
  • Procedure 9-4: Applying a Pediatric Urine Collector
  • Procedure 9-5: Newborn Screening Test
  • Procedure 9-A: Carrying an Infant

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp. 10 – Minor Office Surgery

  • Procedure 10-1: Applying and Removing Sterile Gloves
  • Procedure 10-2: Opening a Sterile Package
  • Procedure 10-3: Pouring a Sterile Solution
  • Procedure 10-4: Changing a Sterile Dressing
  • Procedure 10-5: Removing Sutures and Staples
  • Procedure 10-6: Applying and Removing Adhesive Skin Closures
  • Procedure 10-7: Assisting with Minor Office Surgery 
  • Procedure 10-8: Applying a Tubular Gauze Bandage
  • Procedure 10-A: Bandage Turns

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp 11- Administration of Medication

  • Procedure 11-1: Administering Oral Medication
  • Procedure 11-2: Preparing an Injection 
  • Procedure 11-3: Reconstituting Powdered Drugs
  • Procedure 11-4: Administering a Subcutaneous Injection
  • Procedure 11-5: Administering an Intramuscular Injection
  • Procedure 11-6: Z-Track Intramuscular Injection Technique
  • Procedure 11-7: Administering an Intradermal Injection
  • Procedure 11-A: Locating Intramuscular Injection Sites

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp. 12 – Cardiopulmonary Procedures

  • Procedure 12-1: Running a 12-Lead, Three-Channel Electrocardiogram 
  • Procedure 12-2: Applying a Holter Monitor
  • Procedure 12-3: Spirometry Testing
  • Procedure 12-4: Measuring Peak Flow Rate

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1- Chp. 13 – Colon Procedures and Male Reproductive Health

  • Procedure 13-A: Testicular Self-Examination Instructions
  • Procedures 13-1 and 13-2: Fecal Occult Blood Testing: Guaiac Slide Test Method and Developing the Fecal Occult Blood Test

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 -Chp. 15/18 – Introduction to Clinical Laboratory

  • Procedure 15-1: Collecting a Specimen for Transport to an Outside Laboratory
  • Procedure 15-A: Operating an Emergency Eyewash Station
  • Procedure 18-1: Hematocrit
  • Procedure 18-3 : Hemaglobin

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1- Chp. 16 – Urinalysis

  • Procedure 16-1: Clean-Catch Midstream Specimen Collection Instructions
  • Procedure 16-2: Collection of a 24-Hour Urine Specimen
  • Procedure 16-3: Chemical Testing of Urine with the Multistix 10 SG Reagent Strip
  • Procedure 16-4: Prepare a Urine Specimen for Microscopic Examination of Urine: Kova Method
  • Procedure 16-5: Performing a Rapid Urine Culture Test
  • Procedure 16-6: Performing a Urine Pregnancy Test
  • Procedure 16-A: Assessing Color and Appearance of a Urine Specimen

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1- Chp. 20- Medical Microbiology

  • Procedure 20-1: Using the Microscope
  • Procedure 20-2: Collecting a Throat Specimen
  • Procedure 20-3: CLIA-Waived Rapid Strep Testing
  • Procedure 20-4: Rapid Influenza Testing

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 -Chp. 19- Blood Chemistry and Immunology

  • Procedure 19-1: Blood Glucose Measurement Using the Accu-Chek Advantage Glucose Meter
  • Procedure 19-A: Performing a Blood Chemistry Test
  • Procedure 19-B: Rapid Mononucleosis Testing (QuickVue+ Mono Test)

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1 Chp. 6 – Eye and Ear Assessment

  • Procedure 6-1: Assessing Distance Visual Acuity—Snellen Chart
  • Procedure 6-2: Assessing Color Vision—Ishihara Test
  • Procedure 6-3: Performing an Eye Irrigation
  • Procedure 6-4: Performing an Eye Instillation
  • Procedure 6-5: Performing an Ear Irrigation
  • Procedure 6-6: Performing an Ear Instillation

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1- 3- Sterilization and Disinfection

  • Procedure 3-1: Sanitization of Instruments
  • Procedure 3-2: Chemical Disinfection of Articles
  • Procedure 3-3: Wrapping Instruments Using Paper or Muslin
  • Procedure 3-4: Wrapping Instruments Using a Pouch
  • Procedure 3-5: Sterilizing Articles in the Autoclave

Class 2 – Clinic

Class 1

  • Clinic checkouts

Class 2

  • Final Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Health Careers applicants must be 18 years or older by the time of their program completion.

20 MODULES/2.5 HOURS EACH, OFFERED TWICE A WEEK IN THE EVENING (PLEASE, REFER TO ACADEMIC CALENDAR, POSTED IN SCHOOL CATALOG, FOR DETAILS), EACH INCLUDE THEORETICAL AND CLINICAL COMPONENTS, COVERING DENTAL AND ORAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, CHAIRSIDE ASSISTING, RADIOLOGY, IMPRESSIONS, INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION, RESTORATIVE MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES, LAB MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES. THE PROGRAM ALSO INCLUDES CORONAL POLISHING, PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS PLACEMENT, INFECTION CONTROL, STERILIZATION, AND ASSISTING IN DENTAL SPECIALTIES.

10 MODULES/2.5 HOURS EACH, OFFERED ON SATURDAYS (PLEASE, REFER TO THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR, POSTED IN SCHOOL CATALOG, FOR DETAILS), FOLLOWED BY A 40-HOUR ORTHODONTIC INTERNSHIP. INCLUDE THEORETICAL AND CLINICAL COMPONENTS, COVERING ADVANCED DENTAL AND ORAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, BASIC TO ADVANCED ORTHODONTIC CHAIRSIDE ASSISTING, ORTHODONTIC MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES, INSTRUMENTS AND PROCEDURES, APPLIANCES, INVISALIGN, RADIOLOGY, AND IMPRESSIONS. 40-HOUR ORTHODONTIC INTERNSHIP MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE MONTH FROM THE DATE WHEN THE 10 ORTHODONTIC MODULES HAVE BEEN FINISHED. ORTHODONTIC INTERNSHIP CAN BE COMPLETED AT ANY OF THE FOUR ORTHODONTIC CLINICS LISTED IN THE ACADEMIC CATALOG. STUDENTS CAN ROTATE BETWEEN THE CLINICS TO FULFILL THE INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT IN A TIMELY MANNER. INTERNSHIP FORMS MUST BE SIGNED AT THE END OF EACH INTERNSHIP DAY BY ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANT AND CLINIC MANAGER. INTERNSHIP FORMS MUST BE EMAILED TO PROGRAM COORDINATOR ([email protected]) AT THE END OF EVERY OTHER WEEK OF THE INTERNSHIP.

Illinois Health Careers operates on an open enrollment basis. Students can choose the start date of their program that fits your schedule. Illinois Health Careers emphasizes the importance of students to attend all classed in order to develop the skills necessary to compete in the workforce and due to the accelerated nature of the course it is critical to proper skill building. Attendance is mandatory for all courses. Students are expected to attend every scheduled class and be on time. Students arriving later than 30 minutes will be considered absent. Tardiness and absenteeism will affect your grade and overall performance level. Any absence will need to be coordinated with the instructor for a makeup class.

  • Students must complete all assigned modules in their programs.
  • Students must attain at least a 70% overall grade in their programs.

The tuition for a Dental Assisting program offered by the Illinois Health Careers is $3,500. The program is based on 20 modules, which are offered twice a week in the evening in all of our IDC campuses(please, see Academic Calendar for details).

The tuition for the Orthodontic Assisting program offered by Illinois Dental Careers is $1,975. This program is based on 10 modules and a 40-hrs orthodontic internship. The modules are offered on Saturdays at all of our campuses (please, see Academic Calendar for details). Internship can be done at the same location as well as three other orthodontic clinics (please, see Orthodontic Assisting Program description above).

For those students who choose to enroll in both programs, the total cost of tuition comes down to $4818 instead of $5475 (12% savings).

Additionally, tuition includes all of the following:

  1. Lectures: handouts and instructional materials
  2. Clinicals: Training materials and dental supplies
  3. Access to state-of-the-art technology
  4. Dental/Orthodontic Assisting Certificate
  5. Dental Assistant’s Pin
  6. Clinical fees
  7. Access to Google Classroom

Note that students are responsible for the scrubs and gym shoes or clogs to wear in class.818

DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM PAYMENT PLAN: $1000 DOWN PAYMENT UPON SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, FOLLOWED BY 10 WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $250.

ORTHODONTIC ASSISTING PAYMENT PLAN: $850 DOWN PAYMENT UPON SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, FOLLOWED BY 8 WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $140.

DENTAL AND ORTHODONTIC ASSISTING PROGRAMS COMBINED, PAYMENT PLAN: $2200 DOWN PAYMENT UPON SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, FOLLOWED BY 10 WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $261

    • Illinois Health Careers shall, when a student gives written notice of cancellation, provide a refund in the amount of at least the following:
    • When a notice of cancellation is given before midnight of the fifth business day after the date of enrollment but prior to the first day of class attendance by the student, 100% of tuition, and any other charges shall be refunded to the student;
    • When notice of cancellation is given after midnight of the fifth business day following the date of enrollment but prior to the close of business on the student’s first day of class attendance, the school may retain no more than the application registration fee which may not exceed $150 or 50% of the cost of tuition, whichever is less;
    • Applicants not accepted by the school shall receive a refund of all tuition and fees paid within 30 calendar days after the determination of non-acceptance is made.
    • Deposits or down payments shall become part of the tuition.
    • The school shall mail a written acknowledgment of a student’s cancellation or written withdrawal to the student within 15 calendar days of the postmark date of notification. Such written acknowledgment is not necessary if a refund has been mailed to the student within the 15 calendar days.
    • All student refunds shall be made by the school within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the student’s cancellation.
    • Students need to complete at least one module every two weeks to stay in the program. Not completing at least one module every two weeks shall constitute constructive notice of cancellation to the school. For purposes of cancellation the date of cancellation shall be the last day of attendance.

    380% tuition470% tuition560% tuition650% tuition740% tuition830% tuition920% tuition1010% tuition11 or more0% tuition

    Number of Modules completedRefund amount (% of tuition)
    1100% minus the registration fee of $150
    290% tuition

Get in Touch

Our programs are short, we offer hands-on training with medical offices. We offer real clinic environments and small class sizes all at a reasonable tuition fee.

An experienced instructor will guide you through a module-based program with hands-on training with the latest technology.

Institutional Disclosures

  1. The number of students who were admitted to the Dental Assisting Program as of July 1 of this reporting period: 26
  2. The number of students who were admitted to the Orthodontic Assisting Program as of July 1 of this reporting period: 22
  3. The number of students who were admitted to the Medical Office Administrative Assisting Program as of July 1 of this reporting period: 1
  4. The number of students who were admitted to the Billing and Coding Specialist Program as of July 1 of this reporting period: 2
  5. The number of additional students who were admitted in the Billing and Coding/Dental/Orthodontic/Medical Office Administrative Assisting Programs during the next 12 months and classified in one of the following categories: a) Dental Assisting Program, new starts: 0. Orthodontic Assisting Program, new starts: 0. b) Re-enrollments: 2. c) Transfers into the program from other programs at the school: 1.
  6. The total number of students admitted in the Dental Assisting Program during the 12-month reporting period: 26. The total number of students admitted in the Orthodontic Assisting Program during the 12-month reporting period: 22. The total number of students admitted in the Medical Office Administrative Assisting Program during the 12-month reporting period: 1. The total number of students admitted in the Billing and Coding Specialist Program during the 12-month reporting period: 2.
  7. The number of students enrolled in the programs during the 12-month reporting period who: a) Transferred out of the program or course and into another program or course at the school: 1. b) Completed or graduated from the Dental Assisting program: 20. Completed or graduated from the Orthodontic Assisting program: 21. Completed or graduated from the Medical Office Administrative Assisting Program: 1. Completed or graduated from the Billing and Coding Specialist Program: 2. c) Withdrew from school: 6. d) Are still enrolled in the Dental Assisting program: 6. Are still enrolled in the Orthodontic Assisting program: 1. Are still enrolled in the Medical Office Administrative Assisting Program: 0. Are still enrolled in the Billing and Coding Specialist Program: 0.
  8. The number of students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program who were: a) Placed in their field of study: 6. b) Placed in a related field: 0. c) Placed out of the field: 6 . d) Not available for placement due to personal reasons: 2. e) Unresponsive or not employed: 8. The number of students enrolled in the Orthodontic Assisting Program who were: a) Placed in their field of study: 5. b) Placed in a related field: 0. c) Placed out of the field: 2. d) Not available for placement due to personal reasons: 10. e) Unresponsive or not employed: 7. The number of students enrolled in the Medical Office Administrative Assisting Program who were: a) Placed in their field of study: 0. b) Placed in a related field: 0. c) Placed out of the field: 0. d) Not available for placement due to personal reasons: 0. e) Unresponsive or not employed: 1. The number of students enrolled in the Billing and Coding Specialist Program who were: a) Placed in their field of study: 0. b) Placed in a related field: 0. c) Placed out of the field: 0. d) Not available for placement due to personal reasons: 1. e) Unresponsive or not employed: 1.
  9. The number of students who took a State licensing examination or professional certification examination, if any, during the reporting period: 0
  10. The number of students who took and passed a State licensing examination or professional certification examination, if any, during the reporting period: 0
  11. The number of graduates who obtained employment in the field who did not use the school’s placement assistance during the reporting period: 11.
  12. The average starting salary for all school graduates employed during the reporting period: a) Dental Assisting graduates: $22.00/hr. b) Orthodontic Assisting graduates: $20.00/hr. c) Medical Office Administrative Assisting Program: $18.00/hr. d) Billing and Coding Specialist Program: $23.00/hr.
Illinois Health Careers DBA Illinois Dental Careers is approved to operate by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education with accreditation