ASO Professional Certification Course: Dental Office Assistant

The Professional Qualification Course, established pursuant to Agreement No. 209/CSR of November 23, 2017, implemented by the Prime Ministerial Decree of February 9, 2018 (Official Gazette No. 80, dated April 6, 2018) and subsequent amendments and additions, concerning the definition of the professional profile of the dental assistant as a healthcare professional, aims to provide students with all the knowledge necessary to assist the dentist in his or her daily practice.

Dental assistants at dental practices work in private and public medical and dental facilities that provide dental and oral health services.

This professional is responsible for welcoming the patient, escorting them to the dental chair, and managing the patient-dentist relationship throughout the entire treatment, right up until the patient leaves, providing both practical and operational support as well as psychological and relational support. They must also manage the practice’s equipment, keep it organized, and sterilize instruments. They must be able to use a computer, given the practice’s computerized management system. They must be able to handle administrative and accounting tasks, as well as manage relationships with both clients and suppliers. In addition to liaising with suppliers and external collaborators, they must also maintain and update patient records, manage issues related to a multi-specialty practice and a family physician’s practice, and manage the appointment schedule. They must be able to handle emergencies in the medical and/or dental practice.

The course is designed to provide skills acquired as part of the training program in the following sectors:

• Clinical Technician
• Scope and Instrumentation
• Relational
• Secretarial and Administrative

The relevant academic disciplines include:

• Socio-cultural, legislative, and organizational areas
• Health and Sanitation Area
• Technical and Operational Department
• Relationship Area

Attendance at the “Professional Certification Course—ASO—Dental Office Assistant” is mandatory.

In order to receive the final certificate, each participant must attend at least 90% of the hours specified in the curriculum (178 hours of classroom instruction, 72 hours of distance learning, 50 hours of lab work, and 400 hours of internship/practicum).

At the end of the training activities, a final exam will be administered in accordance with the regional provisions set forth in Regional Council Resolution No. 1778 of 2018.

Those who have attended the course and passed the final exam will be issued a certificate recognized as a Professional Qualification (as provided for in Agreement No. 209/CSR, dated November 23, 2017, implemented by the Prime Ministerial Decree of February 9, 2018, Official Gazette No. 80, dated April 6, 2018).

The Professional Qualification Course is intended for anyone who has fulfilled their right and obligation to receive vocational education and training in accordance with current legislation.