Schools with Dental Office Management Programs

Students looking to manage a dental office can choose from educational programs at the certificate or associate's degree level. These are provided by a wide range of schools, and you can narrow down your search through the article below to pinpoint a degree program that is right for you.

What Schools Offer Dental Office Management Programs?

Community colleges and technical colleges offer Certificate of Completion programs that focus on dental office management, general office management and dental practice administration. The lengths of these programs vary by school; however, most programs take less than a year to complete. You may also find associate degree programs in dental office management, but they are rare. If you have experience in dental assisting, you could enroll in an associate's degree program in dental health, a 2-year program designed for dental assistants looking to move into management roles.

Can I Complete a Program Online?

Many community colleges and technical schools allow you to take some or all of your courses online. You'll use the Internet to log in to classes, watch lectures and complete assignments. While you may take many of your classes online, you may need to take examinations on campus and possibly complete an internship in an office setting.

Which Schools Offer Certificate Programs in Dental Office Management?

Programs in dental office management or a related field are readily available at the certificate level. Take a look at the programs below:

• University of Florida has an Executive Practice Management Program for Dentists leading to a Certificate of Completion
• California State University San Bernardino delivers an Administrative Dental Assistant Online Certificate
• Ogden-Weber Tech College provides a Dental Office Administration Certificate program

Which Schools Offer Associate's Degree Programs in Dental Office Management?

Many schools give students an opportunity to earn an associate's degree in dental office management or a related field, including these colleges:

• Quinsigamond Community College houses an Associate in Science in Allied Dental Services with a Dental Office Management Option degree program
• College of Central Florida has an Associate in Science in Dental Assisting Technology and Management degree program
• Brightwood College has an Associate in Medical Practice Management degree program

What Classes Will I Take?

Dental office management programs cover a mix of topics meant to expose you to life in a dental office. You'll take a variety of classes that will help you prepare for a job, including billing, human resources, medical coding and dental terminology. These classes are designed to teach you real-world skills you'll need to find entry-level work, including answering phones, working with patients, handling billing and taking direction from a dentist. Other topics you may study include:

• Appointment scheduling
• Insurance claims
• Medical records management
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Computer applications
• Patient privacy

What Are the Admissions Requirements?

Some schools will require that you hold at least a high school diploma or GED, while others may only require that you meet a minimum age requirement and take a college-entrance examination. Because you'll be working with patients and dentists, you may need to submit proof of updated immunizations and pass a criminal background check.

Dental office management programs can be found at various schools at both the certificate and associate's degree level, and are sometimes offered through distance learning. Either program level will teach you about business practices and practices specific to dentistry and will prepare you to run a dental office.