Arkansas Dental Assisting Catalog 2024
Arkansas Dental Assisting Catalog 2024
2024
Vol. 1
Published 8/14/2023
Course Locations:
321 Southwest Drive
Jonesboro, AR 72401 (since 2017)
550 Chestnut St
Conway, AR 72032 (Since 2015)
8020 Dallas St
Fort Smith, AR 72903 (since 2016)
Administrative Office:
133 Aspen Square, Suite H
Denham Springs, LA 70726
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1120
Denham Springs, LA 70727
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Institutional Philosophy and Commitment Statement
Philosophy:
To give our students an opportunity to discover their life’s career path, and to create
passionate and qualified future employees by developing each student’s knowledge,
workplace performance skills, and by exploring their talents. We aim to assist each
student in discovering his/her place in the dental field by preparing the student to use
his/her expertise to obtain a dental assisting job.
Commitment:
People are valuable. Building relationships is expected. Maintaining credibility is our
obligation. Serving others is our pleasure. Creating opportunity is our niche’. Crafting
professionals is our passion.
Recruiting Policy
Accelerated Academy is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination. Accelerated
Academy | Dental Assisting does not discriminate in its educational program against
qualified individuals on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy,
childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran or military status, or
disability: physical, mental, emotional or learning disability (including use of a service
animal by the person with a disability), handicap or any other factor provided for by the
state and federal laws and regulations.
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Campus Information, Housing, and Security Policy
The school is held in an up-to-date dental office facility with a reception area that is
converted to a classroom setting, operatories, and x-ray rooms where instructors and
students have access to all equipment used in dental assisting for hands-on learning for
students. Both male and female lavatories are available. There is parking in a well-lit
parking lot. The facility is an ADA-accessible facility, and a reasonable accommodation
will be provided at the request of the student. The maximum class size is 16 and
student/teacher ratio is 15:1. The school will not supply lockers or a place to store
valuable possessions. Students may choose to either leave their purses, wallets or any
other possessions at home, in their vehicle or in class at their own risk. No firearms are
allowed on the school campus at any time. No residential housing is available. All
Accelerated Academy | Dental Assisting curriculum and materials are taught in the
English language.
Entrance/Admission Requirements
Students will apply online at www.acceleratedacademy.us. Students will work with an
Admissions Representative to ensure they meet the minimum entrance requirements.
Accelerated Academy will not grant any credit for previous education, training, and/or
work experience. The following requirements are necessary to enroll in the dental
assisting course offered by Accelerated Academy | Dental Assisting:
Age Requirement:
A person must be 17 years of age or older.
Educational Requirement:
A person must have successfully completed high school or have completed a high
school equivalency course and provide one of the following at the time of enrollment:
● Copy of High School Diploma or Official High School Transcript
● Copy of General Educational Development (GED)
● Copy of High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
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Academic Calendar
2024 Course Dates* (*Subject to change. See Canvas for updates.)
Spring: January 13 - March 16
Summer: May 11 - July 20
Fall: September 14 - November 16
Students will have a 10–15-minute break every hour and half of lecture time.
Due to the short term of the course, all holidays may not be observed. However, the
holidays that will be observed will be Good Friday, Easter, Christmas, and
Independence Day.
80 Clock Hours
DA103 Impressions 4 4 8
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Pedodontics, Midterm Exam and X-Ray Practical
Exam
5 Crown and Bridge Crown and bridge instruments and materials, making
temporary restorations, and bite registration.
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7 Oral Surgery Implants, Oral surgery, Implant, Partials, and Dentures
Partials and Dentures
Grading System
Homewor X-Ray X-ray Midterm Student Final Final Final Total Pts. Final
k Exam Practical Exam Project Exam Practical Identification scored/ Grade
Exam Exam Exam Total pts.
possible
ABSENT Number of classes missed or fractions thereof. *If more than 3 the
student fails automatically. Each portion of the class (lecture or
clinic) equals .5 days missed.
X-RAY EXAM Students are given an x-ray exam covering x-ray identification and
the standard tooth identification numbering system (Possible 38
pts total). Student cheating will result in a 0% on that test.
X-RAY Students are given an x-ray practical exam covering the hands-on
PRACTICAL skills for rinn assembly and tooth identification. (Possible 12 pts.
EXAM total). Student cheating will result in a 0% on that test.
MID-TERM 50 questions (possible 100 pts. total). Student cheating will result
EXAM in a 0% given on that test.
FINAL EXAM 50 questions (possible 100 pts total). Student cheating will result in
a 0% given for that test.
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FINAL Hands on section of the test where the student has to transfer with
PRACTICAL you, show you how to take an x-ray on a manikin and how to
suction for a tooth (Possible 50 pts. total). Student cheating will
result in a 0% on that test.
PROJECT 55 points
HOMEWORK 45 points
Attendance
Absences:
It is highly recommended that the student not be absent for any of the classes due to
the concentrated learning structure of the course. Except for family emergencies and
serious illness, students should plan on attending all classes. If a student misses more
than 3 classes, the student will be considered failed. All financial obligations must be
met regardless of the success or the lack of success at Accelerated Academy. Refer to
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the refund policy to determine if a refund applies. In the event of inclement weather
and/or an emergency cancellation by Accelerated Academy, Accelerated Academy will
provide a virtual lecture through the Learning Management System, Canvas. All
hands-on clinic activities will be completed the following week, in person.
Attendance:
1. Arriving late or leaving early will result in a half day absence (.5) on a student’s
attendance record. The student MUST be present for seven days out of the ten class
days.
2. In order to receive credit for attending the full class day, the student must arrive on
time and stay until the end of class.
Exams:
If a student misses an exam, the student must abide by the following:
● The student must coordinate a time with their instructor during the week. The
student must be able to schedule a time that is convenient for the instructor. The
instructor can use their discretion to decide if the student will make up the exam
during the week or on the next class day.
● If the student and instructor are unable to schedule a makeup exam appointment
during the week, the student must take the exam at the following class. The
student will take the written portion at the beginning of lecture and practical
portions during lunch.
● If the exam is not made up by the end of the class day immediately following the
day of exam, the student will receive a zero for that exam.
● The student is responsible for scheduling a makeup appointment with their
instructor. They must do this by contacting the office and speaking with an
instructor. Both student and instructor need to offer flexibility to coordinate what is
convenient for both student and instructor schedules.
School Information
Accelerated Academy will provide Basic Life Support class on the first day of class
which is a certification that will be needed in the field. The dental assisting course will
run ten (10) consecutive weeks, eight (8) classroom hours per week for a total of eighty
(80) classroom hours of instruction. This will include lecture material as well as clinical
"hands on" training. Each course is held inside a practicing dental office, and students
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will be using hands-on learning with dental office equipment. Each course will have a
maximum of 16 students. All training is done by dental professionals in a practicing
dental office, not a classroom. Students receive training in ALL aspects of general
dental assisting, including dental specialties.
All training and visual aids, materials, and dental supplies used throughout the course
are included in the tuition cost. Students will also receive radiography training and a
certificate. Job interview preparation and coaching is available to students and is also
included in the cost of tuition.
Tuition/Cost of Program
The total cost of tuition for the dental assisting course is $3,479.00. However,
depending on the date of enrollment, total tuition can be as low as $3,079.00 (see
registration period summary below). There is a $100 registration fee which is included in
the minimum $200 deposit. Accelerated supplies a LMS fee includes access to Canvas.
Canvas gives students access to all lecture slides, clinic guides, educational resources,
assignments, instructor and student engagement. The Canvas and CPR fees are
non-refundable after the first day of class because both are paid to third party vendors.
Program Fees (included in tuition total) and both are non-refundable after first
day of class since fees are paid to third parties:
● Canvas LMS fee: $225
● BLS/CPR certification fee: $80
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Tuition/Registration Period Summary
Early Registration $3,079 Enroll 12 weeks prior to course start date
Final Registration $3,479 Enroll 1-11 weeks prior to course start date
Early Registration:
Total Amount: $3,079
Tuition Includes: Tuition ($2,674), enrollment fee ($100), Canvas LMS fees
($225), BLS class ($80), and all lab expenses.
Final Registration:
Total Amount: $3,479
Tuition Includes: Tuition ($3074), enrollment fee ($100), Canvas LMS fees
($225), BLS class ($80), and all lab expenses.
Payment Options
Paid in Full
Total tuition payment due at time of registration.
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This loan is funded by Accelerated Academy. This loan gives students an opportunity to
extend their payments up to 36 months. This option does have finance charges. This
loan would need to be satisfied regardless of success or lack of success at the
academy. Graduation certificates will be held until this loan is satisfied; employers can
request confirmation of graduation directly from Accelerated Academy.
Meritize Loan
Meritize is a third-party lending institution specializing in educational loans. This loan
gives students an opportunity to extend their payments up to 3-5 years. This loan
requires a hard credit check and charges interest. This loan would need to be satisfied
regardless of success or lack of success at the academy.
Tuition charges/receipts:
All payments will be automatically charged to the card given at Registration. A
confirmation receipt will be sent to the student’s email per transaction.
Scholarships
There are no scholarship opportunities available for students.
Dress Code
Students are required to wear black scrubs, black lab coat or scrub jacket, and closed
toe shoes. These items will not be purchased by Accelerated Academy. Each student
is responsible for the purchase of these items. Students that are in violation of this dress
code will be asked to leave, and return in proper attire. This could affect the student's
attendance status.
Students will have access to a limited supply of in-class learning resources upon
request.
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computer. Students will need to bring their own laptops to class. This digital format is an
additional way students can review lecture, course material and practice homework
outside of classroom hours.
Code of Conduct
General Standards:
● Be honest and unbiased when serving patients.
● Exhibit competence and respect for the profession.
● Strive to gain personal knowledge and skills required by the profession.
● Respect the authority, experience, and relationships of fellow students, faculty,
staff, patients and the doctors.
● Honor all office policies as required by fellow faculty, staff, and the doctor’s office.
Responsibilities to Patients:
● Provide all patients with the highest quality of care in a timely and professional
manner.
● Demonstrate respect, fairness, and quality to all patients in all situations.
● Maintain confidentiality of all patient information in strict accordance with all laws
and regulations (HIPAA).
● Maintain a professional attitude and extend the utmost respect while serving all
patients.
Responsibilities to Public:
● Student will not misrepresent his/her level of education, ability or skills in any
misleading manner.
● Substance abuse and/or working under the influence of any mind-altering
substance is strictly prohibited.
● Student shall act in a professional manner at all times.
● Student shall practice good hygiene standards due to close proximity of work
space.
Other Responsibilities:
● Cell phones shall be stored in a book bag, purse or left in a vehicle during all
school activities to include lecture, clinical, observation and participation days.
● Foul/inappropriate language is strictly prohibited, including offensive slang.
● Coverage of tattoos and piercings subject to specific office standards.
● Fingernails must be groomed and kept short enough not to puncture gloves.
● Chewing gum is prohibited.
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● Hair must be groomed and pulled back for procedures.
● Food/drink must be consumed in designated areas at designated times as
deemed appropriate by specific office standards.
● ZERO tolerance for cheating. If a student is on the phone during an exam,
the student will automatically receive a 0 on that exam.
NOTE: Instructors have the right to dismiss the student from the dental practice
if the student is not abiding by the Accelerated Academy | Dental Assisting Code of
Conduct.
Student MyAccount
Students will have unlimited access to a portal on the school website that will
give access to view the following information:
● Student welcome letter: Requirements for the first day of class.
● Course schedule: Dates course classes are held and holidays.
● Grades: Students can view grades and progress.
● Payments: Students can view payment balance.
● Videos: Videos from lecture.
● Transcript: Student has access to print a copy of transcript indefinitely.
● Course Catalog: Policies and expectations.
Student Records/Transcripts
Student transcripts will be maintained by the school for 50 years or until the school
closes. Student records of grades and attendance will be kept for a minimum of 8 years.
Upon graduation, each student can access a copy of his or her transcript in their student
portal.. These records should be maintained indefinitely by the student. Students may
request copies by writing to the school, but student records are available for review by
the student at any time accessible in their personal MyAccount portal located on
Accelerated Academy webpage.
Student Services
Our enrollment department discusses basic subjects such as the program expectations,
initial costs, dental assistant job information, statistical information in the area,
regulations for AR, and helps determine if the student feels comfortable that this is a
good fit for them as a career.
Our financial department helps students with payment options for the tuition, explaining
basic loan information, basic financial information and advice such as how to plan to
make payments and how to budget tuition with other financial obligations.
Our Regional Deans help enrolled students with academic advising by maintaining
attendance logs, holding weekly meetings with instructors to discuss student
involvement and preparedness, monitoring homework and test grading, and reaching
out to students to help encourage them along the way.
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Our career services department helps students by encouraging them, teaching them
how to job search and apply for jobs, how to build resumes, and prepare for interviews.
Counseling Services
There are no counseling services available to students.
Student Grievances
If a student has a complaint, they are to contact the Academy’s main office at
844-727-3755 and speak directly to a school representative. They must also file a
written and signed complaint either by email ([email protected])
or letter (PO Box 1120, Denham Springs, LA 70727) to the school administration in
order to resolve any issues. The Academy will then do everything in its power to
successfully resolve the student’s concerns.
It is important that the student files the complaint within 30 days of the course end date.
Accelerated Academy desires to resolve any issues concerning their students with clear
recollection and integrity. All complaints will be reviewed within 72 hours, and the
student will be contacted within the following 48 hours.
Termination Policy
The school’s termination policy is based on professionalism. We expect all of our
students to conduct themselves in a manner respectful to other students and faculty
members. Should a student’s enrollment be terminated, the school’s refund policy will
be followed, except that the student will not be allowed to repeat the course unless
granted approval by an Accelerated Academy administrator to retake at another
location. If a student has 4 consecutive declined payments and is not communicating
with Accelerated Academy’s financial department, the student will be withdrawn from
the course. Accelerated Academy’s refund policy will be applied in this situation.
Withdrawal Procedure
If a student wishes to withdraw and not return to the course, the student must first
inform the Financial Department at 1.844.727.3755 (option 3) where a pre-exit interview
will be done either verbally or in writing to give insight as to the reason for the withdraw
and to review the refund policy. If no accommodations can be made to help the student
remain enrolled and the student still wishes to withdraw, the student will then be
dropped from the course after completing an Exit Interview Form which acknowledges
the student understands the discussion regarding the withdrawal procedure and
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confirms the desire to withdraw. and the refund policy will be enforced using that date
of withdrawal (see refund policy section).
Confidentiality Policy
Accelerated Academy’s policy regarding the disclosure of any and all information
concerning our students remains confidential between all parties. All Accelerated
Academy personnel are responsible for protecting and maintaining the integrity and
confidentiality of any and all student information. We administer and enforce student
privacy laws. Student grievances are handled specifically with a Resolution Agreement
which contains an information disclosure clause stating Accelerated Academy’s
Confidentiality Policy. This agreement constitutes an accountable agreement between
the school, its personnel, and the student or any 3rd parties involved
*Those students whose grade average is below 70% or students who have
missed more than 3 classes will not receive a certificate. The student will be
allowed to retake the entire course (if desired) at a reduced fee of $1500 if all
financial obligations have been met.
**Those students who have any outstanding financial obligations to Accelerated
Academy, will have their certificates held until their financial obligations are
satisfied.
Graduation Awards
● Certificate in Dental Assisting
● CPR/BLS Certification
● Dental Radiography Certificate
Accelerated Academy | Dental Assisting provides each student with a state board
approved x-ray certificate, coronal polishing training, and an opportunity to obtain a
CPR certification.
Options for eligibility to take the DANB CDA certification exam are listed below.
Pathway I:
● Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program,
AND
● Current CPR from a DANB-accepted provider
Pathway II:
● High school graduation or equivalent, AND
● Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience, AND
● Current CPR from a DANB-accepted provider
Pathway III:
● Former DANB CDA status, or graduation from a CODA-accredited DDS or DMD
program, or graduation from a dental degree program outside the U.S. or
Canada, AND
● Current CPR from a DANB-accepted provider
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Refunds and Cancellations
Three-Business Day Cancellation
I understand that if for any reason I am unable to enter the program, all monies paid will
be refunded if requested within three business days (excluding Sundays and holidays)
after signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment.
Refund for Students Who Withdraw After Instruction Begins (Students who are
Veterans see Veteran Refund Policy below):
The official date of termination or withdrawal of a student shall be determined in the
following manner:
1. The official date of withdrawal of a student shall be determined by the date the
student contacts the institution and completes the Exit Interview Form.
2. The date on which the student is terminated for a violation of a published school
policy which provides for termination.
If a student withdraws or is terminated after week one, but before week two, the school
may keep 10% of the tuition cost plus the $100 registration fee, BLS class cost ($80)
and $225 LMS fee. If a student withdraws or is terminated after week two but before
week 3, the school may keep 25% of the tuition cost plus the $100 registration fee, BLS
class cost ($80) and $225 LMS fee. If a student withdraws or is terminated after week 3
to week 5, the school may keep 50% of the tuition cost plus $100 registration fee, BLS
class cost ($80) and $225 LMS fee. If a student withdraws or is terminated after week
5, but less than week 7, the school shall refund 25% of the tuition, less the registration
fee of $100, BLS class cost ($80) and LMS fee of $225. If a student withdraws or is
terminated after week 7, the institution will retain 100% of the total cost of the program
including registration, BLS course, and LMS fee.
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Example of $3,079 Refund Table
($2,674.00 Tuition + $225.00 LMS Fee + $80 BLS class + $100 Registration Fee = $3,079.00)
Over 7 0% $3079.00 $0
Over 7 0% $3479.00 $0
A graduation certificate will only be awarded to those students completing the program
with a 70% or above grade average. Those students whose grade average is below
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70% or students who have missed more than 3 classes will not receive a certificate. The
student will be allowed to retake the entire course (if desired) at a reduced fee of $1500
if all financial obligations have been met.
5% - 9.9% 30%
In order for a student to be considered making satisfactory progress the student must
meet both attendance and academic minimum requirements. Students receiving VA
benefits who fail to meet minimum progress and attendance requirements will be placed
on probation for 30 days. At the end of the probationary period, the student’s progress
(academic and attendance) will be re-evaluated. If the student is meeting minimum
requirements, the student will be determined to be making satisfactory progress and will
be considered off Probation.
A VA student must maintain a class average of 70% at the completion of 32 clock hours.
If the student does not have a 70% at the completion of 32 clock hours, they will be
placed on probation.
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A VA student must maintain a class average of 70% at the completion of 40 clock hours.
If the student does not have a 70% at the completion of 40 clock hours, they will be
dropped from the course.
VA Suspension/Withdrawal/Termination
If the student fails to meet minimum requirements in either academics or attendance,
the school’s certifying official will submit a 22-1999b effective on the last day of
probation.
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