Essential Information
Associate of Science in Dental Office Management programs are geared towards dental assistants who desire to become office managers. Participants gain a foundation in the liberal arts and hone their analytical and professional office skills as they learn about administrative methods and business procedures, staff guidance, case file and documentation organization, insurance policies and billing issues. They also become familiar with dental terms and healthcare administration software. These 2-year programs are principally offered by community colleges. Applicants must pass a background check, have a high school diploma and a valid certificate in dental assisting. Those with a solid background in math and science will have an advantage.
Associate of Science in Dental Office Management
The curriculum of an associate's dental office management program is heavy in the sciences and business. Aspiring managers should know how to handle numerous aspects of office management and have a background in dental and medical procedures. Some common course topics are:
- Anatomy
- Dental X-rays
- Accounting
- Computer applications
- Ethics
- Medical terminology
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The number of administrative service manager positions is expected to grow at a rate of 6% over the 2019-2029 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean annual salary for these professionals was $108,120 as of May 2020.
Continuing Education Information
Graduates can choose to continue their studies at the baccalaureate level in business administration and finances, which augments managers' existing knowledge and allows them to qualify for higher-level administrative positions.
Those wishing to become dental office managers may pursue an Associate of Science in Dental Office Management, which can also open doors for continuing education and career advancement opportunities.
