Clinical Externship
The externship is where the 10-week classroom curriculum meets real patient care. Over 80 hours, you'll work alongside the dental team at one of Dr. Zachary Soard's practices in the Las Vegas valley. You'll be participating in actual procedures, not observing from the sideline.
Where you'll train
Most placement sites are Dr. Soard's own Las Vegas practices, and additional partner offices across the valley also join the rotation. You'll be working in offices that hire dental assistants, so you're building relationships with real teams from day one.
Specialty topics like orthodontics and pediatrics are introduced in the classroom curriculum, so you graduate with exposure across the full scope of dental assisting.
What you earn
Continuous mentor feedback throughout the externship leads to a final practical evaluation. Completing all 80 hours earns a Dental Assisting Externship Certification from Dr. Zachary Soard's Dental Practice.
By the time you complete the externship, you've done 80 hours of clinical work alongside a working dental team, and you hold certifications in CPR, HIPAA, and OSHA.
Prerequisites: Completion of the 10-week ATS program, or near-completion with a recommendation from an academic advisor.
Enroll in the 10-Week ProgramWhat you'll do
The 80 hours are organized around the core responsibilities of a dental assistant. The externship includes regular review sessions with your mentor.
Orientation
Introduction to the practice's philosophy and protocols. Tour of the facility and equipment overview.
Clinical assisting
Four-handed dentistry in live patient procedures. Assisting in restorative, endodontic, periodontic, orthodontic, and surgical cases. Instrument transfer and maintenance.
Radiology
Digital X-ray capture and interpretation. Safety protocols and patient positioning.
Patient care
Patient history recording, initial assessment, and post-procedure education. Supporting patients who are anxious or nervous.
Lab procedures
Dental impressions, model casting, and basic prosthetic adjustments.
Infection control
Instrument sterilization. Maintaining a clean and compliant clinical environment.
Administrative work
Appointment scheduling, basic billing and coding, and record management, so you're ready for front desk duties too.
Regular check-ins
Review sessions with your mentor throughout the externship, with constructive feedback and time to address questions.
Ready to start your dental assisting career?
Call or text us. We're happy to answer questions before you enroll.
1306 W. Craig Rd Suite H, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM