Coronal Polishing by the Tennessee
Dental Assistant

  • Hybrid

    This course includes online lessons to be completed prior to the hands-on clinical portion of the course.

  • CE

    This course provides 14 hours of continuing education credit.

  • Board Approved

    This course is approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to meet the Coronal Polishing certification requirements for Registered Dental Assistants.

    • Course Fee

      $275
    A dental professional polishing a child's teeth
    Come Learn With Us!

    Choose Your Date and Location

    This course includes online lessons to be completed prior to the hands-on clinical portion of the course. The hands-on portion of the course is offered in different locations around Tennessee. View our current course offerings and select the date and location that works for you!

    There are limited seats available for each class. You can view the number of available seats on the checkout page. 

    Enrollment will close 3 days prior to the hands-on date or once the class is full. Visit our FAQs for more info.


    You must be logged in to your existing account or create an account to enroll.

    Nashville Area

    Friday
    November 6, 2026
    10:30 am (CT)
    • Instructor:
      Mollie McClelland
    • Location: 
      301 Quecreek Circle
      Smyrna, TN 37167

    Chattanooga Area

    Friday
    November 13, 2026
    10:00 am (ET)
    • Instructor:
      Mollie McClelland
    • Location: 
      8190 E Brainerd Rd
      Chattanooga, TN 37421
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    Waiting List

    Don't see a date that works for your schedule?

    Additional classes will be available soon. Keep watch, or place your name on the waiting list and we will contact you as soon as new dates are open for enrollment.

    Host a Course in Your Office

    Does your office have assistants who need certification?

    Host a Coronal Polishing and/or Sealant Placement course directly at your office! Any practice can host a course, regardless of your team's size. We bring the training straight to you so your dental assistants don't have to travel.

    Once your team is locked in, we handle the remaining enrollment and open available seats to the public.

    By hosting a course, your team members can:
    • Train in a familiar setting and save on travel time
    • Choose a schedule that works best for your office
    • Receive the same high-quality instruction as our regularly scheduled courses

    Host a course in your office!

    To learn more or to schedule a course, complete the form below. 

    Frequently asked questions

    Is this course approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry?

    Yes! You will receive 14 hours of continuing education credit and instructions on the process of applying to the Board to have Coronal Polishing added to your license when you complete this course.

    Do I need to be registered as a dental assistant in the state of Tennessee to take this course?

    Yes, you must be registered and have an active Tennessee license. Pending licenses are not permitted. 

    Unsure of your licensure status? Visit the Board of Dentistry's Licensure Verification page and enter your info to confirm your licensure status.

    Want to become a TN RDA? Visit this resource to learn how to become a registered dental assistant in Tennessee.

    Do I need to contact the Board of Dentistry?

    YES! The form you must send to the Board is available after you complete the course.

    How is the course organized?

    The course is divided into lesson topics with each topic containing multimedia presentations and practice tests. In addition, there will be learning activities that should be performed in the office to help you master the material. All practice tests and learning activities should be completed online prior to the hands-on clinical portion of the course. You will receive your completion certificate after both the online and in-person components of the course have been successfully completed.

    What materials do I need to bring to the clinical portion of the course?

    During the hands-on portion of the course, you will need to bring: 
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Floss
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • PPE
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Cavi wipes
    • Fluoride Varnish
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Floss
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • Cavi wipes
    • PPE (including: protective eye covering, face shield, level 3 mask, gloves, gown)
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Floss
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • Cavi wipes
    • PPE (including: protective eye covering, face shield, level 3 mask, gloves, gown)

    Do I need to bring a patient to the clinical portion of the course?

    Not usually. We will be practicing on each other. However, if you have a condition that prevents you from receiving a standard prophylaxis including braces, rampant decay, multiple missing teeth, numerous porcelain restorations, or poor oral hygiene, contact your instructor for guidance.
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Floss
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • Cavi wipes
    • PPE (including: protective eye covering, face shield, level 3 mask, gloves, gown)
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Floss
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • Cavi wipes
    • PPE (including: protective eye covering, face shield, level 3 mask, gloves, gown)

    Where will the clinical portion be held?

    The clinical portion is held at different locations across the state. You can view the current dates and locations above this FAQ section.
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Floss
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • Cavi wipes
    • PPE (including: protective eye covering, face shield, level 3 mask, gloves, gown)
    • Mirror and explorer
    • Air/water syringe and saliva ejector
    • Floss
    • Prophy angles and fine/medium paste
    • Slow speed handpiece
    • Cavi wipes
    • PPE (including: protective eye covering, face shield, level 3 mask, gloves, gown)

    What type of computer equipment will I need?

    Any computer with an internet connection will be adequate for this course, but a high speed internet connection for your computer is highly desirable.

    How much does the course cost?

    The fee for the course is $275.

    How do I pay for the course?

    Payment is easy. Clicking the "Enroll" button will take you to the checkout page to purchase the course. You can pay for the course using any major credit card. We also accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal for a fast and secure checkout experience. Simply choose your preferred payment method during the checkout process.

    What is your refund policy?

    We understand that plans can change. You can find our refund policy in Section 3 of our Terms and Conditions.

    How do I register for the course?

    Click the "Enroll" button on the course location/date you would like to attend. Complete the purchase of the course. You will be able to begin the online lessons immediately after purchase.

    Do I need to purchase a textbook or other study materials?

    No textbook is required. 

    What are the course objectives?

    After completing this course, you will be able to:
    1. Describe the process for becoming and remaining certified in coronal polishing,
    2. Understand their responsibilities and the dentist’s responsibilities when polishing,
    3. Recognize the penalties for violation of the practice act,
    4. Outline mechanisms for reporting violations,
    5. Identify anatomical structures that affect coronal polishing,
    6. Identify different types of prophylaxis angles and cups,
    7. List different auxiliary aids used in coronal polishing,
    8. Identify the components of prophylaxis paste,
    9. Describe the role of disclosing solutions,
    10. Understand plaque and stain formation,
    11. Identify different extrinsic and intrinsic stains,
    12. Identify plaque, materia alba, and calculus,
    13. Recognize the appearance of a clean and polished tooth,
    14. Describe infection control procedures to follow when coronal polishing,
    15. Identify contraindications to motor driven polishing,
    16. Identify side effects of poor technique,
    17. Identify precautions taken prior to coronal polishing,
    18. Alter technique for patients with removable or fixed prosthetic appliances or patients with orthodontic appliances,
    19. Identify various forms of fluoride, their methods of applications, and their methods of preparation and storage.

    Course Info:

    Credits: 14 CE hours
    Course Type: Self-Instruction/Self-Study
    Location: Hybrid - Online and In-Person
    Original Course Release Date: 1996
    Last Review Date: December 1, 2025
    Date of Next Review: December 31, 2026
    AGD Subject Code(s): 130 Electives
    Course Provider: Dent ED Online
    Course Confilcts of Interest: None
    Our team

    Meet Your Clinical Instructor

    Mollie McClelland, BS Ed, RDH
    Instructor

    Mollie is an enthusiastic, compassionate, and diligent dental hygienist who enjoys teaching. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education in 2007. She graduated from Chattanooga State Community College in ‘21 with an associate degree and certificate in Dental Assisting. In ‘23 she graduated summa cum laude with her associates in dental hygiene. While at Chatt State, she served as class president for both dental assisting and dental hygiene classes. She received the Leadership Award and the Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society Award. Mollie is serving as her local dental hygiene association's president this year. She is currently practicing dental hygiene in Chattanooga. She is very excited to be a part of the Dent ED faculty to help her fellow dental professionals grow in their hands-on skills.
    Outside of working in the dental community, Mollie is a wife of 16 years to Jonathan and mother of Bennett (14), Aubrie (13), and Everett (8). She lives on breakfast food and good BBQ, loves to sing in her church choir, and has quotes from The Office at the ready for any occasion.

    Mollie McClelland, BS Ed, RDH
    Instructor

    Mollie is an enthusiastic, compassionate, and diligent dental hygienist who enjoys teaching. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education in 2007. She graduated from Chattanooga State Community College in ‘21 with an associate degree and certificate in Dental Assisting. In ‘23 she graduated summa cum laude with her associates in dental hygiene. While at Chatt State, she served as class president for both dental assisting and dental hygiene classes. She received the Leadership Award and the Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society Award. Mollie is serving as her local dental hygiene association's president this year. She is currently practicing dental hygiene in Chattanooga. She is very excited to be a part of the Dent ED faculty to help her fellow dental professionals grow in their hands-on skills.
    Outside of working in the dental community, Mollie is a wife of 16 years to Jonathan and mother of Bennett (14), Aubrie (13), and Everett (8). She lives on breakfast food and good BBQ, loves to sing in her church choir, and has quotes from The Office at the ready for any occasion.

    What We Offer

    What's included in this online course?

    Current evidence-based curriculum

    Our faculty's expertise will help you become an expert in the techniques of coronal polishing.

    Study at your own pace

    You can enroll in this course anytime prior to the hands-on date and study at your own pace. All online material must be completed prior to the hands-on date.

    Unique learning experience

    You will not learn just by watching many hours of videos. We are offering interactive courses with small lessons and quizzes to improve your knowledge.