Dental Assisting, Diploma

D45240  Total credit hours: 46

(Not currently enrolling students.  Pending accreditation approval from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association)

The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.

Course work includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provide students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.

A Dental Assistant II or CDA can perform all legal expanded functions prescribed by a NC licensed dentist. Some of the many expanded functions a DA II can legally perform are: apply sealants, insert matrix bands and wedges, place cavity bases and liners, place and/or remove rubber dams, place and remove temporary restorations, take impressions and wax bites, remove sutures, expose and process radiographs, perform fluoride application and coronal polish.

The mission of the program is to provide a quality education for the Dental Assisting students to be successful in the program. The faculty and staff will encourage professional and ethical behavior. The program will provide an environment to promote the team concept, lifelong learning, and the development of the skills and attitudes necessary to achieve the student’s goal of becoming a Certified Dental Assistant. The program is offered in the afternoon and evening for the first two semesters with the final semester offered during daytime typical dental practice hours.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Perform as a competent entry-level Dental Assistant in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.
2. Demonstrate effective communication skills with clients and coworkers in the role of a dental assistant.
3. Use critical thinking to recognize, analyze, and solve problems related to dental assisting.
4. Perform as a dental team member who demonstrates competence in chairside skills necessary to contribute to patient care.
5. Display professionalism.

Accreditation

Davidson County Community College is seeking dental assisting program accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body, recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.

A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.

Policy for Third Party Comments (PDF opens in new window)  

Technical Standards

In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards  that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of dental assisting. Dental Assisting Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)  

These technical standards are published in the application for admission to Dental Assisting program and the program student handbook.

Admission Requirements 

Students must be admitted to the Dental Assisting program before enrolling in courses with a DEN prefix.

Applicants for admission to the Dental Assisting program must complete the requirements for admission as described in the Dental Assisting Admission Packet. 

NOTE: Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee placement into the Dental Assisting program.

Progression Requirements

A student must earn a grade of C or better in all DEN and BIO prefix courses and satisfactory complete all skills assessments to progress in the program.

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations are required by the participating clinical rotation site prior to participation in the clinical component. 

If any clinical site denies a student’s participation in clinical experiences in that clinical site, the student will not be able to progress in the program.