D45240 Total credit hours: 45
(Pending SACS COC approval. Tentative start - Spring 2019)
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. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.
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.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills with clients and coworkers in the role of a dental assistant.
- Use critical thinking to recognize, analyze, and solve problems related to dental assisting.
- Develop and refine skills in chairside, clinical, radiographic, laboratory and infection control procedures.
- Master basic dental theory and demonstrate dental assisting competencies.
- Display professionalism by projecting a positive attitude, working as a team member, showing initiative and responsibility, and displaying sensitivity to cultural diversity.
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.
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 ENG prefix courses in order to progress in the program.
Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check and drug screen testing are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.
If any clinical facility refuses to allow the student to participate in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.
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