Dental Assisting Technology
Overview
When you successfully complete the Dental Assisting program at ̨ʹٷվ Community College, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the . After twelve months of training, you will be prepared to assist the dentist chairside, perform minor lab procedures, expose and develop radiographs, manage the front office, and a variety of other skills.
Dental Assisting Technology is a wonderful career choice for you if you enjoy patient contact, flexible hours, and the security of employable skills. It is ideal for high school graduates seeking a stable career, parents looking for a profession to coordinate with family responsibilities, or any other adults searching for a second career choice.
Quick Facts
- Associate of Applied Science
- Technical Certificate
- Nursing Allied Health Center
- Face-to-Face
Sample Curriculum
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Dental Orientation | 1 |
| Dental Assisting Materials | 4 |
| Dental Science I | 3 |
| Chairside Assisting I | 5 |
| Dental Radiology I | 3 |
| Public Speaking I OR Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Total Hours | 19 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Dental Science II | 3 |
| Chairside Assisting II | 3 |
| Dental Radiology II | 2 |
| Dental Health Education | 2 |
| Practice Management | 4 |
| Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
| Clinical Practicum II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 19 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Chairside Assisting III | 3 |
| Clinical Practicum III | 2 |
| English Composition I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 8 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| English Composition II | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Mathematics/Science Electives | 6–7 |
| Computer Applications Elective | 3–4 |
| Total Hours | 18–20 |
The degree plan provides the courses recommended for students seeking to transfer in this area of study. Students should consult the for specific course requirements at specific Mississippi universities. Students can also use .
Important Program Information
Admission Requirements
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide the required data to:
̨ʹٷվ Community College
Nursing/Allied Health Center
Office of Admissions
1750 Chadwick Drive
Jackson, MS 39204-3490
Submitting the information to any other ̨ʹٷվ Community College location will delay the processing of your file.
Requirements
- Application for Admission to ̨ʹٷվ Community College
- Application for Dental Assisting Technology Program
- Validation of high school graduation by official high school transcript or high school equivalency transcript (GED®, HiSET®, TASC™, or Mississippi Competency-Based High School Equivalency). (For currently enrolled high school students, an updated transcript, validating high school graduation, will be required prior to beginning the program.)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended, except ̨ʹٷվ Community College
- ACT composite of 18 (15 prior to 10/1989)
- Must be 18 years of age by the 2nd semester of the program
Selection Process
Fall applications will be available March 1st through July 31st.
Spring applications will be available September 1st through January 1st.
Preference will be given to applicants who complete the application procedure by April 15th for fall admission.
Individuals who have submitted all required admission documents will be considered for program admission based on a rating scale that includes but is not limited to:
- ACT composite score
- ACT Math and Reading subscores
- highest previous certificate or degree
- military experience
Applicants selected into the program are required to attend a scheduled orientation session.
Applicants not selected for a class may reapply for subsequent classes by submitting a new application to the Dental Assisting Technology Program.
Process for Selection for Transfer Admission Requirements for transfer of credit courses are explained in the Catalog under Transfer Students.
The Dental Assisting Technology program does not accept transfer credit for Dental Assisting Technology courses.
Dental Assisting Technology courses may not transfer to other colleges.
Some colleges may accept ̨ʹٷվ Community College Dental Assisting Technology coursework for transfer, if the student satisfactory completes the Dental Assisting Technology program and has current CDA certification.
FAQs
What is the difference between dental assisting and dental hygiene?
Too often, dental assisting and dental hygiene are spoken of interchangeably. Although both careers involve working in the dental field, each job requires its specific educational requirements and alter their limitations and duties chairside. Dental assistants can be thought of very much like a dental nurse. Assistants work chairside with a variety of procedures, including implants, extractions, crown preparations, composite and amalgam restorations, root canals, and much more.
Dentists rely on a confident and knowledgeable assistant to ensure all patients are cared for properly and that treatment runs smoothly. Dental assisting is a fast-paced, challenging, but most importantly, rewarding field. The information found on the Allied Health Schools site may help answer any further questions you have about the differences between assisting and hygiene.
Does ̨ʹٷվ offer a hygiene program?
No. ̨ʹٷվ Community College has a dental assisting program located on the Nursing Allied Health Campus in Jackson, MS.
What are the prerequisites required for entrance into the dental assisting program at ̨ʹٷվ Community College?
Each applicant must have an official high school diploma or GED and a score of at least an 18 on the ACT. If you have completed any college courses, ̨ʹٷվ will need the transcripts from those schools as well.
When can I apply?
Our program is a three-semester program that can either be started in August or January of each year. We do not have a deadline for applications, but we do have what is referred to as a preferred date for each semester. All applicants that have applied by the preference date will be called first for admission into the program. The preference dates are as follows: April 15th for fall admissions and October 15th for spring admissions.
How long is the dental assisting program?
The dental assisting program is three consecutive semesters. If you begin classes in the Fall semester, you will graduate at the end of July. If you begin classes in the Spring, you will graduate at the end of December.
Are there any males in the dental assisting program?
Yes! ̨ʹٷվ Community College prides itself on maintaining a diverse and accepting environment for our students. Not only have we had many males complete our program, but we have had many nontraditional students as well. We are excited to accept anyone into our program that is passionate about dental assisting and has an eagerness to learn.
Program Accreditation
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.
The Commission’s web address is .
Program Policies
Infection Control Policy & Procedures
Exposure Incident Policy
Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens Policy
Radiation Safety Policies