Overview
A dental assistant works in a variety of office situations, both specialty and general practice, or in a dental clinic, hospital or in the armed forces, performing office and clinical assisting duties. Duties can include: assisting the dentist with examinations and fillings; preparing instruments; exposing radiographs; maintaining infection control; performing laboratory procedures; and performing reception and office management procedures.
The Dental Assisting Program is designed to provide the student with three dental career options leading to or enhancing employment in a dental office or dental clinic. Basic science courses prior to enrolling are encouraged; typing/computer courses are recommended.
Dental Assisting Program application/admissions criteria are identified in the Admissions section in this catalog.
The one-year certificate option provides the student with opportunities to acquire knowledge in the area of dental terminology, dental materials, radiography, and chair side assisting. Classroom and online sessions are complemented by planned practical experiences in the college laboratory and dental offices. Upon successful completion of the one-year certificate program, the student will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination or the Ohio Dental Assistants Examination to become a certified dental assistant.
To be eligible for the national examination, a person must graduate from an accredited institution and have a current registration in CPR. Those successfully completing the examination are permitted to use the initials CDA following their names.
The CDA who desires to continue her/his education in dental assisting can enroll in second-year courses leading to an Associate Degree of Applied Science, Dental Assisting, with two optional pathways: transfer or EFDA.
Upon successful completion of the dental assisting program options, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate a conduct of ethical, legal, and professional standards in personal, clinical, and patient care.
- Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills with patients, dental health teams, and other related health professionals.
- Meet the necessary requirements to successfully pass the state and national examination in all areas of clinical practice of dental assisting (infection control, radiology, chair side assisting, and related sciences).
- Practice proper infection control as well as personal, clinical, and patient safety in all aspects of dentistry.
Upon successful completion of the EFDA program options, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate the skill to place and finish all metallic and non-metallic restorations in a patient’s dentition
- Demonstrate the skills to perform other clinical procedures approved by the Ohio and Pennsylvania Dental Boards.
- Meet requirements for placement of metallic and non-metallic restorations.
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM ADMISSIONS POLICY
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION – AUGUST 1ST
Requirements for Acceptance
- ENG 095 (or higher placement)
- MTH 081 or MTH 001(or higher placement)
- Current accepted DANB CPR, BLS and ACLS by DANB accepted providers listed below,
• American Environmental Health and Safety • American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• American Safety and Health Institute• Canadian Red Cross
• Emergency Care and Safety Institute
• Emergency First Response
• Emergency Medical Training Associates • Emergency University*
• EMS Safety Services
• Medic First Aid
• Military Training Network
• National Safety Council (Green Cross)
• ProCPR*
• Saudi Heart Association - Current FBI/BCI Background checks (Completed upon acceptance.)
Important Information
Potential students may apply at any time once the prerequisites are complete. There are 18 spaces available each Fall. Once these spots are filled, applicants that fulfill the requirements will be added to a wait list. Wait list individuals will be notified as soon as a spot becomes available and notified prior to the start of the semester.
ALL STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM MUST ATTEND THE MANDATORY HEALTH ORIENTATION PRIOR TO THE START OF THE FALL SEMESTER. This is usually held the second week of August and includes Blood Borne Pathogen and HIPAA Training. Students will be notified in writing a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the official date.
UPON ACCEPTANCE STUDENTS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A HEALTH PACKET DETAILING ALL REMAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR CLINICALS.
ALL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED A PRIOR TO THE END OF THE FALL SEMESTER. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT BEFORE THE START OF CLINICALS.
See Enrollment Specialist to apply (740.264.5591)
Please contact one of the following with any questions:
- Program Director at 740.264.5591 ext 1666
- Administrative Assistant at 740.264.5591 ext 1728
- Medical Records at 740.264.5591 ext 1727
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