Dental Assisting Diploma
D45240
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.
Coursework 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. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.
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. The Commission's web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Conduct oneself in an ethical, legal and professional manner as a member of the dental team
- Communicate effectively with staff and patients in the dental setting, through effective verbal and written skills
- Work as a skilled Dental Assistant II in performance of assigned duties under the guidance and supervision of a licensed dentist
- Perform administrative and clinical skills and techniques with a degree of competence appropriate for safe and effective office management and patient care
- Discuss, identify, operate, and maintain essential dental operatory equipment
- Expose diagnostically acceptable radiographs
- Systematically collect diagnostic data including medical and dental histories, vital signs, preliminary impressions and study casts
- Manage infection and hazard control protocol consistent with published guidelines
Admission Policy
Must be completed by February 1.
- WPCC application for admission.
- Complete College’s admissions and testing procedures.
- Submit an official high school transcript showing graduation date or an official copy of the High School Equivalency Diploma in a sealed envelope.
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges in a sealed envelope . Students must score a “C” or better in each course in order to transfer credit. Courses from other community colleges will be transferred in on a case by case basis.
- Credit for MAT 003.
- Complete all general education courses and other major required courses with a score of "C" or better.
It is the student’s responsibility to verify that all required documentation has been received prior to the deadline.
Program Admission Information
- Notification of acceptance or rejection will be made by April 1.
- Upon admission, students will receive a copy of the Dental Assisting Program Policies. These rules are in addition to regular College policies.
- Following admission, each student must submit a completed medical appraisal.
- Following admission, students must be certified in Healthcare Adult and Infant CPR.
- Students are admitted to the program each Fall semester
Other Information
- Students must submit a completed criminal background check and drug screen to the clinical facility for approval to participate in clinical training in the facility.
- Clinical facilities may require students to submit a physical and emotional health form.
If a clinical facility denies admission to the student due to the results of the criminal background check or drug screen, the student will not be able to complete the Dental Assisting program. Students should refer to the Dental Assisting Program Policy Manual for additional information on policies and procedures.
See information regarding transferability under the Associate in Applied Science Degrees Introduction.
General Education
English Composition
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
English/Communications
Take 3 semester hours credit from the following courses
| ENG 114 | Prof Research & Reporting | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3 | FA, SP |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Major Courses
Core Required Courses
Other Major Required Courses
| BIO 106 | Intro to Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology | 3 | FA, SP |
Total Credit Hours: 48