Catalog 2024-2025
Catalog 2024-2025 » Life Science and Public Safety » Dental Assisting » Program Requirements » Program Preliminary Requirements
Because the Dental Assisting profession requires not only theoretical and clinical skills, but also the ability to learn and apply new knowledge quickly, the Dental Assisting program uses a competitive admissions process to select students. Program faculty and the Admissions Office staff designed the process to ensure maximum opportunity for student success in the program and on the Dental Assisting National Board. Applicants who are on academic probation or are academically dismissed from the college as of the March 1 application deadline will not be considered for admission. Prospective students gain admission to the college initially as Healthcare Assistant program students/applicants to Dental Assisting in order to complete any learning support classes and required general core and health core courses.
The Dental Assisting program sequencing begins once a year at the beginning of summer semester. Applicants not selected for the program on the initial attempt may reapply during subsequent admission intake periods. There is no waiting list between intake periods; applicants must complete the application process for each attempt at entry into the program.
Applicants to the program should be aware of the Bloodborne Pathogens Infectious Disease Policy in relation to patient care.
To receive consideration for admission to the Dental Assisting program, applicants must submit the following information to the Admissions Office by March 1 of the year they seek admission to the program:
The selection process will be weighted toward students who have completed all core classes prior to enrolling in Dental Assisting (DENA) classes.
While not mandatory, students can attend a group pre-admission information session prior to acceptance. Curriculum, schedules, and all pertinent information about the program will be discussed as well as an open question and answer opportunity for students.
Prior to summer semester when students start the DENA courses, the 15 students admitted into the program must have the following documents on file in the Dental Assisting Office:
A signed document acknowledging that they may be required to complete drug testing and/or background checks at their own expense prior to participating in internships, practicums, or clinical activities at certain host sites for these activities (see Drug Testing/Background Checks). Blank documents are available from the program chair, the Admissions Office, and on the college website.
Students accepted into the dental assisting program must also attend mandatory Dental Assisting orientation approximately 3 weeks prior to the first day of courses. Failure to attend this orientation will result in the forfeiture of admission to the program. The date of the orientation will be announced in the Welcome Letter/Packet.