Admission 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 must complete the preliminary admission process by March 1. 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.
Program Preliminary Requirements
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:
- Completed and signed application for admission and a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Official high school or GED transcripts and/or official college transcripts from all colleges attended in the past (see General Admission Requirements). Applicants must have earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college work attempted.
- Valid ACCUPLACER or COMPANION, ASSET, SAT, or ACT test scores (see ACCUPLACER Placement Examination).
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Proof of legal presence in the United States. Official birth certificates, passports, driver's licenses, or state-issued photo identification cards to document that they are at least 17 years of age.
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Completed and signed Intent forms. Blank forms are available in the Admissions Office and on the college website.
The selection process will be weighted toward students who have completed all core classes prior to enrolling in Dental Assisting (DENA) classes.
The top 25 students must attend a mandatory group pre-admission information session. 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:
- Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (for healthcare providers).
- Copy of immunization records.
- Results of medical and dental examinations.
- Verification of medical and malpractice insurance (see Malpractice Insurance).
- 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 n the forfeiture of admission to the program. The date of the orientation will be announced in the Welcome Letter/Packet.