Catalog 2013-2014

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Dental Assisting

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:

  • Completed and signed application for admission and a $20 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts showing that applicants earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college work attempted. Applicants transferring from other colleges will not be required to submit high school transcripts if they completed a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours of study at one or more colleges.
  • Valid COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, or ACT test scores (see COMPASS Placement Examination).
  • Provide 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.
  • Documentation showing the completion of 20 hours of observation in a dental office. Blank forms are available in the Admissions Office, from the program chair, and on the college website.
  • Completed and signed Intent forms. Blank forms are available in the Admissions Office and on the college website.

The number of students accepted to the program is limited. The Admissions Office staff and program faculty rank applicants according to the criteria above. The staff then invites a group of the highest ranking applicants to continue the application process in the following manner:

  • Submit a personal statement essay (500 words or less) to demonstrate an understanding of the job requirements of dental assistants, detail any prior dental experience, and explain their interest in the program.
  • Review and sign the Code of Ethics, which includes the responsibility to provide oral care for all patients without discrimination. The Code of Ethics is available from the program chair and on the college website.
  • Participate in a personal interview.

From this group, 14 students will gain admission to the program. Students must complete all core classes prior to enrolling in Dental Assisting (DENA) classes. Prior to Summer Semester when students start the DENA courses, they 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.