College Catalog Programs of Study 2013-2014

Dental Assisting

 

Certificate

Offered through MEC

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare students to perform chairside assisting, minor laboratory, and basic office procedures. Students learn the theory and skills to assist in the dental operatory through course work in the areas of chairside assisting, radiology, dental materials, dental and biomedical sciences, as well as clinical practice. Graduates can perform certain additional tasks allowing them to become productive and valued members of the dental health team. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB). After successful completion of this examination, the credential “Certified Dental Assistant” (CDA) is awarded.

Admission Requirements:
Students must:
    • Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
    • Have a high school diploma or GED.
    • Pass Algebra I or appropriate placement scores.
    • Pass ENG 111 College Composition I, NAS 150 Human Biology, and SDV 101 Orientation to Health Care with a grade of “B” or higher prior to admission into the program.
    • Pass NAS 150 Human Biology with a “B” or higher prior to admission into the program.
    • Be willing to repeat courses or to complete evaluative testing for credits earned more than ten years ago.
    • View an information session online.

Special Accreditation Status: The Dental Assisting program maintains the status of initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students who enter a program with the status of "initial accreditation" and who successfully complete the program are considered to be graduates of an accredited program for purposes of certification and regulations as set forth by state licensing boards. 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 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: www.ada.org/100.aspx

Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Diseases Statement: By nature of the profession, students accepted into the Dental Assisting Program may be exposed to blood and body fluids while practicing dental assisting skills or providing services during clinical, preclinical, and laboratory sessions. Policies and procedures have been established to ensure the working environment is safe in order to minimize disease transmission. Prospective students may request a copy of the policy on bloodborne infectious diseases by calling 703-822-6627.

  Credits
Prerequisites
ENG 111 College Composition 3
NAS 150 Human Biology 4
SDV 101 Orientation to Healthcare 1
Total   8
One Year Credits
1st Semester
DNA 100 Introduction to Oral Health Professions 1
DNA 108 Dental Science 3
DNA 110 Dental Materials 3
DNA 113 Chairside Assisting I 3
DNA 134 Dental Radiation and Practicum 3
PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology 3
Total   16
2nd Semester
CST 229 Intercultural Communication 3
DNA 114 Chairside Assisting II 4
DNA 119 Dental Therapeutics 1
DNA 120 Community Health 1
DNA 130 Dental Office Management 2
DNA 140 Externship 5
Total   16
3rd Semester
DNA 190 Coordinated Intership 3
Total   3
Total credits for the Dental Assisting Certificate=43