Program Degrees and Certificates
- Dental Assisting, Certificate
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The Dental Assisting program prepares students to perform chairside assisting skills, dental laboratory and dental practice management procedures, and exposing x-rays. The program also prepares students to perform advanced functions as delegated by the Virginia Board of Dentistry.
Students are exposed to a broad educational experience in the theory and skills required to assist a dentist by taking courses in chairside assisting, radiology, dental materials, dental sciences, preventive dentistry, practice management and biomedical sciences. Preclinical and laboratory sessions provide students the opportunity to incorporate theoretical concepts with practical applications.
During clinical sessions, students rotate through dental offices in the community in order to perfect their clinical skills. Upon completion of the 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.
This credential is not designed to transfer.
Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.
During clinical sessions, students rotate through dental offices in the community in order to perfect their clinical skills. Upon completion of the 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.
The first step to beginning health career training at NOVA's MEC is to attend a mandatory Information Session. Please note that the online information sessions contain program information for the current academic year only.
Start the Information Session Online
There is no in-person Information Session for this program. You are required to include the code provided during the online session on your application as proof of completion.
Pre-health students who have questions regarding program requirements or students who need academic advising are encouraged to visit Advising & Counseling.
Phone: 703.822.6627, Medical Education Campus, Room 135
Medical Education Campus
Dr. Sumera Rashid