Diploma in Dental Assisting (D45240)

The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chair side and related office and laboratory procedures.

Course work includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provide students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.

The Program is a full-time curriculum with entry in the fall semester only. Students should complete the program in three consecutive semesters. A diploma is granted upon completion of the one-year program.

Students entering clinical externships (usually in their last two semesters) may be required by the clinical site to provide a criminal background check and a drug screening test before or during each rotation. A criminal history or positive drug screen may preclude the student from being placed for clinical rotation and therefore prevent the student from finishing the degree or diploma. A positive drug screen during the rotation will result in a failing grade for that clinical and will prevent the student from continuing in the program.

NOTE: The Dental Assisting Diploma Program uses clock/credit hour conversion for awarding Financial Aid.

The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements"]. 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, Illinois 60611. Preliminary accreditation was approved on July 27, 2001. Additional information is available at https://www.ada.org.

Program Documents

• Dental Assisting Program Handbook
• Dental Assisting Shadowing Form