Dental Assisting Diploma

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Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50501

Limited Enrollment Program:
Contact the Enrollment Services Office for Program admission requirements and Program application deadlines.

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.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, the student should be able to:

Provide basic and expanded chair side functions to facilitate completion of restorative and advanced operative procedures
Record medical and dental clinical documentation that adheres to legal standards
Complete radiographic/digital images for diagnostic and technique quality
Manipulate dental materials to support chair side and laboratory procedures
Apply legal and regulatory concepts to the provision of oral care
Provide assistance in the management of emergency situations
Perform basic office procedures necessary to assist in managing dental practice
Design and implement individualized patient education strategies
Apply self-assessment skills to prepare for lifelong learning

Fall Semester I

DEN 110 Orofacial Anatomy Credits: 3
DEN 111 Infection/Hazard Control Credits: 2
DEN 101 Preclinical Procedures Credits: 7
DEN 112 Dental Radiography Credits: 3
BIO 106 Introduction to Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology Credits: 3

Total Credits: 18

Spring Semester I

DEN 103 Dental Sciences Credits: 2
DEN 104 Dental Health Education Credits: 3
DEN 102 Dental Materials Credits: 5
DEN 105 Practice Management Credits: 2
DEN 106 Clinical Practice I Credits: 5
PSY 150 General Psychology Credits: 3

Total Credits: 20

Summer Semester I

DEN 107 Clinical Practice II Credits: 5
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry Credits: 3

Total Credits: 8

Total credit hours required for diploma: 46

Note:

While it is expected that most students will enroll full-time, a limited number of students may enroll as part-time students with approval of the department chair. The part-time option requires two (2) years to complete.