The dental assistant works as a valued member of the dental health team and assists the dentist in performing professional duties in the operatory, laboratory, and business office. The student becomes competent in chairside assisting, laboratory procedures, x-ray techniques, and in the business related functions of the dental office/clinic.
The program offers a certificate in dental assisting and an associate of science degree with a major in dental assisting. The certificate program requires 11 credit hours of prerequisite course work prior to the one academic year (two semesters) of the program. Approximately 1,100 hours of lecture, laboratory, and clinical instruction are included in the dental assisting courses. A second year of study is available which enables students to earn an associate of science with a major in dental assisting. Students who are enrolled in the program must achieve a grade of C or better in all courses which directly pertain to their major. An overall grade point average of 2.0 or better is required for graduation from the program.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student receives a Certificate in Dental Assisting which qualifies the student to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Examination. The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The address of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association is 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, phone 800/621-8099.
Admission Requirements for Dental Assisting Students seeking admission to the program must apply for admission to the University before making separate application to the dental assisting program. Students who have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or who are students at any accredited college or university, are eligible to apply for admission. Transfer students will be considered on the basis of review of the individual’s record and transcripts. Students meeting academic requirements also must be in good health, eligible for dental assisting certification, and capable of performing clinical practice requirements
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