Associate in Specialized Technology Degree (A.S.T.)
Program Length: 21 months (day program); 24 months (evening program)

Dental Assistant Education Program Description:

Dental assistants have become indispensable to the dental care field, and dentists have grown more reliant upon their assistants to perform a wide range of patient procedures. The role and responsibilities of the dental assistant increase as the need for their services grows. Today, assistants are often responsible for a variety of tasks, such as anesthesia or prepping the patient.

The goal of the Dental Assistant degree program is to provide school graduates with the skills, training and knowledge necessary to qualify for entry-level careers as dental assistants. Since they are trained in operatory, laboratory, radiographic and administrative procedures, their services are also sought out by a variety of dental schools, dental supply manufacturers, hospital dental departments and health insurance companies. A Dental Assistant college graduate is also capable of filling various entry-level positions such as:

• Dental receptionist
• Dental insurance clerk
• Dental laboratory technician
• Dental supply salesperson
• Administrative assistant

Dental Assistant Training Program Objective:

The objective of the Dental Assistant education training program is to provide students with the appropriate knowledge, thorough training and hands-on skills that are needed to obtain entry-level dental assistant positions. These health care-related career opportunities can be found in today’s modern health and dental care offices, dental clinics and facilities.

The imperative skills that are taught in this program will prepare students for the continuously changing field of dentistry and dental specialties. Students participate in introductory courses that teach the fundamentals of dental assisting, dental administrative procedures, dental radiography, dental sciences, operatory dentistry, dental laboratory procedures and dental specialties.

This 1,536-hour/102.5 credit hour course of study culminates with a 300 hour externship. Completion of the dental assistant course program is acknowledged by the awarding of a diploma. Students will be prepared to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

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