Dental Assisting

Curriculum Description

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.

Our clinical rotations are held at the Mountain Area Health Education Center Dental Office in Columbus, NC at 130 Forest Glen Road, and other local dental offices.

Accreditation

The Dental Assisting program is actively seeking approval of accreditation from the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. This status is awarded to an educational program indicating that the program achieves or exceeds the basic requirements for accreditation.

A copy of the Dental Assisting Accreditation Standards and CODA Policies and Procedures, including those for complaints, may be obtained online at American Dental Association (ADA); in writing at 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; or by calling (800) 621-8099.

Graduates will be able to:

The student will execute general chair side assisting skills.
The student will integrate infection control techniques.
The student will prepare high-grade, radiographic images used in diagnostics.
The student will perform appropriate life-saving measures for medical emergencies in a dental setting