Basic Dental Assisting (CSC)

Additional financial assistance might be available for G3 programs. Please contact your advisor or counselor for more information.

Program Info

Minimum credits: 22
Length: 3 semesters part-time, including a summer internship

Division: Arts, Sciences, & Business
Contact: 434.797.8402 or 434.797.8462
Award: Career Studies Certificate
Plan Code: 221-120-02 CIP Code: 51.0601

Program Description:

The Career Studies Certificate in Basic Dental Assisting prepares students for employment in dentists’ offices performing a variety of tasks related to patient care. Students must possess the physical strength and dexterity to perform necessary job duties. Graduates will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams in infection control and radiation safety.

Program Requirements: Students must earn grades of “C” or higher in all basic dental assisting courses to remain active in the program. Students must possess the physical strength and dexterity to perform necessary job duties.

Admission Requirements: In addition to general college admission requirements, students must meet the following:

• Satisfactory completion of EDE 10  (if a need for developmental English is indicated by placement scores.) Students whose placement scores indicate placement in EDE 11/ENG 111  are not required to complete the EDE 11 developmental English course.
• Current CPR certification is required.

Industry Certifications: Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exams for Infection Control & Radiation Safety certification. However, students are not required to seek certification.

Program Coordination: Dental assisting courses do not transfer into any of DCC’s other programs. However, students who plan on applying to DCC’s dental hygiene program frequently elect to complete the dental assisting program first. While completion of the dental assisting program has no direct effect on a student’s chances of being accepted into dental hygiene, students who have completed dental assisting typically have more knowledge and experience in the dental field. Thus, former dental assisting students may be seen as more knowledgeable and experienced candidates when applying.

Program Outcomes: Graduates will be able to:

• Assist with the delivery of dental care as an integral team member.
• Provide basic and expanded function skills with a variety of dental materials.
• Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs including safety and digital applications.
• Meet industry standards for asepsis, disinfection and sterilization to ensure a safe working environment.
• Show communication skills demonstrating knowledge of dental ethics and jurisprudence.
• Use clinical externships to integrate classroom and laboratory skills in an office setting.
• Perform basic office procedures to manage the business operation of a dental practice.
• Have the opportunity to pass the Dental Assisting National Board in Infection Control and Radiation Safety for graduates who choose to take the boards.