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Dental Assisting Diploma

D45240

Official Program Description registered with the NC Community College System:

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 Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting program, the graduate should be able to:

  • Demonstrate professionalism with patients, students, faculty, and dental professionals/staff.
  • Perform dental assisting skills and procedures in the clinical and laboratory setting utilizing proper infection control and safety practices.
  • Perform dental administrative management procedures.
  • Perform dental radiographic procedures.
  • Provide dental health related education with appropriate patient assessment.

Diploma Awarded

A Diploma in Dental Assisting is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.

Note

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all curriculum courses in order to progress in the program.

Information about the progression and readmission policy is outlined in the Dental Assisting Admission Policies and Procedures packet available on Wayne Community College’s Web site at www.waynecc.edu/admissions/allied-health/uploads/dental-assisting.pdf.

In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include a laboratory fee, uniforms, shoes, physical examinations, immunizations, health insurance, cost of national board examination and other miscellaneous fees.

For More Information

The Dental Assisting program is in the Allied Health and Public Services Division. For more information, call (919) 739-6773 or visit us at our Web site at www.waynecc.edu.

 

Admissions

  • Individuals desiring a career in dental assisting should, if possible, take biology, mathematics, English, humanities, and psychology courses prior to entering the program.
  • Individuals desiring admission to the program must follow the admissions procedure outlined in this catalog and in the Dental Assisting Application Policies and Procedures packet available in the Office of Admissions and Records and on the WCC Web site.
  • Applicants must present evidence of good physical and mental health.

First (Fall) Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
ACA 111College Student Success
1

1
DEN 100Basic Orofacial Anatomy
2

2
DEN 101Preclinical Procedures
10

7
DEN 102Dental Materials
6

4
DEN 111Infection/Hazard Control
2

2
BIO 163Basic Anatomy & Physiology
6

5
Total Credit Hours:21

Second (Spring) Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
DEN 103Dental Sciences
2

2
DEN 104Dental Health Education
4

3
DEN 105Practice Management
2

2
DEN 106Clinical Practice I
14

6
DEN 112Dental Radiography
5

3
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry
3

3
Total Credit Hours:19

Third (Summer) Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
DEN 107Clinical Practice II
13

5
PSY 150General Psychology
3

3
Total Credit Hours:8

Total Credit Hours: 48