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Dental Assisting Diploma

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Program Description: The Dental Assisting Program is a five quarter, sequenced, full time program. You must maintain a 2.0 average (a "C" equivalent) or better in all Dental Assisting and Allied Health courses in order to proceed to the next quarter in the program of study. There is classroom instruction, laboratory demonstration, and clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Exam.

Courses in the Dental Assisting Program are offered in designated sequence to best prepare students for patient care. Students must earn 70% or better in all courses before proceeding to the next sequenced quarter. A grade of less than 70% in any DEN course component will require that the student withdraw from the Dental Assisting program sequence and apply for readmission to the next scheduled class with all other applicants. There is no guarantee of readmission. The program has a competitive admission process due to limited space and a high demand for the program.

Career Information and Occupational Outlook:

Length of Program: 91 Credit Hours

Program Admission Requirements:

  1. Present official documentation of an earned high school diploma or official GED Scores.
  2. Be at least 17 years old.
  3. Complete prerequisite courses by the end of Winter quarter for Spring competitive admission.
  4. Complete and submit the Letter of Intent form, the Personal Data Sheet, proof of minimum 8 hours volunteer or paid time in dental office, and the Immunization form by February 1st to be considered for the competitive admission process for Spring. HepB immunization series must be started upon acceptance into the program and completed prior to clinical rotation.
  5. Current physical and dental exams are required after you are accepted into the program.
  6. No provisional and/or special admission will be considered for the program.

Estimated Cost:

Estimated costs are in addition to tuition and fees.

Supplies:Lab, classroom, etc.475.00
Uniforms:2 lab coats60.00
1 Shoes40.00
4 Scrub sets160.00
2 Name pins12.00
6 School patches30.00
Student Dental Association Membership25.00
CPR:American Heart Association Certification5.00
Insurance:Liability policy for clinical practicums27.00
Dental Assisting Class Pin40.00
Certification:Expanded Duties Examination50.00
National Exam300.00

Program Sequence

* Grade ranked for admission

QuarterCourseDescriptionContact HoursCredit Hours
Pre-Requisite ENG 101* English 5 5
MAT 101* Math 5 5
SCT 100* Introduction to Microcomputers 5 3
  Total 15 13
Pre-Requisite PSY 101 Basic Psychology 5 5
AHS 104* Introduction to Health Care 5 3
AHS 101* Anatomy and Physiology 5 5
  Total 15 13
Spring DEN 105 Microbiology and Infection Control 4 3
DEN 106 Oral Anatomy 5 5
DEN 134 Dental Assisting I 10 7
  Total 19 15
Summer DEN 102 Head and Neck Anatomy 2 2
DEN 139 Dental Radiology 6 5
DEN 135 Dental Assisting II 10 7
  Total 18 14
Fall DEN 136 Dental Assisting III 5 4
DEN 137 Dental Assisting-Expanded Functions 5 4
DEN 103 Preventive Dentistry 5 4
DEN 146 Dental Practicum I 6 2
  Total 21 14
Winter DEN 107 Oral Pathology and Therapeutics 4 4
DEN 138 Scopes of Professional Practice 2 2
DEN 140 Dental Practice Management 5 5
DEN 147 Dental Practicum II 6 2
  Total 17 13
Spring DEN 109 Dental Assisting National Board Examination Preparation 3 3
DEN 148 Dental Practicum III 24 8
  Total 27 11

The content of this page does not constitute a contract between Columbus Technical College and its students on either a collective or individual basis. Course curriculum, fee changes, or additional unforeseen changes may occur after publication. Course offerings are contingent upon adequate enrollments. Please contact the school offering the program for the most current information. Academic advising is available to students prior to registration; this information is not a substitute for consulting with an academic advisor.