Dental Assistant -- Certificate Program
Link to website maintained by the School of Health
The Dental Assistant curriculum encompasses the multi-disciplinary team concept.
Theoretical skills are attained in conjunction with supervised off-campus clinical
affiliation experiences. The curriculum conforms to the standards which are required by
the Commission on Accreditation of Dental and Dental Auxiliary Educational Programs. Upon
successful completion of the program, the student graduates with a Certificate in Dental
Assistant and is eligible to take the Dental Assistant National Board Examination.
The program in dental assisting is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.
An applicant should be a high school graduate, or possess a G.E.D. equivalency with a college preparatory background in English, biology (with a lab), mathematics, and typing. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT1) is optional, but preferred. A reading examination will be administered to those individuals who are accepted into the program. Applications should be submitted to the Admissions Office.
The Dental Assistant program has two primary objectives: to prepare the student for employment as a professional member of the dental team, functioning as a competent dental assistant after graduation; and to prepare and motivate the student to continue his/her dental education toward a degree. Advanced degrees will enable the qualified student to participate in broader areas of the dental profession.
Dental assisting students must purchase a kit which is non-refundable and is comprised of essential materials and supplies. In addition, other expenses will be required as the academic year progresses. Information will be provided on acceptance.
Clinical affiliation is conducted off-campus at various dental offices throughout Western Massachusetts. The student is responsible for providing transportation to and from each clinical and educational facility. The student is expected to be in full dress uniform during this portion of the curriculum.
Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)
The Dental Assisting program will produce graduates who are qualified to perform basic skills and roles within dentistry such as:
- Chairside Assisting
- Infection Control
- Dental Practice Management
- Administrative Assisting
- Dental Radiology
- Extended Functions Assisting
General Education Goals:
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Develop capabilities for critical thinking;
- Develop a realistic view of the dynamic interplay of people and their structured integration into a coordinated environment.
- Enhance self understanding and, thereby, enhance sensitivity toward others;
- Understand the organization and plan of the body;
- Understand basic chemistry;
- Understand microbiology and human disease.
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Course Title | Credits |
| DAST-100 | DENTAL ASSISTING TECHNIQUES 1 | 3 |
| DAST-102 | ORAL ANATOMY | 2 |
| DAST-103 | DENTAL RADIOLOGY 1 | 3 |
| DAST-105 | DENTAL SCIENCES 1 | 2 |
| DAST-106 | DENTAL MATERIALS 1 | 3 |
| ENGL-100 | ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 (Note 1) | 3 |
| BIOL-148 | BASICS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (Note 1) | 4 |
| Total: | 20 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| No. | Course Title | Credits |
| DAST-200 | DENTAL ASSISTING TECHNIQUES 2 | 3 |
| DAST-201 | DENTAL SCIENCES 2 | 3 |
| DAST-202 | DENTAL RECORDS | 2 |
| DAST-203 | DENTAL RADIOLOGY 2 | 1 |
| DAST-204 | CLINICAL AFFILIATION | 5 |
| Total: | 14 | |
| Semester 2S (Summer) | ||
| No. | Course Title | Credits |
| ENGL-203 | FUNDAMENTALS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| PSYC-100 | GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| Total: | 6 | |
Notes:
- ENGL-100 and BIOL-148 should be taken the summer before Semester 1. It is mandatory that the student complete ENGL-100 and BIOL-148 with at least a 73% ("C") average prior to the fall semester.
The minimum grade requirement for the Dental Assistant Program is a grade of “C” (2.0) in each course. Upon the successful completion of requirements for this program, a Certificate in Dental Assistant will be awarded.