2013-2014 Catalog

Dental Assisting Diploma

D45240

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 chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.

Coursework 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. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Conduct oneself in an ethical, legal and professional manner as a member of the dental team (GE V. 2)
  • Communicate effectively with staff and patients in the dental setting, through effective verbal and written skills (GE I. 2)
  • Work as a skilled Dental Assistant II in performance of assigned duties under the guidance and supervision of a licensed dentist
  • Perform administrative and clinical skills and techniques with a degree of competence appropriate for safe and effective office management and patient care
  • Discuss, identify, operate, and maintain essential dental operatory equipment
  • Be able to expose, process, and store intraoral radiographs
  • Systematically collect diagnostic data including medical and dental histories, vital signs, preliminary impressions and study casts
  • Manage infection and hazard control protocol consistent with published guidelines

Admission Policy

Must be completed by February 1.

  1. WPCC application for admission.
  2. Complete College’s admissions and testing procedures.
  3. Submit an official high school transcript showing graduation date or an official copy of the GED in a sealed envelope.
  4. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges in a sealed envelope . Students must score a “C” or better in each course in order to transfer credit.
  5. Achieve ASSET Reading & Writing scores of 41 or above, COMPASS Reading score of 81 and COMPASS Writing score of 70 or above, or provide proof of successful completion of ENG 090 and RED 090, or DRE 097.
  6. Achieve ASSET Numerical Skills score of 41 or above, COMPASS Pre-Algebra score of 47 or above, or provide proof of successful completion of MAT 060 or DMA 010 and DMA 020 and DMA 030 .
  7. Complete all general education courses and other major required courses with a score of "C" or better.

It is the student’s responsibility to verify that all required documentation has been received prior to the deadline.

Program Admission Information

  • Notification of acceptance or rejection will be made by April 1.
  • Upon admission, students will receive a copy of the Dental Assisting Program Policies. These rules are in addition to regular College policies.
  • Following admission, each student must submit a completed medical appraisal.
  • Students are admitted to the program each Fall semester

General Education

Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ENG 102Applied Communications II

3

FA, SP
PSY 150General Psychology

3

FA, SP, SU

Students may substitute ENG 111 and ENG 114, or ENG 111 and a communication course (COM) for ENG 102.

Major Courses

Core Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
DEN 100Basic Orofacial Anatomy

2

FA
DEN 101Preclinical Procedures

7

FA
DEN 102Dental Materials

5

FA
DEN 103Dental Sciences

2

SP
DEN 104Dental Health Education

3

SP
DEN 105Practice Management

2

SP
DEN 106Clinical Practice I

5

SP
DEN 107Clinical Practice II

5

SP
DEN 111Infection/Hazard Control

2

FA
DEN 112Dental Radiography

3

FA

Other Major Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
BIO 106Intro to Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology

3

FA, SP

Students may substitute BIO 163 and BIO 275 or BIO 168, BIO 169, and BIO 275 for BIO 106.

Total Credit Hours: 45