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.
Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 440-4653.
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.
- WPCC application for admission.
- Complete College’s admissions and testing procedures.
- Submit an official high school transcript showing graduation date or an official copy of the High School Equivalency Diploma in a sealed envelope.
- 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.
- Achieve NC DAP Developmental Reading and English Composite Score of 136-150 or provide proof of successful completion of DRE 097.
- Achieve NC DAP score of 7 or above in DMA 010, DMA 020, and DMA 030 or provide proof of successful completion of DMA 010, DMA 020, and DMA 030 or a combination of the two.
- 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.
- Following admission, students must be certified in Healthcare Adult and Infant CPR.
- Students are admitted to the program each Fall semester
General Education
Required Courses
| ENG 102 | Applied Communications II | 3 | FA |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Major Courses
Core Required Courses
Other Major Required Courses
| BIO 106 | Intro to Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology | 3 | FA, SP |
Total Credit Hours: 45