Dental Assisting, Associate of Applied Science

Program Overview

The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting designed to facilitate the development of each student into a competent dental assistant. The program regards each student as an active participant bringing a variety of individual needs and attributes to the educational process. The program is committed to preparing the dental assistant students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers who will be prepared to contribute to the body of knowledge in dental assisting. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work under the direction and supervision of a dentist.

Program Outcomes

• Acquire knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment for patients and dental staff. Illustrate competency in the parts and sciences pertinent to dental assisting.
• Attain skills in chairside, clinical, practice management, radiographic and laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the American Dental Assisting Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional conduct and its importance to the profession of dental assisting.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Examination.
• Participate in dental community events and learning opportunities.

For additional information about the program outcomes, please see the Student Consumer Information (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/medical/program/dental-assistant-associate-degree/ ) which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see Information About the University on the ECPI website (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/services/about-ecpi-university/ )

In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting.

About Dental Assisting

The dental assistant’s responsibility can involve clinical and/or administrative duties. Graduates of the dental assistant program may be directly involved in patient care as “chairside” assistants. Other duties of a dental assistant may include performing lab work; sterilizing and disinfecting rooms and instruments; answering phones; filing charts; scheduling patients; charting, taking and processing X-rays; ordering supplies; and maintaining dental equipment.

Background checks, drug screening, and security clearances are not typically required for employment. Proof of negative chest x-ray, proof of tetanus and Hepatitis B titer, and proof of current CPR training are recommended but not required for employment.

The Dental Assistant can choose to work in private practice dental offices, public health facilities, and VA hospitals in a variety of dental specialty areas.

Recommended Certifications

Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages student to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Entry-level dental assistants should retain CPR certification and pass the Dental Assisting National Board Exams, Infection Control and Radiation Health and Safety. A National DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) is required to take dental x-rays. Certified Dental Assistant and Registered Dental Assistant (CDA/RDA) are recommended certifications.

Program Outline

To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting, the student must earn 64 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of four semesters or 60 weeks of instruction. The Program requirements are as follows:

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

36 semester credit hours

Arts and Sciences

21 semester credit hours

Self Integration and Computer Literacy

7 semester credit hours

Total of 1,260 contact hours