Dental Assisting (AAS)
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College
Program CIP Code
The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting degree is 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.
See also the following additional program information:
Admissions Requirements > Dental Assisting | AAS
Attendance Policy > Dental Assisting | AAS (includes information on Clinical Phase Absenteeism and Tardiness)
Transferability of Credit > Dental Assisting section
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
The student externship agreement requires students to have the Radiation Health & Safety Certification before completing a required ten-week externship. 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.
Student Evaluation
The faculty shall use the objectives of the dental assisting program as criteria for student evaluation. The student‘s grades are determined by a combination of professionalism, written examinations, laboratory practical exams, and clinical competency checklists.
The student progresses to the next term when all prerequisite courses have been satisfactorily completed. Students must achieve a passing grade of “C” (73 numerical grade) in all DEN courses.