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Dental Assisting Program
 The Dental Assisting Program at Calhoun Community College is designed to develop the student's cognitive, affective and psychomotor abilities to assist the dentist in a variety of skills including functioning effectively in the dental operatory, laboratory and front desk. With these skills, the student will be able to enter the workforce and advance in the dental profession.
According to information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), Dental Assisting continues to be among the "top" professions in the medical field, and the Dental Assisting program at Calhoun continues to distinguish itself as one of the best in the country. In fact, Calhoun's Dental Assisting program is among those nationally-accredited programs listed on
ADA's website. The job market for Dental Assisting students continues to be in an upward growth pattern, with over 90% of the graduates from Calhoun's program currently employed in the field. "Many of our graduates already have jobs waiting for them as soon as they complete the program," commented Pat Stueck, program director.
 Students enrolling in Calhoun's Dental Assisting Program have one of two options: those enrolled in the Certificate program may complete their studies in one year, or a student can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree by completing one year and one semester of study. Upon entrance into the program, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be eligible to take ENG 101 and MTH 100 or higher.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Dental Assisting Program, graduates will be able to:
- Utilize effective communicative skills
- Participate as a member of the dental health team in the coordination and delivery of patient care
- Teach the patient adequate nutrition as it relates to health and the teeth
- Perform four-handed assisting skills to assist the dentist in general dentistry
- Perform common laboratory procedures
- Implement beginning skills for assisting in the dental specialties
- Expose, process and mount radiographs Demonstrate skills in organizing and maintaining the secretarial assistant position.
- Assist the dentist during office emergencies
See photo of the new Health Sciences Center.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Pat Stueck
Dental Assisting Instructor
Calhoun Community College
P.O. Box 2216
Decatur, AL 35609
(256) 306-2812
E-Mail: phs@calhoun.edu
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