Dental Assisting Program

Tutorial for completing Background Check & Drug Screening This is to be completed only when you are accepted into the program

Dental Assistants are valuable members of the dental care team whose duties are among the most comprehensive and diverse in the dental office.  Dental assistants must possess interpersonal and technical skills to fulfill a variety of position responsibilties which may include:  assisting the dentist chairside during treatment procedures, taking and development dental radiographs, disinfecting and sterilizing instruments, mixing materials and taking impressions of teeth, obtaining and documenting dental histories, teaching patients about oral health, and performing office and managerial duties.

Most dental assistants are employed by general or speciality dental practices such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral surgery, or dental laboratories and opportunities exist with hospitals, school programs, and dental supply companies.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics, employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 31 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.  Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services.  As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed.  In May of 2010, the median annual wage of dental assistants was $33,470. 

The dental assisting program at Calhoun Community College has a 35+ year history of preparing students for successful entry into the profession.  Theory and skills are taught in the classroom and campus laboratory and students obtain hands-on experiences in private dental offices across north Alabama.  Upon successful program completion, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Dental Assisting Certification Examination and after one year of successful employment in a dental office in the state of Alabama the students can apply for the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program (ADHP).

Links:

*  Dental Assisting Program Mission, Vision, Philosophy, Outcomes.
*  DA Curriculum Plans
*  2013 DA Program Application
*  Contact the Dental Assisting Program
*  Frequently Asked Questions
*  Important Links

*  Photo Links: 

• Give Kids a Smile - 2011 
• Give Kids a Smile - 2010 

 _{The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) which is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  CODA is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental education program and will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with accreditation standards.  A copy of the appropriate standards and procedures for submission fo complaints by contacting:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
800-621-8099, extension 4653}