More information: Dental Assisting C
PURPOSE
The Dental Assisting Certificate program prepares students to perform critical services under supervision of a dentist:
- Chairside assistance, including preparation of impression and restorative materials
- Exposing and processing intraoral or extraoral dental radiographs
- Laboratory and office management procedures
- Dental health education
- Recognition of emergencies
- Patient care as authorized by the Virginia Board of Dentistry
Graduates qualify for the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Examination upon program completion.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES
This program is designed to provide essential technological and practical knowledge required for a dental assistant to perform efficiently in a dental office. Training experiences in nearby dental clinics and private dental offices are provided.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Program graduates integrate and apply knowledge from across the curriculum in a fast-paced, real-world dental clinic and demonstrate:
- Knowledge and skills of dental radiographic exposures
- Aseptic techniques and infection control
- Patient care and clinical support skills including recording, charting, impressions, and tray set-ups
- Professional ethics and behavior including integrity, respect for privacy, and commitment to professional growth
- Effective chairside assisting skills including assisting with extractions, endodontic treatment, amalgam and composite restorations, and rubber dam placement
All students enrolled in program participate in all assessments. Lab competency skills workbook and competency in DNA 190 ; competency skills checklist in and DNA 196 .
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- General college curricular admission
ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must complete placement testing and submit their official high school transcript, GED, or certificate of completion of home schooling to the Office of Admissions, and college transcripts (if applicable) to the Office of the Registrar.
PROGRAM NOTES
Program enrollment is limited. Admitted students will be approved for entry into major/clinical courses (DNA 100 and higher) when they have satisfied these requirements:
- Complete general education prerequisites (SDV 101 , ENG 111 , HLT 105 , ITE 152 , and PSY 230 ) before receiving approval to enroll in the DNA courses (DNA 100 or higher)
- Earn grades of C or better in all general education courses
- Contact the department chair for information if general education courses have been completed at another institution
- Complete prerequisite courses prior to the semester (spring or fall) the student plans to begin program
- Complete enrollment interview by June 30 (for fall enrollment) or September 30 (for spring enrollment)
- Submit a complete Student Health Form before registering for the first semester of courses (form will be obtained during the interview with the department chair)
Any student whose final grade falls below C, in any course, must obtain permission from the department chair to continue the major in Dental Assisting. Students are responsible for transportation to and from facilities used for clinical experiences unless otherwise determined by the department chair. DNA courses are sequential.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Due to increase in program enrollment, the number of DNA courses a student can enroll may not meet the full-time status for financial aid. In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the Dental Assisting program requires:
Dental Assisting C: Additional Costs (costs listed are approximate)
| Textbooks |
$412 |
| Uniforms, lab coat, safety glasses, name tag, physical exam, immunizations, and Hepatitis B Vaccine series |
$400 |
| Background check |
$58.00 |
| Student membership in the ADAA* |
$75 (increases annually upon expiration of student membership) |
| DANB Certification Exam* |
$450 |
* Optional expenses
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
Students entering the Dental Assisting program must possess the physical ability to aid in lifting and moving supplies and patients; hear verbal communication and equipment sounds; discern shades of color; interact effectively with instructors, patients, and clinical and external personnel; and demonstrate manual dexterity to manipulate materials.
These essential functions are all validated on the Student Health Form and include sufficient:
Eyesight
- Observe small objects inside and outside the mouth
- Read procedures manuals, records, and computers
- Manipulate materials
Hearing
- Communicate with instructors, patients, and dental staff
- Monitor and operate equipment
Communication
- Ability to effectively understand and communicate in English in a timely manner
Motor Skills
- Ability to exhibit excellent eye-hand skills
- Dexterity sufficient to manipulate materials, equipment, and instruments
- Coordination in lifting, stooping, walking, and bending
Physical Strength and Endurance
- Sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Move heavy equipment and supplies
- Walk, bend, and reach
Intellectual Skills
- Demonstrate emotional, psychological health and functioning to ensure instructor, patient, and dental staff safety
- Exercise independent judgment and discretion to perform assigned tasks
- Use time management skills to effectively attend to multiple priorities and operate in a fast-paced setting
- Apply critical thinking skills and comprehension of detailed instructions to effectively operate in a dental setting
Clinical facilities used by the program may mandate additional requirements for students including, but not limited to, dress, body jewelry and tattoo codes, and conformance with professional standards. Students will be informed prior to clinical rotations of any additional requirements.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background checks are required prior to entering clinical rotations. Details concerning cost and vendor use will be provided during the interview appointment. Students who are aware of any potential problems in their backgrounds must discuss these with the department chair; continuation within and graduation from the program may be affected.
PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAM
Reynolds offers this program in affiliation with the healthcare agencies and practitioners in the communities the college serves. The college relies on its community affiliates to provide clinical education opportunities for its students, expert clinical preceptors, and course instructors for many courses. The often-rapid changes in healthcare law, standards of practice, technology, and content of credentialing examinations increasingly necessitate sudden changes in the program’s course content, policies, procedures, and course scheduling. As a result, Reynolds cannot guarantee every student continuous and uninterrupted clinical and course instruction as outlined in the printed catalog curriculum for this program. Circumstances beyond Reynolds’ control may necessitate postponement of course offerings or changes in the sequencing and/or location of scheduled courses or clinical assignments. Additionally, Reynolds may have to change the instructor for courses after instruction has started.
COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT
Students in this program will meet the Reynolds computer competency requirement by successfully completing ITE 152 . Students can also meet this requirement by passing the Reynolds Computer Competency Exam, administered in the Testing Centers on each campus, in which case they will receive college credit for ITE 152 . Students not passing the Computer Competency Exam may retake the exam only once.
PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
The Dental Assisting C program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Commission on Dental Accreditation: 312-440-4653, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
