Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare students to perform chairside assisting, minor laboratory, and basic office procedures. Students learn the theory and skills to assist in the dental operatory through course work in the areas of chairside assisting, radiology, dental materials, dental and biomedical sciences, as well as clinical practice. Graduates can perform certain additional tasks allowing them to become productive and valued members of the dental health team. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB). After successful completion of this examination, the credential “Certified Dental Assistant” (CDA) is awarded.
Admission Requirements:
Students must:
• Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass Algebra I or appropriate placement scores.
• Pass ENG 111 College Composition I, NAS 150 Human Biology, and SDV 101 Orientation to Health Care with a grade of “B” or higher prior to admission into the program.
• Pass NAS 150 Human Biology with a “B” or higher prior to admission into the program.
• Be willing to repeat courses or to complete evaluative testing for credits earned more than ten years ago.
• View an information session located on the Dental Assisting web site www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/allied-health/dental-hygiene/index.html.
Special Accreditation Status: The Dental Assisting program maintains the status of initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students who enter a program with the status of "initial accreditation" and who successfully complete the program are considered to be graduates of an accredited program for purposes of certification and regulations as set forth by state licensing boards. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: www.ada.org/100.aspx
Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Diseases Statement: By nature of the profession, students accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program may be exposed to blood and body fluids while practicing dental hygiene skills or providing services during clinical, preclinical, and laboratory sessions. Policies and procedures have been established to ensure the working environment is safe in order to minimize disease transmission. Prospective students may request a copy of the policy on bloodborne infectious diseases by calling 703-822-6627.