2022-2023 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dental Assistant, CSC


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Purpose

Provide students with the theory, skills, laboratory and clinical experience to perform as dental assistants. Prepare students for employment in dental offices, hospitals, corporations, specialty dental clinics and the public health setting. Prepare students for the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB} Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, which is recognized by all 50 states as the highest qualification for DAs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate workplace readiness skills.
  2. Obtain first aid and CPR/BLS certification
  3. Collect and record vital signs
  4. Assist with oral examinations
  5. Prepare tray set-ups for oral procedures
  6. Prepare patients and operatories for dental procedures
  7. Take radiographic images and chart findings
  8. Help dentists by transferring instruments during appointments, such as restorations (fillings), crown preparations, tooth extractions, and many other clinical procedures.
  9. Provide better visibility for dentists by using suction, retractors, and other equipment
  10. Take impressions and prepare study models
  11. Assist in maintaining accurate patient treatment records
  12. Schedule patient appointments and follow-up care
  13. Assist with patient billing, insurance, and other office tasks
  14. Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection control policies, OSHA regulations, and protocols
  15. Maintain basic equipment
  16. Keep dental and office supply inventories, while also ordering new materials
  17. Assist with patient emergencies
  18. Assist dental professionals with patient education activities and community outreach projects
  19. Assist in procedures by selecting, mixing, or providing needed materials

Employment Opportunities

Job opportunities may include working with other dental health professionals in private dental offices, hospitals, corporations, specialty dental clinics, volunteer dental events, and public health settings.

Program Requirements

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.

Admission Requirements

Dental Assistant is a competitive admissions program. The deadline to submit a program application to the spring cohort is October 15th. Please visit www.mecc.edu to apply for program admission. Travel to clinical assignments and to the Center for Workforce and innovation in Appalachia (CWIA) is required. The following immunizations, checks, and screenings are also required:

  • Proof & record of three Hepatitis B vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer
  • Proof & record of two MMR vaccines OR proof of immunity by titer
  • Proof & record of negative TB test (two-step)
  • Proof & record of seasonal flu shot (current season)
  • Proof & record of two varicella vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer
  • Proof & record of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer
  • Passing of criminal and sexual background checks and drug screen
  • Proof and record of two Hepatitis A vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer
    • The first in the series must be started within the past six months
  • Proof and record of current health insurance coverage
  • Voluntary disclosure of COVID-19 vaccination status

For Further Information, Contact:

Dr. Emily Bowen, DDS, Program Director

ebowen@mecc.edu

276.523.9008

Kim Dorton, Dean

kdorton@mecc.edu

276.523.9014

Program of Study


Students Earn AHA BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR Certification, AHA Heartsaver OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Certification, and AHA Heartsaver First Aid Certification


Students Eligible to Take the Work Ethic Proficiency Certification Exam


Students Eligible for Dental Assisting National Board Radiation and Health Safety (RHS) Certification Exam


Students Eligible for Dental Assisting National Board Nelda Exam (National Entry Level Dental Assistant


Total Program Credits: 28


Notes and Additional Curriculum Options

Please see an advisor for more information.

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