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Nov 23, 2024
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Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog 2011-12 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Dental Assisting
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Associate in Science
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association/Lowell Campus - Day, Starts Fall Semester Only
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Program Description:
The Dental Assisting Associate in Science degree program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to assist at chairside in the dental environment. The program prepares students to perform clinical supportive procedures, some clinical procedures on patients (such as oral-health instruction), to perform laboratory procedures, and basic office procedures. Students also gain knowledge into the legal provisions and regulations pertinent to the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act and dental auxiliary utilization. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam, which awards the credential of Certified Dental Assistant. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in small clinical and lab settings, as well as through the internship experience and Service-Learning activities.
Career and Transfer Outlook:
Typically, graduates gain employment in private and group dental practices. Entry-level salary is around $16 to $20 an hour. There is a high demand for qualified and credentialed dental assistants. In Massachusetts, dental assistants must be certified in radiology in order to take X-rays at their place of employment.
Helpful Hints:
Students should consider taking many of their general education/non-dental courses prior to entry into the Dental Assisting program in the fall.
Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the Dental Assisting program are prepared to:
- Enter the workforce as an entry-level dental assistant with the knowledge and technical skills needed to be successful while assisting in any dental environment, emergency or otherwise;
- Communicate professionally and effectively with patients, employers and colleagues;
- Accurately record dental/medical data into a dental record and/or chart;
- Provide care with empathy for patients;
- Practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of the dental assisting profession;
- Accept responsibility for professional growth by participating in continuing education and membership in the American Dental Assistants Association.
Requirements After Admission to Dental Assisting
- Students must have transportation available to them for travel to the program’s internships.
- Students must submit the Student Health Record form, provided by Middlesex Community College, to the Health Service Office. Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, and proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus/Diphtheria (within last ten years) and one lifetime dose of Tdap, Hepatitis B and Varicella. Students born in the United States before January 1, 1957 will be considered immune to Measles, Mumps and Rubella and exempt from the MMR vaccine requirement. Students born in the United States before January 1, 1980 will be considered immune to Varicella (chicken pox) and exempt from the Varicella requirement.
- Earn and submit a current certification in CPR at the Health Care Provider-level which is valid for the entire academic year and renewed annually.
- Students are responsible for purchase of instruments, uniforms and professional textbooks.
- Students must arrange for a patient to be present for clinical courses when required.
- In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check.
Standard/Technical Skills Notice:
To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (www.middlesex.mass.edu) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.
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Admission to Dental Assisting Associate Degree in Science
Required Course Prerequisites
- High school or college general mathematics
- High school or college biology
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Required Grade
C
C
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Required Testing
- Current scores on the college placement test that show readiness for ENG 071, and a reading score of 68. Students are also required to take the math placement test to determine appropriate placement for the math requirements in the program. Testing must be completed before admission and within one year of the application deadline.
Required Documents
- Admission Application
- Dental Assisting Admission Requirements Certification Form
Admission Notes
- Preference is given to Massachusetts residents.
- Students applying to Dental Assisting are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Deadline
- Priority consideration is given to applications, including all requirements, received by March 1. Applications received after the deadline date will be considered on a space-available basis.
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Total Credits: 63
*Completion of Modules 1-8 in MAT 001 and/or MAT 002 will NOT satisfy this requirement
** If math, completion of Modules 1-8 in MAT 001 and/or MAT 002 will NOT satisfy this requirement
♦ Fulfills the Core Curriculum
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