Program Start Date: Fall term
Minimum Program Length: 58 academic weeks; 4 consecutive terms day; 50 credits
Program ID: DASC.DA
Curriculum Code: 15202
Program Description
Expanded duty dental assisting students develop skills to receive and to prepare the patient for treatment, to prepare dental instrument setups, and to assist a licensed dentist in the treatment of patients. As an office manager, the dental assistant is a liaison between the dentist and patients.
Practical Experience
Students work in a simulated dental office in the second and third semesters on campus to gain clinical skills. Clinical experience is gained during last semester by rotations in local dental offices.
Professional Opportunities
Chairside dental assistant, receptionist, oral surgery assistant, orthodontic assistant, pediatric dental assistant, endodontist assistant, periodontist assistant and office manager
Unique Aspects
A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing Policy section of the SCC webpage.
Graduates will meet the eligibility requirements to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB), a national certification exam to become certified dental assistants. The Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program is accredited without reporting by: American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, (312) 440-4653, www.ada.org
EEDA Career Cluster:
Health Sciences
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to recall, apply, and analyze patient data.
- Prepare instruments, materials and treatment rooms for use in general and specialty procedures.
- Perform both professionally and ethically in direct patient care.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the skills and procedures required of a dental assistant in a professional/clinical setting.
- Demonstrate the ability to speak publicly, listen actively and respond effectively.
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