The CT State-Tunxis program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Students will learn chairside dental assisting and related office and laboratory procedures allowed by State law under the direction and supervision of the dentist.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of all Dental Assisting Certificate Program requirements, graduates will:
- Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills necessary to obtain an entry level position as a dental assistant.
- Exhibit the integrity, ethics, and professionalism that are necessary to ensure the delivery of quality dental care to a diverse population
- Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication.
- Complete all three components of the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to earn the national distinction of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
- Explore current dental assisting employment opportunities.
- Be encouraged to stay current in dental procedures, skills, and technology through active participation in professional associations and continued education.
- Students’ complete requirements at The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, community health centers/clinics, or private dental practices, which often lead to employment opportunities. The program prepares the students to be qualified and able to take the Dental Assisting National Board examinations to become Certified Dental Assistants.
- Be prepared for the Radiation Health and Safety and the Infection Control Exam components of the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to be qualified for Dental Assisting employment
Waiver of Licensure Guarantee
Upon successful completion of the certificate program in Dental Assisting, the graduate is eligible to take the General Chairside Dental Assisting National Board exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant. Students must pass all three components (Infection Control Examination; Radiation Health and Safety Examination; and the General Chairside Examination) of the Dental Assisting National Board to become a Certified Dental Assistant.
Dental assistants in Connecticut must successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board’s Infection Control exam or an infection control competency assessment administered by a Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA) accredited dental education program in Connecticut. Dental assistants in Connecticut must also successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board’s Radiation Health and Safety exam to legally expose patients for radiographic imaging.
Students/Candidates who live/work or plan to live/work outside of Connecticut should verify the licensing/credentialing required for dental assistants in that state to ensure that credentialing will be accepted. We suggest that you research the Dental Assisting National Board’s website listings that provide requirements for each state. The Dental Assisting National Board webpage link is provided below for your convenience.
https://www.danb.org/Home/Meet%20State%20Requirements/State%20Specific%20Information.aspx
Special Admission Requirements:
Dental Assisting Certificate Program Application deadline is June 1st (prior to the Fall semester for which you wish to be considered for the program). It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that his/her file is complete to be considered for admission into the Program. Detailed information regarding selective admisson events and deadlines is available on the CT State Selective Admissions Webpage.
As a Selective Admissions Program, it is strongly suggested that candidates submit their application material early for review and consideration for initial Program admission. At a minimum, candidates should submit their application material at least 3 weeks in advance of the deadline to ensure timely receipt. A maximum of 24 applicants will be offered a position in the class.
All students who have not completed the equivalent of English Composition (ENG 1010 ) must place into the ENG 1010 course level to have their program applications considered.
A GPA of 2.0 or better is required for entry into the program.
The CT State-Tunxis Dental Assisting Program is approved as an Eligible Training Provider (ETP) through the Connecticut Department of Labor under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Dental Assisting Application Process for Admission
Attendance at a Dental Assisting information session is required. For information on upcoming information sessions and to reserve a seat, visit the CT State Selective Admissions Webpage. Information sessions are held throughout the year. However, it is recommended that students attend an information session in the fall prior to the June 1st deadline to learn about the Tunxis Dental Assisting program, application process and requirements, and careers in dental assisting. Students must “sign in” at the session to receive credit for attendance. All applicants must submit the following to the Admissions Office:
- Completed Connecticut State Community College Application
- Dental Assisting program application.
- Proof of immunization: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV), Covid
- Proof of high school completion in the form of General Education Development Test (GED), diploma, or transcript.
- If applicable, have your “official” college or university transcripts sent directly from the schools to Tunxis. Transcripts must be official.
Students must have the following abilities: The following additional essential functions are also expected of all students with or without accommodations. Students must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the job without endangering patients or other health care workers. Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodation.
- proficiency in their use of the English language and must possess effective oral and written skills in order to accurately transmit appropriate information to patients/clients, faculty, colleagues, and other healthcare workers
- gross and fine motor skills sufficient to lift, position, and operate equipment
- interpersonal skills such that they are capable of interacting with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds
- the physical mobility necessary to move from place to place in small spaces as well as full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity
- physical endurance that enables them to stay on task for a prolonged period while sitting, standing, or moving
- a high degree of hand-eye coordination
- auditory ability and other sensory skills must be sufficient to monitor and assess the health needs and diagnose the oral conditions of patients as well as maintain patient safety
- visual acuity and adequate spatial perception
- intact proprioception (the ability to sense pressure/force)
- present a professional appearance, attitude, and performance level
Criminal Background Checks
Some clinical learning sites require students to undergo a background check for felony convictions. Background checks are initiated in the fall semester to be completed prior to the spring semester clinical externship experiences. Students are informed of this requirement during information sessions, program orientation, and handbook policy. The paperwork is initiated during the DNAS 1042 Research Seminar for the Dental Assistant .
Students who do not pass the background check may be excluded from the clinical site and may not be able to meet the competencies required for the program. The ability to obtain a license/credentials/certification may be affected due to a felony conviction.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation may be contacted at 312.440.2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Other Requirements
As a health care professional/student, you are at an increased risk of contracting blood borne infectious diseases. The Program is not responsible for any medical cost associated with you contracting any communicable disease during or prior to your education and/or participation in Tunxis Dental Assisting Program sponsored functions. If you contract a blood borne infectious disease before or during your enrollment, appropriate health experts must be consulted to determine your ability to treat patients.
A GPA of 2.0 or better is required for progression in the program.
Immunizations
In addition to the CT State College Community College immunization requirements, students are required to have additional immunizations (Hepatitis B, Tetanus). Tuberculosis testing is required. Students will receive a packet of the information at the time of acceptance into Tunxis Dental Assisting Program and available in student handbook.
Dental Services
Evening appointments are only available from September to May.
Services are provided at the UCONN School of Dental Medicine.
Dental services are determined after a dental exam and based upon patient/client needs. The procedures may include prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, x-rays, sealants, nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instructions, and oral cancer screenings. All clients in need of additional dental care beyond the scope of dental hygiene practice receive a referral.
All students are supervised by faculty who are licensed dental professionals.
The clinic accepts all patients/clients who meet the educational needs of the program. The dental hygiene clinic accepts direct pay, as well as Husky.
To make an appointment in this clinic please email Dental Scheduler or call 860-773-1681 Monday through Thursday, during the academic year which is August 25 to May 1.