Dental Assistant Certificate

Program Description

The CT State Manchester Dental Assistant program 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.

Program design prepares students for a career as a dental assistant through the combination of a science and clinically based curriculum. Dental assistant clinical and laboratory sessions are taught to competency and designed to adhere to the CODA (Commission of Dental Accreditation) Standards and the mandates in the Connecticut Dental Practice Act. Dental assistant students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) as integral members of a dental health team. This full-time program can be completed in 10 months.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Dental Assistant Certificate Program requirements, graduates will:

1. Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills necessary to obtain an entry level position as a dental assistant.
2. Exhibit the integrity, ethics, and professionalism that are necessary to ensure the delivery of quality dental care to a diverse population.
3. Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication.
4. Complete all three components of the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to earn the national distinction of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
5. Explore current dental assistant employment opportunities.
6. Be encouraged to stay current in dental procedures, skills, and technology through active participation in professional associations and continued education.

At Connecticut State Community College Manchester campus, students practice clinical procedures in an on-site, state-of-the-art, dental office setting that includes three treatment rooms complete with digital x-ray, electronic patient records and an instrument processing area. Courses include the study of dental anatomy dental, radiography, infection control, chairside assisting, dental materials, oral health promotion, and practice management. In addition, students complete a minimum of 300 hours, at a dental educational clinical site and at private dental practices.

Due to standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), students are advised that the healthcare facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations may require that they submit to a criminal background check before beginning their clinical experiences. Connecticut State Community College Manchester campus cannot be responsible for finding an alternate clinical placement for a student who fails to pass the background check. Students are advised to meet with the Dental Assistant Program Director to discuss degree completion requirements. A physical examination and current immunizations are required of all students prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students are responsible for parking fees; uniforms; clinical supplies and miscellaneous expenses.

The program prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examinations. Graduates will be eligible to take the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), and General Chairside (GC) examinations. Upon successful completion of the three examinations, students will be awarded the credentials of “Certified Dental Assistants.” (CDA.).

Selective Admission Process

The program relies on a selective admission process which uses specific admissions criteria. To be eligible for this program, the following prerequisites must be met, eligibility for ENG 1010 Composition and MATH 1000 Mathematics of Finance or higher, and attendance at a dental assistant information session held at the college. Due to extensive academic coverage of patient care and human relations, admission criteria require that the students must meet eligibility or the equivalent for PSY 1011 General Psychology I, BIO 1100 Principles of the Human Body, and COMM 1301 Public Speaking. Interested candidates will be expected to have a history of academic success. Admission to the Dental Assistant program requires a separate application and an interview process. Detailed information regarding selective admission events and deadlines is available on the CT State Selective Admissions Webpage.

Students have the option of taking the prerequisite courses at any of the Connecticut State Community College campuses.

Dental Assistant Program applicants are informed that there is an increased risk for the occurrence of occupational bloodborne exposure for healthcare professionals who treat patients in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Applicants are provided access to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA), Bloodborne Pathogens Standard with the requirements to minimize risk of exposure in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1030. https://www.osha.gov/ SLTC/bloodborne pathogens/index.html.

Certificate Requirements