Dental Assisting DAS.S.STC
Short-term Technical Certificate - 17 Credit Hours
Division: Health Sciences
Department: Dental Health Sciences
Effective as of Fall 2015
A career in dental assisting offers variety, flexibility, a great working environment and the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the well being of others. Dental assistants increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care. If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind and want a career with responsibility, dental assisting is for you. Here at Sinclair Community College we offer you the most comprehensive and varied interpersonal and technical skills available. The dental assistant is a valuable member of the dental care team.
What is the program about?
The student will be introduced to the fundamentals of working in a dental office as a chair-side dental assistant. Concepts and techniques of basic equipment, four-handed dentistry, oral evacuation, instrument identification, and proper use are discussed. Introduction to dental specialties are discussed. Oral examination, charting, medical and dental histories, sterilization, lab, and infection control procedures are emphasized. You are encouraged to complete Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Health Care Provider (or ALH 1130 - Basic Life Support Training for Healthcare Provider) prior to entry to the Dental Assisting program. However, you can take it the first semester. Note: ALH 1130 will be waived for anyone with proof of American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support, see Academic Advising. Upon completion of this short-term certificate the graduate will be eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologies RDA examination. Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with patients, healthcare providers and the public regarding the significance of dental care and overall health.
- Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of dental assisting care, including the ability to make ethical decisions and apply critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrate competence in the provision of contemporary dental assisting services.
Career Opportunities
Career options may vary according to state practice act restrictions. Dental assistants have a variety of career opportunities in a wide range of employment settings, including private practice, specialty practice, hospitals, HMO's, community health programs, school systems, dental product research, military bases, and secondary education settings.
Prerequisites
- Approval of Department
- and GPA of 2.0 or higher
- and Completion of SCC Distance Learning Course
- and Completed Program Application
Credentials
Upon completion of the Sinclair Dental Assisting certificate program, students are eligible to sit for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification through American Medical Technologies.
Additional Information
Hybrid Courses consist of online classes and one or two days per week of on-campus Lab depending on the semester. Learn more about the different types of courses.
