Dental Assisting
Program Description
The Dental Assisting Program is an 11-month course of study leading to a diploma in dental assisting. Students have the option of completing an A.A.S. Degree.
The purpose of the program is to prepare graduates to aid the dentist at the chair side during examination and treatment of patients. Dental assistants may perform supportive laboratory and business office procedures.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates meet all requirements for the practice of dental assisting, are x-ray certified and coronal polishing certified in the state of Nebraska and will be prepared to sit for the national certification examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
States where licensure or certification requirements are met by this program's curriculum – Nebraska.
No determination has been made for any other State as to whether the program's curriculum does or does not meet licensure or certification requirements.
If a student from a state outside of Nebraska is interested in this program, state licensure will be investigated.
Accreditation
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by
American Dental Association
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Telephone: (312) 440-2500
Website: http://www.ada.org
Additional program costs incurred by the students include uniforms, lab fees, name tag, radiation badge fee, CPR/BLS class, and hepatitis immunizations. Students are strongly encouraged to have health insurance, but it is not required.
Admission Requirements
The Dental Assisting Program is a selective admission program. Approval for admission will be granted by the Dental Assisting Educators. Admission requirements must be met before acceptance into the program. The applicant will need to have a completed file to be accepted into the Dental Assisting Program. Please read and comply with the following admission requirements:
- Fulfill Mid-Plains Community College’s General Admission Requirements.
- Complete application to Mid-Plains Community College specifying interest in Dental Assisting.
- Submit official high school transcript or GED.
- Submit official college transcripts if other than Mid-Plains Community College.
- Complete NEXT-GEN Accuplacer testing to determine admission into the Dental Assisting Program. NEXT-GEN Accuplacer test scores of: Arithmetic 255, Reading 250, and Writing, 255.
- An applicant must arrange for a personal advising session with the Dental Assisting Program Director.
- An applicant must meet essential functions and sign form.
Program Objectives
- Perform tasks related to entry level dental assisting employment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of personal and work characteristics that contribute to effective dental assisting performance.
- Use effective communication skills appropriate to dental assisting.
- Apply the theory of dental assisting to specific jobs using critical thinking/reasoning skills while working independently.
- Use mathematical data and reasoning skills in relation to dental assisting.
- Be prepared to take external certification examination.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities include private dental offices, hospital dental departments, public nursing homes, health agencies, private clinics, dental schools, the federal government and the Armed Forces.
Recommended Electives
Students may consider classes in accounting, biology, computers, speech, health, algebra and psychology to help prepare them for employment as a dental assistant.