Dental Assisting
Curriculum Description
The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.
Course work includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provide students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.
Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.
The following represents one way in which the diploma can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.
Diploma
D45240 REVISED
NC CIP: 51.0601
Day
POS Approved: Fall 2022
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 163 | Basic Anat & Physiology | 4 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| DEN 100 | Basic Orofacial Anatomy | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 101 | Preclinical Procedures | 4 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total: | 14 | 11 | 0 | 19 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN 102 | Dental Materials | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| DEN 103 | Dental Sciences | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 104 | Dental Health Education | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| DEN 106 | Clinical Practice I | 2 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| Total: | 8 | 6 | 12 | 15 |
Summer Term
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN 105 | Practice Management | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 107 | Clinical Practice II | 1 | 0 | 12 | 5 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Select one: | |||||
| Interpersonal Psychology | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| OR | |||||
| General Psychology | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Total: | 9 | 0 | 12 | 13 | |
Total Credit Hours: 47
Additional Information
Additional admissions requirements:
- High school diploma with completion of high school or college credits in biology and algebra.
- Completion of program orientation requirements.
- Overall grade point average of 2.0 on those courses completed at Forsyth Tech and listed as program course requirements.
- Completion of the Forsyth Tech Student Medical Form (includes an eye and dental examination).
Program Information
This program has limited enrollment and has deadline requirements. Students are chosen by a selective admissions process based on grades earned in required related courses (i.e., biology, communications and psychology). The Admissions Office can provide additional information on the selection process. Dental Assisting students are required to maintain a C average in both lecture and laboratory in order to satisfactorily complete any course in the program. Students making a D or F in any course within the program of study will not be allowed to continue in the full-time DAII program.
Accreditation does require a specific number of class, lab and clinical hours for the student to graduate, so there are strict attendance rules. If the student surpasses the allowed number of hours missed, they will be dropped from the program and will have to reapply for the next year. Readmission may be possible but requires reapplying and approval by the college.
Graduates will be eligible to take the DANB to become certified Dental Assistants and will attempt the DANB as a part of program requirements during the final semester in the program.
*Students should select this course if they plan on enrolling in the Dental Hygiene program.
Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening
Clinical agencies require criminal background checks and/or drug screening for students assigned to their facility for clinical education. In addition, national and/or state registry and/or licensure boards may prohibit eligibility for registry or licensure based on criminal background records. Please refer to the Health Technologies section on www.forsythtech.edu.
**Hours will vary depending on course selection.
D45240 REVISED