Program H170106 consists of a planned sequence of courses.

Introduction to Dental Assisting - Course DEA0725 (90 hours) – Instruction covers an introduction to the dental assisting profession, basic dental health care and safety procedures, legal and ethical responsibilities of the dental health care worker, employability, communications, and interpersonal skills, basic infection control, computer literacy, CPR, and First Aid.

Dental Infection Control Assistant – Course DEA0726 (210 hours) – Content includes dental and general anatomy and terminology of clinical dentistry, infection control procedures, dental business office procedures, the proper use of dental instruments and equipment, and an introduction to clinical procedures.

Dental Assisting, 1 of 2 – Course DEA0727 (465 hours) – Content includes patient information and assessment, functions of pharmacology and anesthesia as they relate to dentistry, dental office emergencies and their prevention, dental materials, dental laboratory skills, radiology, oral health and preventive dentistry, an introduction to specialty procedures, and participation in clinical activities.

Dental Assisting, 2 of 2 – Course DEA0728 (465 hours) – Content includes dental specialty procedures, assisting in comprehensive dental care, and expanded functions for the State of Florida.

SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: A high school diploma or a GED is required for this program. Specific health occupations admission guidelines (immunizations, drug screening, background check, etc.) are available in Student Services.

Articulation Agreement(s):

• St. PetersburgCollege Dental Hygiene, A.S. Degree
• Pinellas County Schools Centers for Wellness and Medical Professions
• Statewide Industry Certification - Certified Dental Assistant to Dental Assisting Technology and Management, A.A.S./A.S. Degree

Program Accreditation:  The Dental Assisting 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; the Commission's web address is: www.ada.org/coda. 

Industry Certification(s):

• Florida Expanded Duties
• Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

Related Links:

Dental Assisting National Board - www.danb.org
American Dental Assistants Association - www.dentalassistant.org
Florida Dental Association - www.floridadental.org
Guide to Dental Careers - www.dentalcareerguide.com

Minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirement:  70%

Minimum Attendance Requirement:  80%

Basic Skills Exit Requirement for Program Completion:  Student's competency in computation (mathematics) and communication (reading/language arts) is assessed; required basic skills grade levels are: Computation - 10 and Communication - 10.

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Program length and costs are approximate, and subject to change.

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