Dental Assistant Certificate

Program Design

The objective of the Dental Assistant Certificate Program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to obtain employment as a dental assistant in private dental practices or public health clinics. Graduates will be prepared to assist the dentist in both general dentistry and specialty chairside procedures, radiography and dental laboratory procedures along with front desk duties.  

Scholastic Preparation and Admission Process

The Dental Assistant program relies on a selective admission process, which uses specific admissions criteria. These criteria are available through the Mathematics, Science and Health Careers division office. The admission criteria require that the students are eligible for the equivalent of BIO* 115 ,  PSY* 111 , and  COM* 173  .  Interested candidates will be expected to have a history of academic success. Admission to the Dental Assistant program requires a separate application. Complete information on specific criteria for acceptance and the admission process is available from the Mathematics, Science and Health Careers division office at 860-512-2704.

Accreditation

The program is currently seeking accreditation as a new program.

Curriculum

The program begins each September and continues through two semesters. In each semester of the program, students will train at offices and clinics in conjunction with classes held at the college. All clinical training is supervised by trained clinical instructors. 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. Manchester Community College 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 an MCC Counselor to discuss degree completion requirements.

The program will prepare students for the Radiation Health and Safety and the Infection Control components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams which grant the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Although the State of Connecticut does not require dental assistants to be certified, it is a requirement that all dental assistants exposing radiographs possess radiation health and safety certification through DANB. 

A physical examination and an immunization record are required of all students prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students are responsible for parking fees; uniforms; clinical supplies and miscellaneous expenses.