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 specialty practices or public health clinics. Graduates will be prepared to assist during procedures, expose dental radiographs, perform laboratory procedures and perform front office 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.  In order to be eligible for this program, the following prerequisites must be met: successful completion of ENG* 101  and  MAT* 109  or higher, and attendance at a Dental Assistant information session held at the college.  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

Manchester Community College’s thirty-six credit Dental Assistant certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association.

Curriculum

The program begins each September and includes two semesters of preclinical study and laboratory work.  Courses include the study of dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, chairside assisting, materials, oral health promotion, and practice management.  In addition, students are required to obtain 300 hours of clinical training at area dental offices and clinics on a part-time basis during the second semester, and a full-time basis during the  summer session until the requirement is met. 

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 the Dental Assistant Program Director 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) examinations. It is a requirement that all dental assistants exposing radiographs in the state of Connecticut possess radiation health and safety certification through DANB. 

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