Dental Assisting
Curriculum Description
The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chair side 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 experience provides 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 2016
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 110 | Principles of Biology     |
3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| DEN 101 | Preclinical Procedures | 4 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| DEN 110 | Orofacial Anatomy | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Totals
Class Hours: 13
Lab/Shop Hours: 14
Clinical/WBL Hours: 0
Credit Hours: 19
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN 102 | Dental Materials NEW VERSION 2016FA | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| DEN 103 | Dental Sciences | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 104 | Dental Health Education | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| DEN 105 | Practice Management | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DEN 106 | Clinical Practice I NEW VERSION 2016FA |
2 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
Totals
Class Hours: 10
Lab/Shop Hours: 6
Clinical/WBL Hours: 12
Credit Hours: 17
Summer Term
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN 107 | Clinical Practice II |
1 | 0 | 12 | 5 |
Select one:
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COM 110 OR |
Introduction to Communication |
(3) | (0) | (0) | (3) |
| COM 120 OR |
Intro Interpersonal Com |
(3) | (0) | (0) | (3) |
| COM 231 OR |
Public Speaking |
(3) | (0) | (0) | (3) |
| ENG 115 | Oral Communication | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Select one:
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 118 OR |
Interpersonal Psychology | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Totals
Class Hours: 7
Lab/Shop Hours: 0
Clinical/WBL Hours: 12
Credit Hours: 11
Total Credit Hours: 47
Legend
- : Comprehensive Articulation Agreement - This course is recommended for students transferring to a four-year university.
- : Local Requirement
- : Instructional Service Agreement
- : Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC)
- : Global Distinction
- : Requisite(s)
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.
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.
*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
