Give them something to smile about by becoming a dental assistant
Under the direct supervision of dentists, the dental assistant is responsible for assisting with patient care, performing minor lab functions and providing administrative support for the office.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental assisting is expected to grow by over 36 percent over the next few years. ACC’s Dental Assistant program is helping meet this demand by training you in the field of dental health and preparing you to work in all areas of a dental office.
In the ACC Dental Assistant program, you will gain the skills you need to take the State of Texas Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam, and enter into an entry-level position in the dental industry.
Dental Assistant Program
The ACC Dental Assistant Program consists of 8 progression courses which total 513 classroom and lab hours. The two scheduled options for the program are designed to help accommodate students with families or those who are currently working.
Click here for the Dental Assistant Program Application Packet
For admission to the Dental Assistant Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a health form (see application packet)
- Be current in health care vaccinations
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be able to effectively communicate orally and in-writing
- Have manual dexterity to use dental instruments effectively
- Be physically able to stand for prolonged periods and maneuver in limited spaces
- Submit completed application one month prior to orientation meeting
- Attend the mandatory orientation meeting two weeks prior to the first day of classes
Dental Assistant Courses
CEDNTA 1011 Dental Science and General Anatomy*
The Dental Science and General Anatomy course presents the study of dental terminology, morphology, histology, and oral embryology. Students learn the basic structure and function of human anatomy with special emphasis on the head and neck. It prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making, and for professional communication with colleagues and patients.
CEDNTA 1015 Dental Chairside Assisting*
An introduction to pre-clinical chairside assisting procedures, instrumentation, infection and hazard control protocol, equipment safety and maintenance. The Chairside Assisting course prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology and restorations, and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restorations, and cosmetic restorations. Students will develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing, and flossing techniques and dental procedures using lay terminology.
CEDNTA 1013 Dental Health Safety and Emergency Management*
The Dental Health Safety and Emergency Management course prepares dental assistant students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, to control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students address maintenance of emergency kits, and will learn to take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories.
*These are first level courses for the Dental Assistant Program.
A completed application and mandatory orientation meeting is required for admission and registration.
CEDNTA 1002 Professionalism in the Dental Office**
This course prepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or in another dental health care environment. It is a pre-requisite course prior to the clinical visits. Students develop professional appearance and image, while learning life skills for their personal management. The course instructs on the lessons of working within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks, in preparation for entering the dental workforce. Dental assistant students will develop and customize their resumes, learn the importance of job search and lay out an on-going professional development plan.
CEDNTA 1042 Intermediate Dental Assisting Applications**
The Intermediate Dental Assisting course prepares dental assistant students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. Students will develop and learn an in-depth study of assisting techniques with emphasis on four-handed dentistry, utilization of tray set-ups for specific procedures and expand the necessary skills to utilize materials. Expanded also, is to take alginate impressions and clean removable appliances.
CEDNTA 1005 Dental Radiology**
The Dental Radiography course prepares dental assisting students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. The history of radiology theory will be presented including physics, radiation protection, operation of radiographic equipment, darkroom procedures, and exposure techniques. Specific safety and universal/standard precautions for the radiology lab will be practiced.
**These are second level courses for the Dental Assistant Program.
**Current enrollment of level one courses in the Dental Assistant Program is necessary for registration.
This course prepares dental assistant students to manage telephones, personal relations, appointments, recall systems, appointment scheduling and inventory. Students also develop the skills needed to process accounts receivable, accounts payable, collection, and third party reimbursements.
CEDNTA 1064 Dental Assisting - PRACTICUM ***
This course allows the student clinical experience, as outlined in the learning plan, to apply and integrate the core information and skills acquired thus far in the dental program into professional settings. During interactions at clinical sites among patients, the student will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology found in the dental field and skills outlined in the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Supervision is provided by the clinical coordinator and professional affiliates.
Note: Part-time/evening students will be required to attend day-time sessions of this class.
***These are third level courses for the Dental Assistant Program.
***Completion of levels one and two in the Dental Assistant Program is necessary for registration.
Program Investment
The approximate cost of the ACC Dental Assistant Program is $3,324.00*.
*This does not include fees, books, or a CPR certification course.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
To learn more about tuition assistance call 281-756-3787.
*Approximate costs were calculated using in-district tuition rates. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
Dental Assisting Orientation / FREE Information Session
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
6:30pm - 7:30pm
H116
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
6:30pm - 7:30pm
H116
Upcoming Classes:
ALVIN CAMPUS
Evening Program - Continuation of Fall 2011 Program
Professionalism in the Dental Office
Course No. Date(s) Time Day Room Instructor
CEDNTA 1002 01 01/11/2012 - 05/30/2012 06:30PM - 09:30PM W H116 L Davis
Fee(s): Tuition IN $390.00 Tuition OD 410.00 Other Fees $33.00
Dental Radiology
CEDNTA 1005 01 02/21/2012 - 08/14/2012 06:30PM - 09:30PM T H116 M Abraham
Fee(s): Tuition IN $516.00 Tuition OD $536.00 Other Fees $75.00
Intermediate Dental Assisting Applications
CEDNTA 1042 01 02/23/2012 - 05/31/2012 06:30PM - 09:30PM TH H116 M Lopez
Fee(s): Tuition IN $390.00 Tuition OD $410.00 Other Fees $75.00
Practicum - Dental Assisting
CEDNTA 1064 01 04/30/2012 - 08/15/2012 TBA TBA TBA M Abraham
Fee(s): Tuition IN $488.00 Tuition OD $508.00 Other Fees $146.00
Day Program
Dental Health Safety and Emergency Management
Course No. Date(s) Time Day Room Instructor
CEDNTA 1013 02 01/10/2012 - 02/23/2012 09:00AM - 12:00PM TTH H116 L Davis
Fee(s): Tuition IN $380.00 Tuition OD $400.00 Other Fees $55.00
Dental Science and General Anatomy
CEDNTA 1011 02 01/10/2012 - 03/29/2012 01:30PM - 04:00PM TTH H116 L Davis
Fee(s): Tuition IN $390.00 Tuition OD $410.00 Other Fees $35.00
Chairside Assisting
CEDNTA 1015 02 01/13/2012 - 04/27/2012 08:30AM - 02:30PM F H116 D Hartley
Fee(s): Tuition IN $420.00 Tuition OD $440.00 Other Fees $85.00
Professionalism in the Dental Office
CEDNTA 1002 02 03/01/2012 - 06/28/2012 09:00AM - 12:30PM TH H116 L Davis
Fee(s): Tuition IN $390.00 Tuition OD $410.00 Other Fees $33.00
Dental Radiology
CEDNTA 1005 02 04/02/2012 - 10/01/2012 09:00AM - 12:00PM M H116 M Abraham
Fee(s): Tuition IN $516.00 Tuition OD $536.00 Other Fees $75.00
Intermediate Dental Assisting Applications
CEDNTA 1042 02 05/04/2012 - 06/15/2012 08:00AM - 03:00PM F H116 M Lopez
Fee(s): Tuition IN $390.00 Tuition OD 410.00 Other Fees $75.00
Dental Office Management and Procedures
CEDNTA 1052 02 04/30/2012 - 09/24/2012 01:00PM - 03:30PM M H116 L Davis
Fee(s): Tuition IN $350.00 Tuition OD $370.00 Other Fees $30.00
To learn more about this ACC program, contact Leigh Davis at ldavis@alvincollege.edu or call 281-756-3820.
