Program Goals:
This program prepares the student to obtain employment as a dental assistant along with the knowledge to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination in order to achieve the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation. In addition the students will be prepared to continue their studies at the Associate degree level.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program graduates will be able to:
- Obtain entry-level employment as an integral member of the dental health team within six months of graduation, or enroll in an advanced education program;
- Competently perform chair side assisting and related office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of the dentist within the guidelines of the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act;
- Demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge needed to perform dental assisting functions by successfully challenging the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Dental Assistant examination;
- Engage in intellectual and professional growth, and appreciate the need for life-long learning activities to meet the changing needs and demands of the profession by maintaining CDA status and actively participating in the local chapter of the American Dental Assistants Association.
Admissions Process:
Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions [at] qcc [dot] mass [dot] edu .Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at the following link: http://www.qcc.edu/pages/Enrollment_Steps.html
CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:
A Criminal Offenders Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offenders Record Information (SORI) are required. Finger printing and drug testing maybe required.
Additional Cost:
Dental assisting students should anticipate additional expenses for uniforms/clinic wear, textbooks, professional liability insurance, licensing examinations, and required skills remediation.
Technical Performance Standards:
See page 17 in the catalog or the Technical Performance Standards page.
Credit for Prior Learning:
Students enrolled in this program may be able to earn academic credit for prior learning. Please contact the office of Career Placement Services at careerservices [at] qcc [dot] mass [dot] edu, 508.854.4439, Room 272 A.
Career Outlook:
Please consult The Massachusetts Career Information System at http://masscis.intocareers.com/ or The Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.0601.
Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:
Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at the following link: http://www.qcc.mass.edu/transfer/ArticPathways.html. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at: http://www.qcc.mass.edu/transfer.
Curriculum:
| Course Title | Course # | Offered | Plan to Take | Grade | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||||||
| Clinical Science I | DAS 101 | F | 3 | Coreq-BIO 100 or BIO 140, DAS 151 | ||
| Dental Assisting I | DAS 151 | F | 4 | Coreq-DAS 101 | ||
| Dental Sciences | DAS 102 | F | 3 | DAS students only, Coreq-DAS 101 | ||
| Dental Radiology | DHY 131 | F | 3 | |||
| Dental Materials | DHY 241 | F | 2 | |||
| Principles of Human Biology or | BIO 100 | F | 4 | ENG 100 or approp place score | ||
| Introduction to the Human Body | BIO 140* | F/S/SU | 4 | ENG 100 or approp place score | ||
| Semester 2 | ||||||
| Dental Assisting Clinical Practicum | DAS 153 | I | 2 | BIO 100 or BIO 140, DAS 101, DAS 151, DHY 131 | ||
| Semester 3 | ||||||
| Clinical Science II | DAS 105 | S | 4 | DAS 101 | ||
| Practice Management | DAS 111 | S | 3 | |||
| Introduction to Oral Pathology | DAS 124 | S | 1 | DAS students only | ||
| Dental Assisting II | DAS 155 | S | 6 | DAS 153 | ||
| English Composition & Literature I | ENG 101* | F/S/SU | 3 | ENG 100 or approp place score | ||
| Total credits required: | 38 | |||||
Program Notes:
- The program in dental assisting 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 of Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312.440.4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Il. 60611.
*It is suggested that students take BIO 100 or BIO 140 and ENG 101 prior to entering the program.
Gainful Employment:
The CIP Code is 51.0601. See http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/CIP?s=51.0601&g=Go
for more information.
90.9% of students graduate within nine months of enrolling in the program. 90.9% of students graduate within nine months of enrolling in the program. 18.2% of students graduate within nine months of enrolling in the college. The cost of this program for tuition and fees is $9,783 and the estimated books and supplies are $1,140.