Dental Assistant

Certificate of Completion

About the Program

This four-term certificate program prepares students to meet the requirements to become dental assistants with expanded functions (EFDA). Successful completion of the program prepares the student for job entry with State and National certification in dental radiology, basic dental assisting and expanded function dental assisting. The curriculum is based in general dentistry; students are trained in four-handed chair-side assisting techniques to work with general dentists during all phases of patient examination and treatment.

Program students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins each year in fall term. Students should apply early as the required mandatory information session is scheduled several months prior to the summer start. Note: Students may still be working on prerequisites to cohort acceptance classes when applying.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Dental Assistant Certificate of Completion are:

Demonstrate patient education.

Demonstrate occupational safety skills.

Demonstrate general chair-side and laboratory sciences skills.

Develop competency dealing with legal and ethical issues.

Evaluate radiographic proficiencies.

Apply communication principles and skills.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins each fall term. The program is designed to be four full-time terms. Students who plan on entering the Dental Assistant program should meet with their faculty advisor to develop an academic plan.

Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements before the program application due date. Students can apply for program entry prior to prerequisite completion; however, all listed program prerequisites must be complete with a “C-” or better prior to program start. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements (CIS 120 , MTH 60  or MTH 63 , PSY 101 , and WR 115 ) before the application due date.  All listed program prerequisites must be satisfactorily completed before beginning the cohort.

Students wishing to enter the program cohort must declare their interest by attending a mandatory Dental Program Information Session and apply online through RCC’s Dental Programs page.

Selection Process

After application submission, students will complete specific health and immunization requirements, drug testing and a criminal background check prior to starting the program. This screening process has an associated fee. Applications received after the application deadline may be reviewed based on cohort capacity and at the discretion of the department. The Allied Health Occupations department strives to accept all students into programs if academic and screening requirements are met, however in the event that cohort capacity is exceeded students may be asked to participate in an interview process. Students entering a cohort are required to attend a mandatory program orientation.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Program Director’s recommendation. In order to ensure coursework is current, program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the Program Director before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit will be accepted in accordance with the current agreement.

Graduation Requirements

Students completing all courses in this program with a grade of “C-” or better will receive their certificates. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade. Credits earned in this program can be applied to the Associate of General Studies degree.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.