DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
Program Description
This three-semester program prepares students to become valuable members of the dental health team. The dental assistant may serve a dental practice or health center as an office manager/business assistant, chair side assistant, laboratory assistant, or as the person responsible for dental education. The Dental Assisting curriculum provides a foundation in the health sciences along with extensive training in the technology necessary to perform tasks delegated by the State Dental Practice Act. Clinical training experience working with dentists and patients are provided in private offices of practicing dentists within the area.Thirty-six students are accepted each fall. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon the candidate’s completion of a physical exam which includes drug screening and a Hepatitis-B vaccination. Please note that costs relating to the physical exam, the purchase of uniforms, supplies, books, and liability insurance are the financial responsibility of the student. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from off-campus clinical educational facilities.
Accreditation
The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements’’. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at(312) 440-4653 or 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Important websites
- American Dental Assistants Association
- Tennessee Dental Assistants Association
- Tennessee Board of Dentistry
- Dental Assisting National Board
- American Dental Association