Program Description
This three-semester technical certificate program prepares students to become valuable members of the dental health team. The dental assistant may serve in 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. Students who complete the technical certificate have the opportunity to broaden their education by completing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting.
Thirty-six students are accepted each fall for the technical certificate program. Final acceptance into this 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.
Gainful Employment Disclosure for Dental Assisting Certificate
Admission Procedure
The application deadline is June 15 each year.
STEP 1: Read the Steps to Apply to the Dental Assistant Program
STEP 2: Attend a Dental Assisting information session
STEP 3: Complete the Chattanooga State Community College admission process
NOTE: Apply early for Financial Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov
STEP 4: Contact a Dental Assisting Advisor
NOTE: the college admission process must be completed before to schedule an advising appointment
STEP 5: Submit a COMPLETE
Dental Assisting Program Application
...
Attach a high school transcript or GED and college transcripts (if applicable)
Attach a completed Pre-Clinical Observation Form
STEP 6: Take General Education and Support courses. See catalog for program requirements.
Thirty six students will be selected from the applicant pool based on a point system. These applicants will be offered admission to the fall class. Those not accepted may reapply for the next year. The points calculation form is included in the Steps to Apply to the Dental Assistant Program.
Acceptance letters will be mailed by the first week of July each year.