Dental Assisting Overview (5155) Limited Access
Type of Award
CCP - Career Certificate Program
Program Website
https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/career-pathways/pathway-health/default.aspx
Program Description
This 1230 hour program begins in the fall term of each year and is structured as a daytime program only. After successfully completing the program, the graduate will receive a certificate of completion which includes Dental Radiography and Expanded Functions Certifications (as outlined in Chapter 466 Florida Statute; Rule 64B5 Florida Administrative Code). Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become certified dental assistants.
NOTE: The program maintains compliance with institutional policy and applicable regulations of local, state and federal agencies including, but not limited to, radiation hygiene and protection, ionizing radiation, hazardous materials, and bloodborne and infectious diseases. Policies are continually monitored for compliance by the program in accordance with Palm Beach State College’s Safety and Risk Management Office. All policies are available for review at: www.palmbeachstate.edu/Safety
Program Accreditation
This program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission, on Dental Accreditation (ADA CODA) 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-2678 (312) 440-2500 and approved by the Florida State Board of Dentistry.
Program Learning Outcomes
For detailed information, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/learningoutcomes/Program-Learning-Outcomes
General Admission Requirements to the College
- Complete an Application for Admission, located at www.palmbeachstate.edu/admissions/Admissions-Applications
- Submit an official high school or GED transcript and official college/university transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Admission Procedures section of the college catalog for more information regarding transcripts.
Admission Requirements for Dental Assisting
In addition to the General Admission requirements, student must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for selection to the program. (Meeting admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program).
- Take the TABE exam if not exempt from TABE testing. To determine if you are exempt, please go to www.palmbeachstate.edu/ academicservices/Curriculum-and-Programs
- Although not required, students are encouraged to attend a Dental Assisting Program Information Session.
- Submit a completed Dental Assisting program application, located on the program website, by the deadline date.
Completion Requirements
Students must complete all courses listed in the catalog for this program with a grade of C or higher.
If not exempt, students MUST pass the TABE, Survey, Level A and score 10th grade competency level in all parts of the examination in order to be eligible to complete the program. Your scores are valid for two years. The Student Learning Center (SLC) at each Palm Beach State location provides TABE remediation courses for students who need additional skills to pass the TABE test. For more information, please call (561) 868-3795.
Program Length
This eleven-month full-time day begins once a year in the Fall Term.
Location
The program is offered at the Lake Worth campus.
For More Information
Dental Health Services Coordinator, (561) 868-3752
Employment Opportunities
Students successfully completing this accredited program qualify for employment as a dental assistant in a variety of settings, to include, but not limited to general/specialty dental practices, public health, hospitals and community health care related facilities, dental product representatives, and educational and research related fields.
Career Path Notes
A student who completes the Dental Assisting Program will be eligible to transfer up to 19 college credits toward the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree.
Career Center
www.palmbeachstate.edu/Career
For more information about employment opportunities including job outlook and salary information visit: Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh
O-Net Online: www.onetonline.org
Required courses:
Required Courses (Clock Hours 1,230)
| DEA0137 | Oral, Head and Neck Anatomy (CCP) | 48 Clock Hours |
| DEA0755 | Dental Radiology (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0755L | Dental Radiology Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0746 | Dental Office Emergencies (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0758 | Introduction to Clinical Procedures (CCP) | 48 Clock Hours |
| DEA0758L | Introduction to Clinical Procedures Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0744 | Dental Materials (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0744L | Dental Materials Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0757 | Expanded Functions (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0757L | Expanded Functions Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0743 | Preventive Dentistry (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0747 | Office Management (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0130 | Related Dental Theory (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0800 | Clinical Practice 1 (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0800L | Clinical Practice 1 Lab (CCP) | 128 Clock Hours |
| DEA0940L | Dental Practicum 1 Lab (CCP) | 24 Clock Hours |
| DEA0153 | Dental Psychology and Communication (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0801 | Clinical Practice 2 (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0801L | Clinical Practice 2 Lab (CCP) | 192 Clock Hours |
| DEA0941L | Dental Practicum 2 Lab (CCP) | 64 Clock Hours |
| DEA0850 | Dental Assisting Clinical Practice 3 (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0850L | Clinical Practice 3 Lab (CCP) | 310 Clock Hours |
Total Credit Hours: 1230
Course Sequence
Term One - Fall (Year One) (Clock Hours: 488)
| DEA0137 | Oral, Head and Neck Anatomy (CCP) | 48 Clock Hours |
| DEA0744 | Dental Materials (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0744L | Dental Materials Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0755 | Dental Radiology (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0755L | Dental Radiology Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0746 | Dental Office Emergencies (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0758 | Introduction to Clinical Procedures (CCP) | 48 Clock Hours |
| DEA0758L | Introduction to Clinical Procedures Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0130 | Related Dental Theory (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0800 | Clinical Practice 1 (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0800L | Clinical Practice 1 Lab (CCP) | 128 Clock Hours |
| DEA0940L | Dental Practicum 1 Lab (CCP) | 24 Clock Hours |
DEA0758 and DEA0758L: These courses articulate with the Palm Beach State Dental Hygiene A.S. Program through a prior learning process.
Term Two - Spring (Year One) (Clock Hours: 432)
| DEA0757 | Expanded Functions (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0757L | Expanded Functions Lab (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0743 | Preventive Dentistry (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0747 | Office Management (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
| DEA0153 | Dental Psychology and Communication (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0801 | Clinical Practice 2 (CCP) | 32 Clock Hours |
| DEA0801L | Clinical Practice 2 Lab (CCP) | 192 Clock Hours |
| DEA0941L | Dental Practicum 2 Lab (CCP) | 64 Clock Hours |
| DEA0850 | Dental Assisting Clinical Practice 3 (CCP) | 16 Clock Hours |
DEA0757, DEA0757L, DEA0743 and DEA0747: These courses articulate with the Palm Beach State Dental Hygiene A.S. Program through a prior learning process.
Term Three - Summer (Year One) (Clock Hours: 310)
| DEA0850L | Clinical Practice 3 Lab (CCP) | 310 Clock Hours |
Total Credit Hours: 1230