Dental Assisting
Mission:
Students of the Dental Assisting Department will participate in planned supervised experiences directed toward teaching students to perform dental assisting techniques with precision, safety and efficiency. They will demonstrate assisting skills and integrate these skills into the total curriculum. Students will be active in team cooperation and develop personal growth toward lire-long learning.
Important Information:
Employment Information:
Specific information regarding occupations students will be prepared to enter upon program completion, on-time graduation rates, cost, placement rates and median debt incurred can be found at: (
Dental Assisting Gainful Employment) . This information is provided in compliance with 34 CFR 668.6(b).
Students admitted to the FHTC Dental Programs are subject to contact with blood and/or body fluids. FHTC Dental Programs follow all OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen, Exposure Control Guidelines, and the Universal and Standard Precautions throughout the pre-clinical, lab and clinical experiences.
Description:
Dental Assistant’s job is performed in a dental office. There are nine specialties and general practitioners within the scope of the dental profession. Those who complete the Dental Assisting Program can qualify for employment across the nation. (Individual states may require specific registration or certifications)
Career Paths:
Employment opportunities for men and women in Dental Assisting include:
- dental offices
- specialty offices
- dental labs
- dental sales representatives
The Industry:
Dental Assistants are an integral part of the dental team within the dental office. Allied health care workers are in high demand and this field is expected to grow.
Experienced Dental Assistants are rewarded well, and become highly regarded in the profession.
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The Program:
Prerequisites
Must have graduated from high school or have received a GED diploma and meet the minimum entrance requirements for admission to the program.
Instruction
Graduates of the Dental Assisting Program will have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment in dental offices for entry-level chair side functions and management. Students in the Dental Assisting program will participate in planned and supervised experiences directed toward performing dental assisting techniques with precision, safety and efficiency. They will demonstrate assisting skills and integrate these skills into the total curriculum. Students will be active in team cooperation and develop personal growth toward life-long learning.
The current structure of the program requires full-time student status. Completion of the program allows the student to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam. Students will participate in clinical experiences on campus and at interning dental sites. A two-year Associate Degree option is also available.
Program Cost Sheet
Dental Assisting Admission Criteria
Book Information and CostsCourses
The Associate of Applied Science degree, with a major in Dental Assisting, is a four-semester program that contains technical and general education courses. These planned and supervised experiences—classroom, laboratory, clinical internships—help graduates develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform procedures with precision, safety and efficiency consistent with proven dental concepts and practices.
Associated of Applied Science Degree Program Outcomes
• Relates current advances and controversies in healthcare delivery.
• Integrates knowledge of health related ethical issues into healthcare.
• Analyzes principles of leadership and motivation.
• Verifies aspects of specific management concerns in healthcare settings.
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The Dental Assisting certificate program, which contains technical education courses, is two semesters in length. These planned and supervised experiences—classroom, laboratory, clinical internships—teach students to function as effective team members and perform dental assisting techniques with precision, safety and efficiency. A program advisory committee, composed of health professionals, annually updates program and employment requirements. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills (chairside functions and management) necessary for entry-level employment in dental offices. Certificate courses also fulfill many of the requirements of the Dental Assisting AAS degree program.
Technical Certificate Program Outcomes
• Perform chair side procedures.
• Demonstrate use of various dental materials.
• Provide patient education.
• Gather diagnostic data.
• Demonstrate radiation hygiene and safety.
• Demonstrate proper Infection Control processes.
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Advisory Members
Shanelle Canaday, RDH
Barden and Thompson, LLC
2518 W 15th Ave
Emporia, KS
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Chris Polk, DDS
Elite Dental
1409 Stanton
Emporia, KS 66801
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Janice Robinette, CDA, RDH
Harmon Dental
840 Lakin
Osage City, KS 66852
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Jackie Rosales, CDA, RDH
John Patton, DDS
1507 W 12th Ave
Emporia, KS 66801
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Eric Wisdom, DDS
Eric J, Wisdom, DDS & Associates
1629 Poyntz Ave
Manhattan, KS 66502
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Susan Rausch
M. Sean Reynolds, DDS
22255 Udall Rd
Chanute, KS 66720
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