Dental Assisting Certificate
Overview
Dental Assisting Students
Job opportunities for Dental Assistants are excellent are expected to continue to grow. Dental Assistants work closely with dentists, dental hygienists, and the public. If you are responsible, have good interpersonal skills, and have good manual dexterity, a career as a dental assistant may be for you.
At NECC, the Dental Assisting Certificate will provide you with knowledge and practical skills required to work as an entry-level dental assistant. Throughout the program you will be participating in classroom study, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Completion of this program will prepare you to take the Certification for Dental Assistants examination sponsored by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. Students who successfully pass the exam become Certified Dental Assistants.
Graduates will be able to pursue many career paths. You can work in private dental offices or specialty practices. Job opportunities are excellent are expected to continue to grow.
The objectives of the Dental Assisting Program include assisting students in the development of:
- Clinical competency in the knowledge and skills required to systematically collect data to assist the dentist in forming a diagnostic treatment plan.
- Clinical competency in the knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of clinical supportive treatments.
- Basic computer skills and business office procedures.
- The necessary academic oral and written skills to practice successfully within a professional business environment.
- Intellectual skills that will encourage critical thinking.
- The necessary social skills and professional attributes to practice successfully within the dental profession.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Dental Assisting Program is to prepare competent entry-level dental assistants who will be able to function professionally in all aspects of the dental office and meet the employment needs of regional dental facilities.
Accreditation
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, (312) 440-4653.
Notice
The Northern Essex Community College Dental Assisting Program is scheduled for an accreditation site visit from the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation on October 2 and 3, 2008 .
Students and patients of the program have the opportunity to provide comments to the Commission prior to the site visit. Comments must pertain only to the Standards for the Dental Assisting Program or policies and procedures used in the Commission's accreditation process. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, or by calling 800-621-8099 extension 4653.
Comments should be made in writing directly to the Commission at the address listed above. The deadline date for receipt of comments is 60 days prior to the site visit, August 1, 2008.
Contact the Commission for any additional questions.
