Dental Assisting
The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in delivering dental treatment and function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.
Coursework includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provides students with knowledge of infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, head and neck anatomy, dental and medical emergencies, and clinical procedures.
Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in dental assisting employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Dental Assisting Diploma (D45240)
Diploma Awarded
A Diploma in Dental Assisting is awarded by the college upon completing this program.
Program Accreditation
The Dental Assisting Program at Central Piedmont is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation. (CODA)
Admissions
Please refer to the Admission Steps for a degree, diploma, or certificate:
- Complete a general application for admission to Central Piedmont
- Submit high school, as well as college transcripts to Admissions, Registration & Records.
- Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to determine if placement tests are required. If so, take tests and review placement test scores and program information to select courses for registration.
- Complete and submit a Dental Assisting Program Application by the deadline date.
- Progression in this program is dependent upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses, as well as major and related courses.
Attendance at a virtual information session is required to apply for the dental assisting program. The virtual information session can be accessed on CPCC's dental assisting website.
Notes
Costs of this program, in addition to tuition and textbooks, include school uniforms and supplies, fees for professional organization dues, national board testing, Nitrous Oxide Monitoring course, a current physical examination, blood and drug screen tests, and updated immunizations.
Reliable transportation is needed to meet off-campus clinical rotation requirements.
Students must be certified by the American Heart Association in “Health Care Provider Level” CPR or by the American Red Cross in “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” before registering.
Students must successfully complete all prerequisite DEN courses prior to beginning clinical rotations.
To participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a NC state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
Contact Information
For more information, visit the Dental Assisting website.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| or COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| DEN 100 | Basic Orofacial Anatomy | 2.0 |
| DEN 101 | Preclinical Procedures | 7.0 |
| DEN 102 | Dental Materials | 4.0 |
| DEN 103 | Dental Sciences | 2.0 |
| DEN 104 | Dental Health Education | 3.0 |
| DEN 105 | Practice Management | 2.0 |
| DEN 106 | Clinical Practice I | 6.0 |
| DEN 107 | Clinical Practice II | 5.0 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control | 2.0 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography | 3.0 |
| Other Major Requirements: | ||
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology | 5.0 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
Dental Assisting Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested sequence for when to take each course to complete thediploma, based on the program requirements of the 2023-2024 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order if you need to. This sequence is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the sequence and any questions. This program does not offer certificates at this time; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology | 5.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Term II | ||
| DEN 100AB | Basic Orofacial Anatomy | 1.0 |
| DEN 100BB | Basic Orofacial Anatomy | 1.0 |
| DEN 101AB | Preclinical Procedures | 3.5 |
| DEN 102 | Dental Materials | 4.0 |
| DEN 103AB | Dental Sciences | 1.0 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control | 2.0 |
| DEN 112AB | Dental Radiography | 1.5 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term III | ||
| DEN 101BB | Preclinical Procedures | 3.5 |
| DEN 103BB | Dental Sciences | 1.0 |
| DEN 104 | Dental Health Education | 3.0 |
| DEN 105 | Practice Management | 2.0 |
| DEN 106 | Clinical Practice I | 6.0 |
| DEN 112BB | Dental Radiography | 1.5 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term IV | ||
| DEN 107 | Clinical Practice II | 5.0 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |