Dec 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

Dental Assistant Diploma


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Total Credits: 48

Major Number: 5627
CIP Code: 51.0601

Program Description

The Dental Assistant program is designed for career opportunities as a dental assistant in private dental offices, HMO clinics, public health institutions, dental supply and insurance companies, military dental services, and dental school clinics. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission of Accreditation. Graduates of the Dental Assistant Program are eligible to write the Dental Assisting National Board of Certification Exam and the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Licensure Exam. Dental Assistant graduates, upon successful completion of the exams, are Certified and Licensed dental assistants.

Program Prerequisites

  • Submit official high school transcripts or GED certificate. All applicants must provide proof of graduation.
  • ENGL 1020  with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher, and a Goal 1 Communication course (COMM 1021 , COMM 1031 , COMM 1041  or COMM 1051 ) must be completed or in-progress with anticipated completion on or before the program application deadline.

Special Instructions

Admission into this program requires a special application and is highly competitive. See the Dental Assistant program webpage and view the Application Requirements for more information regarding application process and selection criteria. The college may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum admission standards. See the Dental Assistant webpage for Application deadlines.

Minnesota Law requires any individual having contact with patients to complete a MN Human Services background study prior to starting the clinical experience. An individual may be disqualified from having patient contact and would not be permitted to participate in the clinical experience. Contact the Minnesota Board of Dentistry and the Minnesota Department of Human Services with any questions.

Pre-Application Courses


Courses required prior to application to the Dental Assistant program.

Program Requirements


Program Information


General Requirements for Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

See Century College Policy 3.17.0.1

Program Note

This is a day program, evening courses are not offered. Students may attend part-time or full-time.

Current certification in CPR is required by the end of the first semester of Dental Assistant program courses. Certification must cover adults, children and infants. The American Heart Association Health Care Provider, Level C, CPR certification meets this requirement as does EMS 1010  at Century. The Red Cross also offers an equivalent certification.

A copy of the program’s policy on hazardous materials, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious diseases is available upon request or through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Transfer, Articulation Agreements, and Partnerships

See the Century College website for information regarding transfer.
This program is intended primarily for employment preparation rather than transfer to a four-year institution. Some courses may not transfer to a number of four-year colleges. If you are considering the possibility of transfer, you may wish to talk with your advisor, counselor, or program instructor before registering to discuss your goals, look at programs designed for transfer, and develop a plan.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate academic and clinical proficiency at an entry level in dental assisting knowledge and skills and qualify to sit for the Minnesota Dental Assistant Licensure Examination and the National Dental Assistant Certification Examination.
  • Apply ethical and legal standards as directed in the M State Dental Practice Act and qualify to sit for the Minnesota Jurisprudence Examination.
  • Perform 4-handed and chair side dental assisting duties and expanded functions as approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry in a safe and ethical manner in compliance with national and state standards.
  • Apply and perform skills that are required to maintain dental and business office records in accordance with national HIPPA regulations.

Program Contact Information

Kelly Scheurer 651.773.1770 Room 3677 East

Sample Plan


Please note that this is a sample course sequence. Individual schedules will vary depending upon student needs, goals, and availability. Students are recommended to meet with their advisor, counselor, or faculty program instructors to create an individualized plan that includes prerequisites and application requirements. For detailed program information see the Century College website. This information is subject to change.

Note


This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on century.edu

Century College is a member of Minnesota State. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.
This document can be available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651.773.1745 or emailing access.center@century.edu.

Certification Disclosures


Program Code/ID and Approved Name

6425: Dental Assistant

Award

DIP

A list of states where the program curriculum meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

A list of states where the program curriculum does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification.

N/A

A list of states where the institution has not made a determination.

Arkansas, California, Iowa, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington

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