Dec 08, 2024  
2017-2018 Course Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dental Assistant, AAS


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Total Credits: 64 credits

Major Number: 5202
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 Dental Assistant State 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.
  • Assessment Placement in RDNG 1000 , or completion of RDNG 0900  or RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher, 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 special application packet online 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. Application deadlines are January 15 for Fall start and July 15 for January start of each year.

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

Total Credits: 7


MnTC/General Education and Elective Requirements


Recommended to be completed prior to DENA coursework

Total Credits: 16


Program Requirements


Total Credits: 41


Career/Occupational Elective Requirements


None

MnTC/General Education Requirements


Goal 1: Communication


Goal 2: Critical Thinking


Fulfilled when all MnTC goals for this degree are complete.

Goal 3 and/or 4: Natural Sciences/Math/Logical Reasoning


Minimum of 3 credits; one course from either Goal 3 and/or Goal 4.
NOTE: Goal 3 courses do not have to be lab courses. Goal 4 courses must be numbered between MATH 1025  and MATH 1082 , or PHIL 1041  

Total Credits: 3

Goal 5: History/Social/Behavioral Sciences


Minimum of 3 credits. PSYC or SOC recommended

Total Credits: 3

Goal 6: Humanities/Fine Arts


Minimum of 3 credits.

Total Credits: 3

Goals 7-10: Theme Goals


Three credits in one Goal area selected from Goals 7, 8, 9 or 10 are required. Many courses from Goals 1-6 also meet Goals 7-10. One course may fulfill a maximum of two Goals. Credits count only once.

Goal 7: Human Diversity

Goal 8: Global Perspectives

Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Goal 10: People and the Environment

Total Credits: 16


MnTC Elective Requirements


Total Credits: 4


Additional Elective Requirements


  • Any course(s) numbered 1000 or above

Total Credits: 3


Additional Requirements


None

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 by visiting http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html

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

Beth Rynders 651.779.5778 Room 3674 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 the Minnesota State system. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. This document can be available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651.779.3354 or 1.800.228.1978 x 3354.

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