Associate - Dental Assisting
Are you seeking an education that could help prepare you to pursue an entry-level career in the dental field? If so, then ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting program could help you reach your professional goal. Continue reading for more information about this associate's degree program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Program Is It?
The curriculum of ECPI University's campus-based Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting program combines classroom instruction, seminars, lab exercises, and clinical rotations to help you learn about dental procedures and processes. Through instruction and hands-on experiences, you will have the opportunity to learn how to set up dental trays, use dental equipment, prepare amalgam and restorative materials, take impressions, make dental molds, and take oral X-rays. Other topics designed to be addressed in core courses include dental anatomy, medical terminology, dental front office procedures, and oral health concerns and symptoms. Clinical rotations and seminars could teach you about state laws and help you prepare for certification exams while providing you with the opportunity to work alongside dentists in actual clinical settings.
What Are the Prerequisites?
You should have already earned your high school diploma or GED before applying to ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting program. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills could be helpful.
What Are the Course Requirements?
ECPI University will require that you complete 64 credits to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting. You must take 36 credits in the core curriculum, 21 credits in arts and sciences coursework, and seven credits in self-integration courses. You could complete this program in 1.5 years.
Core Courses
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| DEN 100 | Dental Anatomy |
| DEN 105 | Introduction to Dental Assisting |
| DEN 110 | Dental Fundamentals |
| DEN 120 | Clinical Science |
| DEN 125 | Community Health |
| DEN 200 | Dental Chairside Assisting |
| DEN 200L | Dental Chairside Assisting Lab |
| DEN 205 | Dental Materials |
| DEN 205L | Dental Materials Lab |
| DEN 210 | Dental Radiology |
| DEN 210L | Dental Radiology Lab |
| DEN 215 | Clinical Dental Procedures |
| DEN 215L | Clinical Dental Procedures Lab |
| DEN 220 | Dental Practice Management |
| DEN 225 | Clinical Rotation I |
| DEN 225S | Seminar I |
| DEN 230 | Clinical Rotation II |
| DEN 230S | Seminar II |
| MED 104 | Medical Terminology |
Arts and Sciences Courses
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 101 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BIO 104 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| COM 110 | Principles of Speech |
| ENG 110 | English Composition |
| HUM 205 | Culture and Diversity |
| MTH 205 | College Mathematics |
| PSY 105 | Introduction to Psychology |
Self-Integration and Computer Literacy
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COR 191 | Career Orientation |
| FOR 110 | Essentials for Success |
| IST 120 | Computer Applications |
What Could I Do After I Graduate?
Career Opportunities
Once you have completed the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting program, you could begin applying to jobs as a dental assistant in various professional settings. You might work in private dental offices, community health centers, clinics, dental supply manufacturing companies, or dental labs. You will typically need to complete state certification requirements before beginning in this field.
Advanced Degrees
ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting could be considered a terminal degree for those interested in this profession. If you intend to continue your studies after graduating from this program, you might consider the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.