NEW PROGRAM FOR FALL 2024!
The field of dental health is growing rapidly. As the need for qualified dental office personnel increases, the need for training also increases. One area of rapid growth is in the current practice of Dental Assistants. In response to the need for trained Dental Assistants in our region, the GACTC designed an intensive study of the knowledge, skills and responsibilities of the Dental Assistant.
GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO SHINE
Within the curriculum, students gain fundamental knowledge, and hands-on experience with:
- Roles and Responsibilities of Dental Assistants
- Dental Ethics
- Dental Laws
- Landmarks of the Face and Oral Cavity
- Overview of the Dentitions
- Tooth Morphology
- Disease Transmission and Infection Prevention
- Principles and Techniques of Disinfection
- Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization
- Chemical Waste Management
- Patient information and Assessment
- Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Delivering Dental Care
- Dental Handpieces and Accessories
- Moisture Control
- Restorative and Esthetic Dental Materials
- Dental Cements
- Impression Materials and Techniques
- Scanning with the Cerec scanner
- Laboratory Materials and Procedures
- General Dentistry
- Matrix Systems for Restorative Dentistry
- Provisional Coverage
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Communication in the Dental Office
- Foundations of Radiography, Radiographic Equipment, and Radiation Safety
- Legal Issues, Quality Assurance, and Infection Prevention
- Intraoral Imaging
- Extraoral Imaging
The diploma program courses include:
- Dental Assisting I & II
- Dental Radiology I & II
- Dental Assisting Clinical I & II
Students gain knowledge and experience through lecture presentations, demonstrations and hands-on technical laboratory sessions in which students perform procedures on dental simulators. Additionally, students complete 345 hours with dental offices to develop their skills through clinical courses.
Students are prepared to take the Radiation Health and Safety exam to perform radiology (x-rays) in dental offices. After successful completion of the Dental Assistant diploma program, students may pursue a career as a dental assistant.
Students may also continue study with our Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certificate program, which builds on the role of the dental assistant. Learn more about the EFDA certificate program at https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/part-time-programs-testing-and-certifications/expanded-function-dental-assistant/.
Applicant Information
The GACTC welcomes all interested individuals to apply for admission for our career training programs. Review the admissions requirements and apply now at https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/how-to-enroll/.
Prior to participation in the program’s clinical experiences at dental offices, a Health Examination Form must be completed by a licensed medical professional. Students are required to have a physical and should receive confirmation that all vaccinations are current according to the CDC recommendations. Vaccinations include: Hep B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Meningococcal. Flu and Covid-19 vaccines may be required upon the clinical site’s request.
Additionally, students must complete a CPR course and submit to the GACTC the CPR certification card, valid through the anticipated completion of the program. A list of approved CPR providers from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is available here.
POSSIBLE CERTIFICATIONS
- Postsecondary diploma
- OSHA 10-hour certification
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification the Dental Assisting National Board
- Certified Dental Assistant through the Dental Assisting National Board (cost for this certification is not included in the program tuition & fees)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Hours:
725
Schedule:
Next session:
January 6, 2025 through June 30, 2025
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 11:00am to 7:00pm (Hours may vary due to clinical experiences.)
Call the Continuing Education Office at (814) 941-8324 for more information.
TUITION & FEES
Estimated Tuition & Fees for 2024-2025:
$11,750
Includes an optional laptop. If laptop is not needed through the GACTC, the cost of the laptop is deducted from the fees. Please see the program flyer to view detailed tuition and fees.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, this program is approved through the Eligible Training Providers List. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for financial assistance through their local CareerLink office. Please contact your local CareerLink office for assistance.
TAKE THE
NEXT STEP
Please contact us to schedule a tour and to meet with a career counselor to discuss your career goals and this program. Complete this short form to request more information and to schedule a tour, or call us at 814.941.TECH.
We welcome your application to the Dental Assistant diploma program.
