5649 - Dental Assisting (C.C.)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

The mission of the Dental Assisting career certificate program is to create competent, ethical, and confident entry-level dental assistants who are prepared to immediately seek employment in dental offices in Northeast Florida and beyond. This is accomplished with a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction at the College and clinical instruction in private dental offices and clinics in the vicinity. A primary goal of the program is to instill in our graduates a commitment to professional development through life-long learning and service to the community.

This program provides students with the theoretical, practical and clinical skills necessary to get an entry-level position in a dental office, including dental basic sciences, dental radiographic techniques, dental materials, sterilization and infection control, chairside assisting, office management, dental specialties, and expanded functions. The Dental Assisting program has been approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry to offer certification in expanded functions and dental radiology. One class is admitted each August.

A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Adult Basic Skills are a major criterion in a student’s completion of the program. In order to earn the Career Certificate, students must achieve or surpass the designated exit score(s) on an approved adult basic skills assessment or qualify for a waiver. Visit the Available Assessments webpage for program exit scores. College Assessment and Certification locations and information can be found at on the Assessment and Certification webpage. For students who need assistance in order to meet the exit requirement(s), the College offers remediation through tutoring, referral to online resources and/or completion of Academic Skills Building (ASB) coursework in Mathematics and Reasoning through Language Arts.

To meet the minimum requirements for consideration and acceptance to the Dental Assisting program, students must:

1. Complete a Florida State College at Jacksonville application.

2. Complete a Dental Assisting application.

3. Successful completion of the Background and Drug Screening process upon acceptance into the program.

4. A physical examination will be required upon acceptance into the program.

5. Complete an approved course in healthcare provider-level CPR with first aid prior to the start of class.

6. Submit one of the following:

   1. An official (unopened) High School completion transcript (no diplomas) or college transcript

   2. An official copy of GED® test scores (a copy will be made and the original returned to the applicant). Note: Florida State College at Jacksonville transcripts can be unofficial. Transcripts from outside colleges must be official (unopened).

Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, and have met the exit adult basic skills requirements or have submitted a waiver.

Applications are due on May 15 of each year with classes starting in the fall. Admission to this program is limited and is based on academic performance and other criteria. Students are accepted into the program (on a space available basis) until the first day of class. After that, students will need the written approval of the dental assisting instructor.

(904) 646-2300 or hcic@fscj.edu.

• Learn More About the Dental Assisting Program

• American Dental Association

• Commission on Dental Accreditation

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