Dental Assisting
Degree Options:
Campus Location:
AthensDivision
Life Science & Public SafetyThe employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to take your career to the next level, ATC can help you become a DANB certified CDA, and earn you EDDA certification from the State of Georgia.
Dental Assistants are competent in the technical areas of preventative dentistry; four-handed dentistry; chair-side assisting with emphasis in diagnostics, operative, fixed prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontic procedures, endodontic procedures, and surgical and expanded functions; dental practice management; and dental radiology. Students will be placed at two-three practicum sites out in the local dental community. At these sites the students will apply hands-on the role and duties of a dental assistant. After graduation, students have many options to grow professionally and expand their career. Graduates can work chair-side as a dental assistant, become a dental laboratory technician, or become an office manager. Currently the annual wage is $42,510 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If dental assistants want to continue their education, they could become an educator, or a dental consultan
Accreditation
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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 Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is Coda.ADA.Org.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the diploma program in Dental Assisting will be able to complete the following tasks:
- Perform current entry-level dental assisting skills
- Use critical thinking skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of dental specialties, dental management, and being a member of the dental team.
- Pass the dental assisting national board examination/certification and the Georgia expanded functions of certification.
- Demonstrate the personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills that are expected in the workplace.
Graduates of the TCC program in Radiology/EFDA Cert Dental Assisting will be able to complete the following tasks:
- Understand fundamentals of Radiology and Radiation Safety.
- Understand radiographic anatomy and interpretation
- Understand itraoral and xtraoral radiographic techniques
- Quality assurance techniques
- Perform expanded duties a prescribed by Georgia Law
Graduate of the TCC program in Coronal Polishing will be able to complete the following tasks:
- Legally perform the coronal polish procedure in a variety of practice settings.
- Maintain OSHA and CDC Standards for infection control and job safety.
Specific Facility, Tools Or Educational Tools Available
The lab, classroom, and clinic area provide students with real-world dental office equipment and simulations. The program allows the students to move through the curriculum working on simulated manikins, to working on peers, to working on live patients in local dental offices.
Featured Courses
DENA 1080- Dental Biology DENA 1030- Preventive Dentistry DENA 1400- Dental Practice Management
Additional Details
Class Times Offered:
DaytimeDeadline for Selective Admission:
March 1st- Summer startAdditional Information:
Program Expenses
Admission Fees
- Nonrefundable application fee ($25)
Outside Vendor Fees Prior to Beginning DENA Courses
- Hepatitis B Immunication ($200)
- Mumps, Measles, Rubella Immunizations ($25)
- Varicella Immunization ($25)
- Tetanus Shot ($25)
- Tuberculosis Skin Test ($25)
- Physical Examination (Approximately $100)
- Uniforms (Approximately $250)
Semester Fees
- Tuition ($100 per credit hour)
- Accident Insurance Fee ($6 per term)
- Campus Supply Fee ($40 per term)
- Instruction Fee ($55 per term)
- Parking Fee ($20 per term)
- Campus Safety Fee ($25 per term)
- Radiation Monitor Fee ($25 per term)
- Registration Fee ($50 per term)
- Student Activity Fee ($30 per term)
- Technology Fee ($105 per term)
Throughout the Program
- Background Checks and Drug Screenings (Approximately $100 per required check/screening)
- Textbooks (Approximately $600)
- Supply Fee (Varies – See course descriptions for exact amount)
Outside Vendor Fees at Program Completion
- General Chair-Side National Board Examination ($270)
- Infection Control National Board Examination ($270)
- Radiology Health and Safety National Board Examination ($270)
*These expenses are based on costs in effect at the time of this catalog was published. Prices are subject to change.
