Dental Assisting, A.T.D.

5510: Applied Technology Diploma in Dental Assisting Technology and Management (50 Credit Hours)

CIP: 51.0601

FL CIP: 0351060108

SOC: 31-9091

This is a limited-access program which articulates into the Associate in Science degree for Dental Assisting Technology and Management. Completion of this program does not require General Education coursework. Application data is distributed at the free information sessions. These are held on a regular basis. Call 352-873-5817 for dates and times of information sessions or view at CF.edu/health.

Dental Assisting programs are limited access. A limited access program is one in which both program admission and course registration are restricted to a certain number of students meeting predetermined criteria. Limited-access status is justified when student demand exceeds available resources or accreditation requirements (i.e., student/faculty ratios, instructional facilities and equipment, clinical sites) or the nature of the program calls for specific admission requirements.  Limited-access programs have admissions processes and criteria beyond general college admissions. While any student meeting the minimum criteria is encouraged to apply, not all applicants may be accepted. To learn more about limited-access programs, please go to CF.edu/limitedaccess.

Criteria for Application

• High school diploma.

• Admission to the College of Central Florida.

• Application to the Dental Assisting program.

• Minimum scores of 10 in each area (language, reading and math) of the TABE, Test of Adult Basic Education.

• Completion of the HESI, Health Education Systems Inc., with preference given to scores of 50 percent in math and 75 percent in reading.

• Completion and documentation of eight hours of chairside observation with a dental assistant.

• One-page paper on observation experience.

• Criminal background check.

• The Associate in Science also requires the CPT/PERT test for general educational courses.

The Dental Assisting program is designed to train individuals to perform as efficient dental professionals in a dental health environment. Students will gain exposure in various areas such as dental radiography, dental materials, chairside assisting and more. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board. The Dental Assisting program is 50 credits for a total of 1,230 contact hours.

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. For additional information regarding the Commission on Dental Accreditation, please consult the website at http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

View gainful employment information on this program at CF.edu/gainful-employment/5510.

For more information, view the Dental Assisting Information Packet at CF.edu/health.

Requirements

Program Courses

Semester I: 15 credit hours

Semester II: 17 credit hours

Semester III: 18 credit hours

Total Credit Hours: 50

Note:

• When more qualified students apply than can be accepted, those not accepted to the program are admitted to future classes.
• It is necessary that students have reliable transportation to the assigned dental offices.
• The student must be prepared to pay additional fees and purchase uniforms as mandated by program of learning.