CENTRAL GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE Macon Campus 3300 Macon Tech Drive, Macon, GA

Transcription

1 DENTAL ASSISTING CENTRAL GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE Macon Campus 3300 Macon Tech Drive, Macon, GA

2 DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM SELECTION Admission to the college and selection into the Dental Assisting program are two distinct processes. Students are responsible for understanding both processes. Questions regarding admission to the college should be directed to the Office of Admissions. Macon Campus: (478) Questions regarding Dental Assisting program selection should be directed to: Debra Wentworth, EFDA, CDA, AAS, Program Chair , Macon Campus, Building A-107 As set forth in its Student Catalog, Central Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the administration of the College nondiscrimination policies: Linda Hampton Executive Director of Conduct, Appeals and Compliance 3300 Macon Tech Drive Macon, GA Building J, Room FAX

3 CGTC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent to be admitted to the Dental Assisting program. Submit an application for college admission, along with a $20 non-refundable application fee. Schedule to take the COMPASS placement exam (offered in the Testing Center) in order to be admitted to the college. There is no charge for initial administration of the COMPASS exam. (Other placement exam scores may be acceptable, for example, SAT or ACT.) Request transfer credit for courses completed at accredited college(s) or other educational institutes, if applicable. Complete a Request for Transfer Credit prior to admission, and submit official transcripts to the Registrar s Office. DENTAL ASSISTING ADMISSION FILE CHECKLIST An applicant s official student record must contain the following items in order to be accepted for admission: Application for admission High School/GED or College Transcript Proof of age Placement Exam Scores (COMPASS, SAT, ACT) PSB Health Aptitude Examination, 3rd Edition *The PSB exam is not required for admission to CGTC; however, it is required prior to selection into the Dental Assisting Program. No minimum score is required to be selected into the program. This exam should be taken prior to completion of the required five core courses. More information about the PSB exam may be obtained in the college Testing Centers or Media Centers or on-line at

4 CGTC DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM SELECTION PROCEDURE Applicants must be at least seventeen (17) years old and be an official high school graduate or GED recipient. All general education course work must be successfully completed prior to selection into the program. All applicants must file an application for admission to CGTC and declare Dental Assisting as their major, along with a $20 nonrefundable application fee. All applicants must schedule to take the COMPASS placement exam (offered in the Testing Center) in order to be admitted to the college. There is no charge for initial administration of the COMPASS exam. Other placement exam scores may be acceptable such as the SAT or ACT. When applicable, students are required to request their transfer credits for courses completed at accredited college(s) or other educational institutes. Complete a Request for Transfer Credit prior to admission, and submit official transcripts to the Registrar's Office. Entrance into the program is competitive and includes three (3) steps. Only those students who meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements (outlined below) will be considered for selection: 1) Successfully complete the required core courses: * ENGL 1010 Fundamentals of English I- minimum grade of C required. * MATH 1012 Foundations of Mathematics OR MATH 1111 College Algebra - minimum grade of C required. * PSYC 1010 Basic Psychology - minimum grade of C required. * COMP 1000 Introduction to Computers- minimum grade of C required. * ALHS 1040 Introduction to HealthCare- minimum grade of C required and must provide a copy of a current CPR certification issued by the American Heart Association. 2) Complete the PSB Aptitude Examination, 3rd Edition (Only the 3rd Edition will be considered for the selection process) Students may take the exam at any time while taking their required core courses. The students may take the exam two times per year. The exam is administered in the CGTC Testing Center. There is a $20 testing fee. PSB scores are valid for only one year from date of exam. Students will be eligible to retest in one year. The PSB exam is not required for admission to CGTC; however, it is required prior to selection into the Dental Assisting Program. No minimum score

5 is required to be selected into the program. More information may be obtained in the college Testing Centers or Media Centers or online at 3) Submit Progression/Application Form to the Registrar's Office. * Students will not be considered for selection unless his/her name is on the list. All requirements for selection must be completed and official documents submitted by July 15. Students who are completing course requirements in the semester prior to selection may be accepted tentatively until successfully completing the courses. *If the student is not selected for the program but wishes to be considered for the following semester, the student must ensure that his/her application remains active by resubmitting a progression form/application. * To submit the Progression Form click on the link. Click on Progression Form Request link. Sign into BannerWeb. Fill-in the form and submit it electronically. Print a copy of the form for your records. Upon successful completion of the listed requirements, students will be considered for selection into the DENA program based on the following criteria: 1) GPA will be calculated according to the following guidelines: *Only courses taken within the required timeframe will be calculated in the GPA. * Scoring: GPA X 100 plus highest PSB score. *In the case of multiple attempts at a course(s) to achieve the required course grade or improve a grade, only the two most recent attempts will be calculated into the GPA. In the event that a student previously attempted coursework at institutions other than CGTC, official transcripts will be evaluated to include the two most recent attempts, and grades from any applicable coursework will be calculated in the GPA accordingly. Students will receive notification from the Admission's Office by telephone or regarding selection results. At that time, instructions will be given as to registration for the upcoming semester and DENA Program orientation. Academic Standards When Enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program All dental assisting courses must be passed with a grade of 70 or higher. Dental Assisting courses are sequential in nature. As such, each class is a prerequisite for the following clinical or academic class. Because of this, students who fail a class with a grade of 69 or lower will be dismissed from the program. Students who are dismissed may apply the following year in order to continue the program. This does not guarantee selection, however. Immunizations Students who are selected for the program must have the following immunizations, or proof of titer: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps and Rubella and an annual TB test. Hepatitis A is also recommended for all health care providers.

6 Diploma Program DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM CURRICULUM Required Core Courses for Competitive Admission Program Length 56 Credit Hours Education Requirements High School graduate or GED recipient; minimum age: 17 Program Entry Term Fall Semester Offered Macon Campus All previously mentioned requirements apply for selection eligibility. These courses can be taken in one or more semesters, depending on the student s schedule and course availability. COURSE CREDIT HOURS CONTACT HOURS ENGL 1010 Fundamentals of English 3 45 MATH 1012 Foundations of Mathematics 3 45 PSYC 1010 Basic Psychology 3 45 COMP 1000 Introduction to Computers 3 75 ALHS 1040 Introduction to Healthcare 3 75 Total Hours Suggested Course Progression for Students Selected into the Dental Assisting Program In each of the semesters listed below, the student must successfully complete all listed courses prior to progressing to the following semester. FALL ADMISSION- Student s Expected Progression 1 st Semester DENA 1010 Basic Human Biology Fall DENA 1050 Microbiology and Infection Control DENA 1080 Dental Biology DENA 1340 Dental Assisting I-General Chairside 2 nd Semester DENA 1030 Preventive Dentistry Spring DENA 1070 Oral Pathology and Therapeutics DENA 1390 Dental Radiology DENA 1400 Dental Practice Management DENA 1460 Dental Practicum I DENA 1470 Dental Practicum II 3 rd Semester DENA 1090 Dental Assisting National Board Exam Prep Summer DENA 1350 Dental Assisting II, Dental Specialties and EFDA Skills DENA 1480 Dental Practicum III GRADUATE

7 APPROXIMATE COST EXPECTATIONS (AFTER DA SELECTION) After selection, Dental Assisting students should expect three semesters of full-time instruction. The hours are typically 8am to 3pm each theory day and 7:45am to 3:15pm each clinical day. Textbook expense for the first semester is approximately $300, with approximately $200 more for the last two semesters combined, for a total of approximately $500 book expense. Other expected expenses (not including tuition) are: Physical Examination: approximately $60 (plus possible additional immunizations) during 1st Semester Liability Insurance: payable with PNSG 2035 tuition 1st Semester approximately $15.00 Dental Uniforms: approximately $50 each; 2 required (most students purchase 3-4 over their clinical experience) during 1st Semester. Costs above may vary, and students will be given detailed information about requirements in program orientation, but the intent is to give the prospective student an idea of the financial obligations that the Dental Assisting student will incur. Financial Aid may assist with these costs, but may not cover all of the costs of the program and supplies. The above expense list does not include costs for housing, food, and mileage to travel to and from campus and clinical sites. CGTC s DA program is supported by area private dental practices and community volunteer clinics which serve as clinical sites for the program. In order to obtain the required clinical practice for each course, the student is required to meet certain employment criteria for these clinical sites including, but not limited to, health clearance through physical examination, negative drug/alcohol screening, and negative criminal background history. The clinical sites (independent of the CGTC DA program) determine those students who meet their criteria for clinical practice.

8 Purpose of the Dental Assisting Program The purpose of the Dental Assisting program is to provide educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Program students are exposed to situations that will assist them in creating attitudes and teamwork spirit necessary to succeed as dental assisting professionals. The Dental Assisting program is intended to produce graduates who are prepared to function as professionals in the dental field. Program graduates are to be competent to perform basic occupational functions including assisting in all aspects of chairside dental care such as assisting the dental in specific procedures, exposing and developing radiographs; and performing additional expanded functions as allowed through the State Dental Practice Act. Philosophy of the Dental Assisting Program The Dental Assisting program of study is compatible with the policies of the Technical College System of Georgia and encourages each student to benefit and contribute as a partner in the economic development and stability of Georgia. The philosophy of the Dental Assisting program is founded on the value attributed to the individual student, the dental healthcare profession, and occupational education. The Dental Assisting program of study is consistent with the philosophy and purpose of Central Georgia Technical College. The program provides academic foundations in social or behavioral sciences, natural sciences or mathematics, as well as occupational fundamentals. Program graduates are trained in the fundamentals of dental assisting and are well prepared for employment. The Dental Assisting profession is presently experiencing growth in the employment market. This program is an occupational program that provides the knowledge and skills to prepare participants for the dental assisting profession. The program structure acknowledges individual differences and provides opportunities for students to seek fulfillment of their respective educational goals. The program does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicapping conditions, academic disadvantage, or economic disadvantage. To assist each student in attaining his/her potential within the program, both the instructor and the student incur an obligation in the learning process. The instructor is a manager of instructional resources and organizes instruction in a manner, which promotes learning. The student assumes responsibility for learning by actively participating in the learning process, attending classes and clinic, finishing all assignments, and following instructions. Important attributes for success of program graduates are analytical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to apply professional training to the work requirement. Dental Assisting is a

9 dynamic career; therefore, careful attention to current curriculum is required. The program promotes the concept of change as the profession evolves and the spirit of involvement in lifelong professional learning. Goals of the Dental Assisting Program 1. Provide an environment that encourages the individual to benefit and contribute as a partner in the economic progress, development, and stability of Georgia. 2. Provide education that develops the potential of each student to become a productive, responsible, and upwardly mobile member of society. 3. Provide quality dental assisting education in an atmosphere that fosters interest in and enthusiasm for learning. 4. Prepare graduates to function as accountable and responsible members within their field of endeavor. 5. Prepare graduates to function as safe and competent employees in the field of dental assisting. 6. Prepare program graduates with the highest level of competence possible given the constraints of the interests and ability levels of the individual. 7. Provide educational and related services without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicapping condition, academic disadvantage, -or economic disadvantage. 8. Foster employer participation, understanding, and confidence in the instructional process and the competence of Dental Assisting program graduates. 9. Provide education that acknowledges individual differences and respects the right of individual to seek fulfillment of educational needs.

10 Program Objectives 1. Provide current curriculum, instructional materials, and equipment, which teach knowledge, skills, and attitudes, appropriate to industry needs. 2. Provide educational facilities that foster learning and provide safe, healthy environments available and accessible to all students who can benefit from the program. 3. Provide academic instruction which supports effective learning within the program and which enhances professional performance on the job. 4. Provide employability skills, which foster work attitudes and work habits that will enable graduates of the program to perform as good employees. 5. Nurture the desire for learning so that graduates will pursue their own continuing education as a lifelong endeavor. 6. Provide an educational atmosphere that promotes a positive self-image and a sense of personal well-being. 7. Provide education that fosters development of good safety habits. Provide admissions, educational, and placement services without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicapping condition, academic disadvantage, or economic disadvantage. 8. Provide information to the public regarding the program that will facilitate recruitment and enrollment of students. 9. Promote good public relations via contacts and regular communications with business, industry, and the public sector. 10. Promote faculty and student rapport and communications to enhance student success in the program.

11 Basic Life Support All full-time, part-time, and adjunct dental assisting faculty, and students, who are involved in the direct or indirect provision of patient care, must maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care certification at a minimum level of Health Care Provider by the American Heart Association, National Safety Council, or equivalent Red Cross certification during their employment in the dental assisting program at Central Georgia Technical College. All dental assisting students must maintain this certification from the beginning of their first semester of clinical assignments through the month following graduation. All certifications must be for a two-year period or less. Certification includes Adult, child, and infant CPR and Adult AED according to the American Heart Association Standards, 2010.