Dental Assistant FAQ s

Transcription

1 Dental Assistant FAQ s How do I get into the program? Apply to SCTCC Mark Health Care Technician under your program major Dental Assistant Emphasis 1. If I apply to the college and get accepted, am I automatically accepted into the DA program? No, you are accepted to the college first and then you should attend a dental assistant informational meeting. The application for the dental assistant program is now online via the Dental Assistant Program Web Pages Apply Online link 2. What prerequisites do I need to get into the program? Applicants that have submitted the program application form (this is separate from applying to SCTCC) and that are accepted into the program are also required to complete the following: Diploma- Writing for the Workplace, Human Relations and Completion of CPR AAS- Written Communications, Oral Communications and Completion of CPR Higher grades receive a higher rating; a C is considered the lowest acceptable grade. Applicants are also required to complete a dental observation and required paperwork. 3. When are the informational meetings held? Program information meetings are usually held several times a year during the school year; check the web site (sctcc.edu/programs and majors/academic programs/health and human services/dental assistant for specific dates and times. 4. Do you have a waiting list? Yes, applicants will be called from the waiting list (alternate list) if there is an opening for the current year. After the program is filled, the student must re-apply for the following year. 5. On average, how many students apply to the DA program? It can vary from year to year. Normally there will be per calendar year. 1

2 6. How many students get accepted? 30 students are admitted in the fall of the year. 7. How long is the program? 4 semesters of dental assistant courses (which must be taken in sequence) and 1 credit of observation to be completed during the summer session. 8. What can I do while I am waiting to get into the program? You can work on finishing all general education courses for the program or even work on an Associate of Arts degree through SCTCC. 9. If I don t get into Dental Assistant, what other SCTCC health programs should I consider? You should consider any of the other health programs at SCTCC. All SCTCC health programs have science and general education requirements. 10. How many DA programs are there in the state of MN? There are 13 DA programs in MN 11. Are the entrance requirements the same for all programs? You should always check each program individually to make sure you are fulfilling the exact requirements of that program. 12. What is the difference between DA and DH? A dental assistant works directly with the dentist to assist during dental procedures, while a dental hygienist works more independently with patients. Both DA and DHs can take radiographs, impressions, make bleaching trays, and apply sealants and fluoride treatments. The amount of science and general education required is different for DA and DH. The programs are very different from each other, although students do learn similar information in dental anatomy, radiology and dental materials. Both professions are critical to the dental office. You can get more specific information on each profession by going to and clicking on dental education programs. 13. Who regulates the curriculum for the dental assistant program? The curriculum is regulated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation which is the educational division of the American Dental Association. The SCTCC DA faculty performs a curriculum review at the end of each academic semester. Curriculum changes must be approved by the SCTCC AASC committee and by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 2

3 14. Who reviews the quality and content for the program? The dental assistant program curriculum, passing rates on the state registration and national certification exams and graduate placement/ employment is reviewed by the dental assistant faculty, the SCTCC Dental Assistant Program Advisory Committee and by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 15. Who will I get for an advisor as I work on my dental assistant prerequisites? Anthony Riesberg, SCTCC Health Enrollment Specialist, will guide you ensuring that you have enrolled in the prerequisites as well as other courses. 16. What is the difference between an AAS and a diploma dental assistant graduate? The dental assistant didactic, laboratory and clinical preparation is the same for AAS and diploma graduates. The AAS graduate will complete general education courses which may be transferable to other colleges. The diploma degree prerequisites courses do not transfer between colleges. 17. Is the pay / money the same for an AAS grad and a diploma grad? Yes 18. Do we have off-site internships with the dental assistant program? Students complete an off-campus internship rotation at both a general office and a specialty office. This rotation occurs the last semester (spring) of training and students will work the regular working hours of that clinic/dental office until they completed 320 hours of experience. Student will not be paid for their internship experience; it is part of the total dental assistant curriculum. Week-day part-time jobs are not advised during the internship semester. 19. Who is responsible for getting the patients for clinical requirements? Dental assistant students are responsible for completing their patient requirements for clinical courses. Recruiting patients for polishing and x-ray requirements is the responsibility of the student. There is a fee for each of the services. 20. Do I have classes every day? The schedules vary from semester to semester. Students are expected to attend all classes (lecture, lab and clinic). Most labs/clinical requirements are in the morning. Students should allow time to study if they plan on working part time as they go through the program. Traditionally during your first semester you will have classes on Mondays evening until 6:30; however subsequent semester courses are scheduled Mon-Friday between the hours of 8:00 am-4:00 pm. 3

4 21. How much does the program cost? Tuition varies from year to year. Students will take dental assistant credits each semester. The estimated costs for the program supplies, gloves, books, uniforms, state and national exams, etc is $4000 (this does NOT include the cost of tuition & fees). 22. What will I need to purchase on my own? You will be purchasing uniforms, clinic shoes, gloves, masks, safety glasses, books, study materials, lab supplies, pens, pencils, notebooks, binders, name tags, and school ID badge. Students will apply and take the National Certification exam consisting of the Infection Control Exam (approximately $200), Radiation, Health and Safety Exam (approximately $200), and the General Chairside Exam (approximately $225). Students will also take the State Jurisprudence exam (approximately $65) and the State Licensure Exam (approximately $75). Students will also become members of the American Dental Assistants Association which is approximately $50.00 annually. 23. Can a student attend the dental assistant program on a part-time basis? The curriculum is designed so the first semester courses are prerequisites for the second semester and so on. A student would be extending their education significantly by attending on a part time basis. St. Cloud Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools St. Cloud Technical and Community College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. ADA Accessible Facility. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer TTY users may call MN Relay Service at 711 to contact the college. 4

5 St. Cloud Technical & Community College Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN