Dental Assisting

Program Objective

The Dental Assisting program is committed to help students gain new knowledge and acquire professional skills in order to attain a meaningful position in a highly regarded field. By creating an environment in which students are stimulated to learn, grow personally, and to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills necessary to meet the demands of the profession and the community.

Program Content

The course content includes, but is not limited to:

• Dental office and patient management
• Basic dental laboratory procedures
• Dental and general anatomy
• Dental terminology
• Oral pathology
• Nutrition and preventive dentistry
• Dental instruments and equipment
• Microbiology
• Dental pharmacology and anesthesia
• Chairside assisting and expanded functions
• Maintenance and asepsis of dental operator and instrumentation
• Employability skills
• Leadership and human relations skills: HOSA membership and participation activities
• Ethics and jurisprudence
• Dental materials and preventive dentistry

This program incorporates practical experience in dental clinics and offices. This program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission of Dental Accreditation and the Florida Board of Dentistry. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Board Examination of Dental Assistants as well as obtain the Dental Radiographer Certification for the State of Florida.

Admission Requirements

• 16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in any K-12 program
• Occupational Interest
• High School Diploma/GED from an Accredited High School
• No specific requirement for Information Technology

Completion Requirements

The entire program is 1230 clock hours, but students can earn a certificate at the completion of the following OCPs:

OCP A –  Introduction to Dental Assisting:                      90 hours

OCP B – Dental Infection Control Assistant:              210 hours

OCP C – Dental Assistant 1:                                                465 hours

Dental Assistant 2:                                                                 465 hours

Satisfactory Completion of all OCPs and passing the Final Test (theory, practical and Clinical) will award student the Expanded Functions Certificate for the State of Florida. Minimum basic-skills grade levels required for awarding a Full Program Completion Certificate are 10th grade in Math, Reading, and Language on the TABE® test, or Industry Certification. Additional information can be provided by student services.

Students are expected to complete program competencies.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities are available as Dental Assistants in:

• Private Dental Offices
• Dental Schools
• Hospitals

Salary

The average wage for this career in Florida is $19.79 hourly or $41,170 annually.

Program Cost

• In-state residents – $2.56 per hour (Subject to change)
• Out of state resident – $10.25 per hour (subject to change)
• $15.00 application fee per trimester
• Material fee – Varies by program
• Identification fee – $5.00 per trimester
• Liability insurance fee – Varies by program
• Students must purchase books/kits and or uniforms, if applicable.

Program Hours

• Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Applicants must have a high school diploma from an accredited High School, or its equivalent. To apply,
complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, at www.fafsa.gov. Questions pertaining to this matter should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

RMEC & TC adheres to a policy of non-discrimination and strives to provide equal opportunity to all potential students.