Dental Assisting Diploma

Program Code: D45240

(2021*03)

Program is offered through an Instructional Service Agreement with Wayne Community College.

This program requires a 2.2 or greater high school GPA from a College Prep Curriculum valid within 10 years, or a placement test demonstrating placement into college-ready English 111 and math. If either of these requirements is not met, the student will be placed into Associate in General Education – First Year (A10300-FY). *See the A10300FY – Associate in General Education-First Year Program page for more information.

Interested students are encouraged to contact a counselor in the Office of Admissions to obtain information about the program.

The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.

Course work includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provide students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.

Dental Assisting Diploma, Semester-By-Semester Plan

General Education Courses: 6 Hours

English: 3 Hours

ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry Credits: 3

Social/Behavioral Sciences: 3 Hours

PSY 150 - General Psychology Credits: 3

Math/Natural Sciences: 0 Hours

Students must meet math proficiency with one of the following:

Have an unweighted final high school GPA of 2.8 or higher within 10 years from the program start date (8/21) (GED/HiSET/CCRG)
Meet appropriate scores on placement test within 10 years from the program start date (8/21) (ACT/SAT/CPT/Asset/ Compass/NCDAP/NROC/Accuplacer) NROC Tier 1 MAT 002
Complete a College level math class with a “C” or better (MAT 110, 115, 121, 122, 140, 143, 151, 152,161, 171, 172, 263, 271, 272, 273, 285)
Provide proof of completion of an associate’s degree or higher

Major Hours: 42 Hours

Required Core Courses: 34 Hours

DEN 101 Preclinical Procedures Credits: 7*
DEN 102 Dental Materials Credits 4*
DEN 103 - Dental Sciences Credits: 2*
DEN 104 - Dental Health Education Credits: 3*
DEN 105 - Practice Management Credits: 2*
DEN 106 - Clinical Practice I Credits: 6*
DEN 107 - Clinical Practice II Credits: 5*
DEN 111 - Infection/Hazard Control Credits: 2*
DEN 112 - Dental Radiography Credits: 3*

Required Subject Areas: 2 Hours

DEN 100 - Basic Orofacial Anatomy Credits: 2*

Other Major Hours: 6 Hours

ACA 111 - College Student Success Credits: 1
or ACA 122 - College Transfer Success Credits: 1
BIO 163 - Basic Anat & Physiology Credits: 5
or BIO 168 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
and BIO 169 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4

Total Dental Assisting Diploma: 48 Credits

*DEN Courses must be completed through Wayne Community College.

The Diploma in Dental Assisting will be awarded by WCC upon successful completion of all requirements.

All General Education courses may be taken at Lenoir Community College.

For more information:

Dr. Alexis Welch
Dean of Health Sciences and Nursing
Health Sciences (Building 013), Room 217
Phone: (252) 527-6223, ext. 801
Fax: (252) 520-9598
Email: abwelch27@lenoircc.edu