Dental Assisting Diploma

Program Code: D45240

(2021*03)

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

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.

This is a competitive admissions program, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Applicants are accepted for admission based on required criterion and individual applications. To be eligible to apply for the Dental Assisting program, students must meet the following minimum prerequisite requirements.

An ACT/SAT score from within the past 10 years (optional) Minimum MATH Prerequisite Requirements:

An applicant must have completed ONE of the following before receiving the applicant packet:

An unweighted high school GPA of 2.8 or higher from a College Prep Curriculum
A grade of “P” for DMA 010-080
A grade of “C” or higher for MAT 080
Completion of Transitions Math through Tier 3
A grade of “C” or higher in MAT 035
Placement test scores that demonstrate mastery of MAT 035

Students who have completed a college approved Math course such as MAT-121, MAT-122, MAT141, MAT-143, MAT-151, MAT-152, MAT-161, MAT-171, MAT-263, or MAT-271 (with grade of C or better) may meet the math requirement.
Minimum Anatomy & Physiology Prerequisite Requirements:

Successful completion of BIO-163 OR BIO-168 & BIO-169 (with grade of C or better)

Dental Assisting Diploma, Semester-By-Semester Plan

General Education Hours (6 SHC)

English (3 SHC)

ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry Credits: 3

Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 SHC)

PSY 150 - General Psychology Credits: 3

Major Hours (42 SHC)

Required Courses (34 SHC)

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 SHC)

DEN 100 - Basic Orofacial Anatomy Credits: 2*

Other Major Hours (6 SHC)

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

All General Education courses may be taken at Lenoir Community College. The Diploma in Dental Assisting will be awarded by WCC upon successful completion of all requirements.

*DEN Courses must be completed through Wayne 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