Dental Assistant - Diploma

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

1. Course Objective:

Description:

Students receive instruction and hands-on training in infection control and medical emergencies, chairside assisting, radiology, restorative dentistry, oral health, dental specialties, Dentrix and dental office management, anatomy and medical terminology, professional skills, and a 300-hour clinical externship.

Competencies to be achieved:

Graduates will be prepared to assist dentists chairside, identify and transfer instruments, maintain infection-control and sterilization procedures, support restorative and specialty procedures, maintain dental records and schedules, communicate professionally with patients and dental staff, and perform radiography or other regulated functions after obtaining any credential required by Arizona law.

1. Total Cost of Program (include all costs to student, including testing, licensure):

Total Cost includes testing, licensure: Yes or No: No

$18,835

1. Provide a list of all books required for the program (even if the cost of books is included in tuition):

• Career Edge - Kuselias, C.


• Medical Assisting: Administrative & Clinical Competencies, 10th Edition - Blesi, M.


• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, 5th Edition - Rizzo, D.C.


• Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 9th Edition - Ehrlich, A.; Ehrlich, L.; Schroeder, C.L.; Schroeder, K.A.


• Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7th Edition - Singhal, V.; DeFiore, M.; Alvarez, K.; Kantz, S.; Phinney, D.; Halstead, J.


• Typing Club and Numerical Key online typing resources (required digital course resources).

1. Provide a list of all supplies required for the program (even if costs are included in tuition):

• Non-porous shoes.


• Watch with a second hand, if applicable.


• These items are not charged by Arizona College; students may use items they already own. Uniforms and laboratory supplies are provided by the College.

1. WIOA Contact for Enrollment Status /Credential Verification:

Name: Matt Calhoun

Email: Mcalhoun@arizonacollege.edu

Phone number: 480-274-5758

1. Direct Website link to the program:

https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/dental-assistant/

1. Additional information:

Admission Requirements: General Arizona College admission requirements apply, including high school diploma/recognized equivalent (or otherwise meeting the College admission standard), an admissions interview, application, education verification/attestation, and enrollment/financial arrangements. Students must be at least 18 years old before beginning the externship.

Background check requirements licensing/credential: No statewide criminal-background-check requirement was identified for general entry-level dental assistant status in Arizona. Separate Arizona-approved credentials are required before performing certain regulated functions, including radiography and coronal polishing.

Industry Standard background check requirements/restrictions for working in the occupation: No general statewide criminal-history restriction was identified for entry-level dental assistant employment. Employers and externship sites may impose their own screening requirements. Arizona restricts radiography and coronal polishing to dental assistants who hold the required Board-approved credential.

Other requirements needed: Students must be at least 18 years old before starting externship. Arizona College recommends DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) component exams during/after the related coursework. Additional DANB certifications have separate eligibility requirements.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisite classes for this program.

1. Credentials: (The following questions must be answered along with a supporting explanation for each)

Industry Recognized: (Developed and offered by, or endorsed by a nationally recognized industry association or organization representing a sizeable portion of the industry sector)

Yes or No: Yes

Nationally Recognized Industry Association or Organization:

• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Stackable: (Part of a sequence of credentials)

Yes or No: Yes

Career Pathway (Explain): Dental Assistant diploma -> Arizona-required function credentials such as radiography/coronal polishing, as applicable -> DANB component exams and national certifications (for example, NELDA/CDA when eligibility requirements are met) -> expanded-function or advanced dental assisting roles.

Portable: (Recognized in other geographical areas; by other educational institutions; or by other industries/companies)

Yes or No (Explain): Yes. DANB certifications are nationally recognized and can support employment mobility. State-specific scope-of-practice and function credentials still apply and may require additional steps when moving between states.

Accredited Curriculum: (This is referring to the course being accredited, not the test or school)

Yes or No: Yes

Accrediting Agency and link to website: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

https://abhes.org

1. Job Placement:

Does this program offer job placement services? (Yes/No): Yes

If yes, please explain what support a student can receive to obtain employment upon training completion:

Career Services are available to eligible graduates. Support includes resume workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, identification of employment opportunities, and assistance with the graduate job search. Arizona College does not guarantee placement.

Details

Cost Items

Demand Occupation(s)