Overview
A Dental Assistant performs specific procedures on patients, exposes and processes radiographs, assists chairside, prepares and delivers dental materials, and participates in laboratory procedures. Dental Assistants may perform only under the direct supervision of a dentist.
Program Goals
The Dental Assisting program strives to prepare the student to function efficiently as an integral member of the dental team by utilizing various educational experiences. Students will be able to:
- Perform the clinical, laboratory, administrative, and educational skills of a dental assistant needed for various dental environments.
- Demonstrate effective asepsis and infection control management according to accepted guidelines.
- Practice dental assisting within the legal and ethical boundaries set forth by the state.
- Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and professional advancement in the healthcare delivery system.
- Incorporate new technological skills to enhance their clinical abilities.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and other dental team members.
- Recognize and value patient treatment in a holistic and ethical manner.
Application Requirements
Acceptance into the Dental Assistant program is dependent upon the following entrance requirements:
- Completed Harcum College application
- Official high school transcript
- SAT scores (required for students under age 24 only)
- Official college transcript(s), if applicable
- Completion of high school Biology (with lab) and college preparatory mathematics with a grade of C or higher (or vocational training in Dental Assisting)
- Personal essay
- TOEFL scores are required for students for whom English is a second language
- An interview is recommended
Accepted students must show proof of the following:
Course Sequence
First Semester
| DA 121 |
Dental Assisting I |
4 cr. |
| DE 192 |
Dental Anatomy |
2 cr. |
| DA 247 |
Preventive Health and Nutrition |
4 cr. |
| PSY 111 |
Introductory Psychology |
3 cr. |
| ENG 101 |
Composition I |
3 cr. |
| IDS 101 |
Harcum Colloquium |
1 cr. |
| CIS 106 |
The Worldwide Web and Beyond |
1 cr. |
 |
16 cr. |
|
|
| Second Semester
| DA 142 |
Dental Materials |
3 cr. |
| DA 100 |
Dental Assisting Clinical |
2 cr. |
| DE 150 |
Dental Radiology |
3 cr. |
| DA 122 |
Dental Assisting II |
4 cr. |
| DE 141 |
Basic Dental Science |
3 cr. |
| BIO 108 |
Anatomy and Physiology |
3 cr. |
|
18 cr. |
|
|
| Summer Session*
| DA 200 |
Dental Assisting Practicum |
8 cr. |
| DA 245 |
Dental Office Procedures |
2 cr. |
|
10 cr. |
|
|
|
*Additional tuition fee is charged for the Summer Session.
Minimum number of credits required for certificate completion: 44 credits
Additional Important Information
- To receive a Dental Assistant Certificate, the student must earn a grade of C (75%) or higher in all Dental Assisting courses.
- Upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting Program students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from practicum sites.
- Harcum College Dental Assisting students interested in applying to Harcum's Dental Hygiene program must meet the Dental Hygiene program's admissions requirements. Please refer to the Harcum College Dental Hygiene Program Sheet for more information, or call the Admissions Office at 610-526-6050.
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
I would like to talk to an admissions counselor about this program.
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