Dental Assisting (ATD)

• Leads to State or Organizational Llicense or Certification:  Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB)
• Cost associated with taking the exam:  $450
• Where to take the exam: Dental Assisting National Board

The dental assistant's primary role is to assist the dentist with chair-side procedures. The dental assistant also works independently performing delegated duties such as taking X-rays, impressions, placing sealants, and polishing the crowns of the teeth. This program provides preparation for all aspects of dental assisting including clinical, laboratory, and office responsibilities. Clinical skills assisting the dentist and performing expanded duties are mastered onsite in the dental clinic on the Cocoa campus and at local dental offices and clinics. Laboratory skills include pouring and trimming models of the teeth and fabrication of bleaching trays. Business office skills taught include scheduling patient appointments and filing insurance claims. The Applied Technical Degree (ATD) is a one year, 50 college credit degree.

Program-Specific Admissions Information: This is a limited-access program; student must submit a separate application to the program. The ATD program is offered on campus during the day (Daytime) and online with evening labs (Outreach). 

This ATD is part of the A.S. Dental Assisting Technology and Management degree. For students who plan to further their education, fifty credits from this ATD transfer into the A.S. Dental Assisting Technology and Management degree and twenty two credits from this ATD transfer into the A.S. Dental Hygiene degree. 

Refer to the Applied Technology Diploma overview page to find information about admission, graduation, testing and other requirements. 

Visit the program page for more information or call (321) 433-7575.

Program of Study

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Courses
BSCC 1084	Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology	4
DEA 1010	Introduction to Dental Assisting	2
DEA 1051	Dental Pharmacology and Pain Control	2
DEA 1136	Allied Dental Theory	3
DEA 1805	Clinical Practice 1	4
DEA 1936	Dental Seminar	1
DEAL 1805	Clinical Practice 1 Laboratory	5
DEAL 1855	Clinical Practice 2 Laboratory	5
DES 1020	Head, Neck, and Dental Anatomy	2
DES 1200	Dental Radiography	2
DES 1502	Dental Office Management	1
DES 1600	Dental Office Emergencies	1
DES 1800	Introduction to Clinical Procedures	2
DES 1840	Preventive Dentistry	2
DES 2100	Dental Materials	2
DESC 2832	Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries	2
DESC 2833	Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries 2	3
DESL 1020	Head, Neck, and Dental Anatomy Laboratory	1
DESL 1200	Dental Radiography Laboratory	1
DESL 1800	Introduction to Clinical Procedures Laboratory	1
DESL 2100	Dental Materials Laboratory	1
HSCC 1000	Introduction to Healthcare	3
Total Credit Hours		50

A grade of "C" or higher is necessary in each major course for progression and graduation.

Course Sequence

Below is the recommended sequence for taking courses in this degree.  Using this guide and meeting with your assigned advisor each term is the key to successful program completion.

Please note that course prerequisites, including required developmental math, reading, or writing, need to be completed to continue on to the more advanced course. Click on the course number to see the requirements.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BSCC 1084	Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology	4
HSCC 1000	Introduction to Healthcare	3
DEA 1010	Introduction to Dental Assisting	2
DES 1020	Head, Neck, and Dental Anatomy	2
DESL 1020	Head, Neck, and Dental Anatomy Laboratory	1
DES 1200	Dental Radiography	2
DES 1800	Introduction to Clinical Procedures	2
DES 1840	Preventive Dentistry	2
DES 2100	Dental Materials	2
DESC 2832	Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries	2
DESL 1200	Dental Radiography Laboratory	1
DESL 1800	Introduction to Clinical Procedures Laboratory	1
DESL 2100	Dental Materials Laboratory	1
DEA 1051	Dental Pharmacology and Pain Control	2
DEA 1136	Allied Dental Theory	3
DEA 1805	Clinical Practice 1	4
DEAL 1805	Clinical Practice 1 Laboratory	5
DES 1502	Dental Office Management	1
DES 1600	Dental Office Emergencies	1
DEA 1936	Dental Seminar	1
DEAL 1855	Clinical Practice 2 Laboratory	5
DESC 2833	Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries 2	3
Total Credit Hours		50

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of dental assistant.
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
2. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations for the dental assistant (affective domain).
   • Core Ability Supported: Model Ethical and Civic Responsibility
3. Demonstrate the technical proficiency in all the skills necessary to fulfill the role as a dental assistant (psychomotor domain).
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
4. Successfully pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination.
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems