Certified Dental Assisting

Our Certified Dental Assisting certificate of proficiency program is a great first step in your career in dental health care. Certified dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team.

Come join our expert faculty and learn in our state-of-the-art facilities the basic level patient care, administrative duties, and laboratory functions.

We'll also teach you how to assist a dentist engaged in performing general dentistry practices such as diagnostic, operative, preventive and other dental procedures. The time to become a certified dental assistant is now!

Graduates who successfully pass the Dental Assisting National Board are eligible to apply for licensure in the state where they plan to practice.

Degree Plans

• Dental Studies: Certified Dental Assisting, AAS
• Dental Studies: Certified Dental Assisting, CERT

Essential traits to be a Successful Certified Dental Assistant Student

In addition to the academic admission requirements for students entering the Certified Dental Assisting Program; the following essential functions are also expected of all students:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students must possess strong intellectual, conceptual, and critical thinking abilities to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make informed clinical decisions. They should be adept at problem-solving and capable of obtaining, interpreting, and accurately documenting information.

• Communication Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills are essential for transmitting information accurately to dentists, patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

• Fine Motor Skills: Students should demonstrate fine motor skills adequate for lifting and operating equipment, ensuring safe and efficient dental assisting care.

• Interpersonal Skills: Students must exhibit strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to interact effectively with individuals, families, and groups from diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Physical Mobility and Endurance: The ability to move comfortably in small spaces, with a full range of motion, manual dexterity, and endurance to sustain focus while sitting, standing, or moving for prolonged periods is required.

• Visual and Perceptual Abilities: Students should possess keen visual and perceptual abilities for observing patients, assessing oral conditions, and discerning subtle changes both clinically and radiographically. Hand-eye coordination is essential.

• Auditory and Sensory Skills: Students' auditory and sensory skills must be adequate for monitoring and assessing patients' health needs, determining oral conditions, and ensuring patient safety.

• Professionalism: Students are expected to demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors, exercising sound judgment even under stressful conditions affecting patient care. This includes proficiency in the English language, the ability to critically evaluate performance, accept constructive criticism professionally, and take responsibility for improving performance.

• Teamwork and Independence: Students should be capable of working both independently and as part of a team, upholding the highest standards of quality care. They should present a professional appearance, maintain personal health, and exhibit emotional stability.

• Time and Patient Management: Demonstrating effective time and patient management skills is essential. This includes multitasking, prioritizing tasks, comprehending and following instructions, and adhering to clinical and professional regulations for safe practices. Additionally, students must be willing to drive to clinical sites outside of the Tyler area and have reliable transportation.