Daytona Beach, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
May 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 8,225 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* $328.96 per credit hour | application fee: $50 for international students
Key Summary
Introduction
Daytona State’s Dental Assisting students train using the latest technology available and can seamlessly apply their skills in the workplace. Graduates earn the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (E.F.D.A.) credential required by the state of Florida and are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination to obtain the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental Assistants are professionals who perform a variety of clinical and administrative procedures. The dental assistant is a valuable team member who contributes to the dental offices’ success and productivity. Students will learn a variety of dental procedures and practices using the most current materials and technology: take and analyze dental images, manage patient records, supplies, equipment, and infection control as well as assist with medical emergencies.
Mission
The mission of the Dental Assisting Program is the development of professional, ethical, and competent members of the oral health team who provide quality, patient-centered care to diverse population groups in a variety of healthcare settings. The Dental Assisting Program is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, emphasizing student success.
Description
This program teaches students to pass and receive dental instruments; obtain and analyze dental radiographic images; provide oral health care instructions; mix various dental materials; maintain patient records and order supplies; manage care maintenance systems; prepare instruments for sterilization; and acquire knowledge of infection control practices. Dental assistants are professional members of the dental health team who can perform minor laboratory and basic business office procedures. Upon completion of the program, students earn the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (E.F.D.A.) credential required by the state of Florida and are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination to obtain certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
Program Accreditation: The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements". The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
College Accreditation: Daytona State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates and bachelor’s degrees.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
DSC Foundation Scholarship
The Daytona State College Foundation is proud to offer scholarships to currently enrolled and incoming students at Daytona State College. We have simplified the application process by inviting you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Foundation application. Your eligibility will be determined by the information you provide, so please take time to provide as much information as possible.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
More scholarship opportunities are available requiring an additional application are also available! Keep reading to find out more.
How do I get a scholarship?
Apply in 4 Easy Steps
- Complete the FAFSA® with the DSC code, 001475.
- Write a brief statement in a format you can copy and paste into the DSC Foundation Scholarship application. The statement should focus on your educational and career goals and requires 150 to 300 words. Be sure to spell and grammar check your statement, then save it in a folder to insert it into the DSC Foundation Scholarship application.
- Complete the DSC Foundation Scholarship application. It can be completed in more than one session, but be sure you click ‘Save and Continue’ before logging out. Once complete, click the ‘Submit’ button, and then it's our turn.
- Upload a thank you letter and headshot within 10 days if you receive an email stating you received a DSC Foundation Scholarship.
Curriculum
Program Specific Courses
- ENC1101 - Introduction to Composition (3 hrs)
- OR
- OR
- OST1330 - Business English (3 hrs)
- PSY1012 - General Psychology (3 hrs)
- SLS1122 - Managing Your Success (3 hrs)
- SPC2608 - Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills (3 hrs)
- DEA0000 - Introduction to Dental Assisting (30 hrs)
- DEA0020C - Chairside Assisting I and Lab (105 hrs)
- DEA0130 - Biomedical Science (60 hrs)
- DEA0801C - Chairside Assisting II and Lab (105 hrs)
- DEA0850L - Externship I (240 hrs)
- DEA0851L - Externship II (240 hrs)
- DES0002 - Dental Anatomy and Physiology (30 hrs)
- DES0103C - Dental Materials and Laboratory Procedures (90 hrs)
- DES0205C - Dental Radiology and Lab (90 hrs)
- DES0501 - Practice Management (30 hrs)
- DES0844 - Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition (30 hrs)
ENC1101: Before enrollment in college-level English, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental coursework. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
SPC2608: OST1330 may be used to satisfy the prerequisite requirement for SPC2608 in this program.
Sample Program of Study
Summer Semester (Term B - Six Weeks)
- DES0002 - Dental Anatomy and Physiology (30 hrs)
- DEA0000 - Introduction to Dental Assisting (30 hrs)
- SLS1122 - Managing Your Success (3 hrs)
Fall Semester
- ENC1101 - Introduction to Composition (3 hrs)
- OR
- OR
- OST1330 - Business English (3 hrs)
- PSY1012 - General Psychology (3 hrs)
- DEA0020C - Chairside Assisting I and Lab (105 hrs)
- DES0103C - Dental Materials and Laboratory Procedures (90 hrs)
- DES0205C - Dental Radiology and Lab (90 hrs)
ENC1101: Before enrollment in college-level English, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental coursework. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
Spring Semester
- SPC2608 - Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills (3 hrs)
- DEA0130 - Biomedical Science (60 hrs)
- DEA0801C - Chairside Assisting II and Lab (105 hrs)
- DEA0850L - Externship I (240 hrs)
- DES0501 - Practice Management (30 hrs)
- DES0844 - Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition (30 hrs)
SPC2608: OST1330 may be used to satisfy the prerequisite requirement for SPC2608 in this program.
Summer Semester (Term A - Six Weeks)
- DEA0851L - Externship II (240 hrs)
Total Semester Hours: 12.00
Total Vocational Hours: 35.00
Total Contact Hours: 1230.00
Note: The sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.
Program Outcome
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Apply the principles of four-handed dentistry during the collection of diagnostic data and chairside procedures.
- Perform a variety of clinical supportive treatments.
- Demonstrate basic business office procedures.
- Obtain and analyze diagnostically acceptable digital radiographic images on a variety of patients while executing radiation safety measures.
- Manage asepsis utilizing infection and hazard control protocols consistent with published professional guidelines.
Career Opportunities
Professional Student Opportunities
- Commission on Dental Accreditation: Learn why CODA-accredited Dental Assisting Programs like DSC will make a difference in your dental assisting future.
- American Dental Assistants Association: Professional Association for members with national leadership opportunities and free continued dental education.
- Florida Dental Assistants Association: Learn about leadership opportunities in your state!
- Dental Assisting National Board: Learn about the credentialed Certified Dental Assistant.
- DALE Foundation: Here you will find numerous resources to help prepare for the Dental Assisting National Board examination to earn the credential of Certified Dental Assistant.
Program delivery
Full-time on campus/possibility to do it online but without a visa.