Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting
El Paso, USA
Associate of Applied Science
DURATION
14 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Associate of Applied Sciences in Dental Assisting was designed to meet the demands of a continuously evolving healthcare market. The purpose of the program is to provide students with sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform efficiently in an entry-level position as a chairside assistant in a dental office.
This program includes courses that cover the essential components of dental assisting responsibilities, such as but not limited to passing instruments and supplies to the dentist, preparing dental charts, appointment scheduling, laboratory procedures, maintenance of patient records, and instructing patients in proper oral hygiene.
By incorporating components of liberal arts and sciences, the student will reinforce written and verbal communication skills, as well as develop critical thinking skills that are essential in a high-intensity work environment, and develop a humanistic healthcare professional.
Students acquire proficiency in a range of tasks, including:
- Facilitating Dental Procedures: Students learn to effectively provide instruments and supplies to dentists, ensuring a smooth workflow during dental procedures.
- Laboratory Proficiency: The program hones students’ skills in performing essential laboratory procedures, contributing to accurate diagnostics and treatment planning.
- Patient Education: Students are equipped to educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, promoting better dental health practices and empowering patients to take proactive care of their oral well-being.
Students requiring financial aid are requested to provide their financial aid representative with the following documents in order to process their aid application in a prompt manner:
- Social Security Card
- Driver's License or State-Issued ID
- If a resident, Alien Registration Card
- If a naturalized citizen, Naturalization Certificate
- If married, you and your spouse’s previous year tax returns
- If single and under the age of 24, you and your parents' previous years' tax returns
If, for any reason, you cannot provide any of the documentation listed above or need clarification on what documents to provide, please get in touch with financial aid for guidance on the matter.
How do I apply for financial aid?
The fastest way to apply for financial aid is by filing your free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. By doing so, you ensure its accuracy and the information goes directly to the federal processor, which means you receive your Student Aid Report sooner. It’s fast, convenient, and user-friendly. If you require a paper application, you may contact Southwest University’s financial aid office, and one will be mailed to you. Upon request from the Financial Aid Office, you may need to provide additional documents such as student and/or parent tax returns, verification of untaxed income, or other documents required to determine eligibility.
The Financial Aid Office will mail you an award notification approximately 3-6 weeks after receipt of your Student Aid Report (depending on the time of year) only if you have already been accepted for admission to Southwest University.
How much assistance do I qualify for?
Your eligibility for the need-based financial aid programs is determined by subtracting your Effective Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by your Student Aid Report from the cost of attendance for your course of study. Cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, personal, and transportation costs. Charges for tuition and fees can be found in the Tuition & Fees section of the current Southwest University Catalog. These costs are subject to change.