Technical Certificate of Credit

Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation

This 3-semester program prepares the student to become a valuable member of the dental health team. The dental assistant may serve a dental practice or health center as an office manager/ business assistant, chair side assistant, laboratory assistant, or as the person responsible for dental health education. The Dental Assisting curriculum provides a foundation in the health sciences along with extensive training in the technology necessary to perform those tasks delegated to dental assistants by the State Dental Practice Act. Clinical training experiences working with dentists and patients are provided in the facilities of the Dental Center on the Chattanooga State campus, in private offices of practicing dentists, at community health centers, and at schools within the area.

Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (CDA).

Career Opportunities

Private Practice—General, Group, or Specialty; Health Departments; Dental Supply House; Manufacturer’s Representative; Dental Insurance Claims; Dental Office Receptionist/Manager.

Admission Procedures

In addition to submitting proof of high school graduation or GED and completing the application process for admission to Chattanooga State, a students seeking admission to the Dental Assisting program must also:

1. Attend a Dental Assisting information session.
2. Complete all recommended transitional studies classes except DSPM 0850, which may be taken concurrently with DAST classes.
3. Complete the Allied Health Admission Application form.
4. Complete a 16-hour pre-clinical observation in a general dental practice.
5. Submit transcripts verifying high school graduation (or GED) and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4 point scale in all previous educational experiences.
6. Submit items 3, 4, and 5 together to the Nursing and Allied Health Application Coordinator.

Applicants who complete these steps will be offered admission into the next class in which space is available. One class of 36 students is admitted each fall semester. More information, printable forms and information session schedules are available at http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/allied_health/dental_assisting/