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 chairside assistant, office manager/ business assistant, laboratory assistant, or dental hygiene assistant.. 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 private offices of practicing dentist, at community health centers, and at the Dental
Center on the Chattanooga State campus on Amnicola Highway.  Students who successfully complete this program are eligible for Registration as a dental assistant in Tennessee with state certification in Dental Radiology, Sealant Application,  Monitoring Nitrous Oxide, and Coronal Polishing. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Career Opportunities

Private Practice—General, Group, or Specialty;  Dental Office Receptionist/Manager; Health Departments; Veteran’s Administration; Dental Sales; Manufacturer’s Representative; Dental Insurance Claims; Dental Assistant.

Admission Procedures
More information, printable forms and information session schedules are available in the Dental Assisting Program Packet.

Read the Steps to Apply to the Dental Assistant Program

STEP 2: Complete the Chattanooga State Community College admission process
              NOTE: Apply early for Financial Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov
STEP 3: Contact a Dental Assisting Advisor
              NOTE: the college admission process must be completed before to schedule an advising appointment
STEP 4: Submit a COMPLETE Dental Assisting Program Application …
              Attach a high school transcript or GED and college transcripts (if applicable)
              Attach a completed Pre-Clinical Observation Form 
STEP 5: Take General Education and Support courses. See catalog for program requirements.

The application deadline is June 15 each year. Thirty six students will be selected from the applicant pool based on a point system. These applicants will be offered admission to the fall class. Those not accepted may reapply for the next year. The points calculation form is included in the Steps to Apply to the Dental Assistant Program. Acceptance letters will be mailed by the first week of July each year.