Mission: The mission of this program is to prepare students for employment as dental assistants and dental auxiliaries and to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination.

Program H170101 consists of a planned sequence of courses.

Basic Healthcare Worker - Course HSC0003 (90 hours) – Instruction covers basic health care and safety procedures, employability, communications, interpersonal skills, basic mathematics, science, computer literacy, CPR, and First Aid.

Dental Assistant, 1 of 2 - Course DEA0708 (570 hours) – Content includes dental office and patient management skills, basic dental office procedures, dental and general anatomy and terminology of clinical dentistry, patient information and assessment.

Dental Assistant, 2 of 2 - Course DEA0712 (570 hours) – Content includes oral health and preventive dentistry, dental materials and dental laboratory skills, dental office emergencies, dental specialty procedures, dental ethics, assisting in comprehensive dental care, radiology and expanded functions for the state of Florida.

SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: A high school diploma or a GED is required for this program. Specific health occupations admission guidelines (immunizations, drug screening, background check, etc.) are available in Admissions.

Distance Education:  Available – refer to Distance Learning section

Articulation Agreement(s):  St. Petersburg College Dental Hygiene, A.S. Degree

Pinellas County Schools Centers for Wellness and Medical Professions

Program Accreditation:  American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation

Industry Certification(s):  Florida Expanded Duties