Certificate in Dental Assistant
Degree & Certificate Programs
Program Details
The dental assistant is an important member of the dental team. Effective utilization of a well-trained dental assistant results in more effective dental service for a greater number of people, with less time and productivity expended by the dentist. A well-trained Certified Dental Assistant is always in demand in the career market.
While many assistants are employed in private dental practices, there are other fields of opportunity:
- School clinics or public health clinics
- Private hospitals or government hospitals
- Dental schools or the armed services
- Dental sales insurance companies
The main duty is assisting the dentist at chairside in the transfer of instruments, the preparation of dental materials, the sterilization of instruments, and the preparation of the treatment room. The dental assistant is also responsible for certain laboratory procedures.
Most important, the assistant is trained to expose and process X-rays used by the dentist in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Frequently the assistant is called upon to evaluate the patient’s diet and its relationship to oral health, to instruct the patient in the importance of home care, and to demonstrate proper brushing, flossing techniques, and the use of other adjuncts as prescribed by the dentist.
The assistant’s duties also include appointment making, recalls, billing, processing third-party insurance forms, ordering supplies, and complying with OSHA regulations
Program Outcomes
After successful completion of the Dental Assistant program:
- Students will apply all modalities of dental assisting proficiently.
- Students will demonstrate appropriate OSHA standards.
- Students will effectively communicate with dental team.
- Students will demonstrate adaptability and flexibility when met with a new circumstance related to dental
- care, difficult cases or variations from the routine.
- Students will use effective oral communication skills in the clinical and academic settings.
- Students will practice written communication skills.
- Graduate students will demonstrate involvement in state and national professional organizations.
- Students will discuss the importance of keeping current in the profession.
Academic Map
Certificate in Dental Assistant
A minimum of 13 classes and 40 credits is required. At least 20 credits of your program must be taken at Massasoit. Note: Each course completed and passed can only fulfill one program requirement. The same course cannot be used to satisfy multiple program requirements.
Semester 1
3 Credits in DENT 102
Dental Materials I
3 Credits in DENT 103
Dental Radiography I
3 Credits in DENT 105
Dental Office Management
5 Credits in DENT 106
Dental Science I
6 Credits in DENT 107
Chairside Assisting
3 Credits in ENGL 101
English Composition I
Semester 2
3 Credits in DENT 111
Dental Science II
6 Credits in DENT 112
Clinical Externship in Dental Assisting
2 Credits in DENT 113
Dental Materials II
3 Credits in DENT 114
Dental Radiography II
3 Credits in PSYC 101
General Psychology
This academic map is a suggested semester-by-semester guide to keep you on a clear path to program completion. Please note that some classes are offered only in certain semesters, have prerequisites, or minimum passing grades. Winter and/or Summer Session classes may be available for some classes. Your academic advisor will provide you with clear direction needed to stay on course and discuss scheduling options with you. Taking courses not reflected on this map may result in courses not counting toward the completion of your requirements.
Advisory Commitee
This committee is composed of dental professionals, educators, and community partners who work collaboratively to ensure the program remains aligned with current industry standards, certification requirements, and best practices in patient care. By providing expert input on curriculum development, clinical training, and workforce trends, the committee plays a vital role in preparing students to become skilled, compassionate, and job-ready dental assistants. Together, we are committed to supporting student success and advancing excellence in dental healthcare education.
- Catherine Powers Ozyurt
Dean of Health Sciences
Massasoit Community College - Dr. Paul Hubley
General Dentist - Sabrina O'Shea
Director/Chair Dental Assisting, Facilitator of Advisory Board
Massasoit Community College - Eve Jankey
Director/Chair Dental Assisting
Massasoit Community College - Christina Farinella
Adjunct Faculty
Massasoit Community College - Michelle Mello
Adjunct Faculty
Massasoit Community College - Pricila DeJesus '23
CDA
Massasoit Program Alum