Dental Assistant Certificate

Dental Assistants work in dental offices, helping to treat and examine patients. They assist by handing the dentist the proper instruments, taking and processing x-rays, preparing materials for making impressions and restorations, and instructing the patient in oral health care.

The curriculum is a one-year certificate program which prepares students to be important members of the dental team. The program is dedicated to the development of appropriate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective competencies in students so that they may apply scientific understanding, technological skills, and human values within their profession. Courses include Dental Office Management, Dental Materials, Dental Science, Dental Radiography, Chair Side Assisting, and a Clinical Externship.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Examination.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation- American Dental Association.

The Dental Assistant program is a selective admissions program.

Please visit www.massasoit.edu/selective-admissions for more information on admissions requirements.

Career Opportunities

Dental Assistants hold more than 176,000 jobs in private dental offices, group practices, dental schools, public health departments, private clinics, and Veterans and Public Service hospitals. There are good reasons to expect the demand for dental assistants will continue to grow. Public awareness of dental health and appearance has increased substantially in recent years. Improvements in the dental care industry along with greater accessibility to dental insurance has insured a strong job market for dental assistants.

Related Professions

Dental Assistants may also work in school clinics, private hospitals, and dental sales.

Salary Outlook

For more information on salary and occupational outlook, please visit www.onetonline.org

Upon graduation from the program the student is eligible to take the DANB Exam for certification as a Dental Assistant. The Dental Assisting Program provides equal opportunity for qualified applicants.

Admissions Requirements

1. Submit an application form to the Admissions Office.
   Priority Application Deadline is April 30. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
2. Submit documentation of high school graduation, GED / HiSET, or other state approved equivalency credential (transcript or diploma). All foreign high school transcripts must
   be evaluated.
3. Applicants must attend a Dental Assistant Information Session, which includes an overview of the Program with the Department Chair and the Associate Director of Admissions. Register for a Dental Assistant Information Session online, or call 508-588-9100 x 2114
4. Complete required college placement tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Schedule your placement testing.Please note the Dental Assistant program is a Selective Admissions program.

Program Goals

1. To provide individuals with career preparation associated with CODA Dental Assisting competencies with consideration of the Laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2. To provide a curriculum that leads to a Certificate in Dental Assisting and employment in the dental community.
3. To promote the development of those intellectual skills that foster critical thinking and problem solving that are necessary for life- long learning.
4. To provide students with the skills necessary to communicate effectively within the healthcare community.
5. To promote the development of life-long professional attitudes and values.