Dental Assisting, Level I Certificate

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IMPORTANT: Students are required to submit an online application and attend a group advisement which includes a PowerPoint presentation with a Dental Assisting program faculty member.

The Dental Assisting Program is a Fall-entry only program with limited enrollment (24).

The mission of the program is to provide for and support competency-based learning for a multicultural community. As one of the accredited Dental Assisting Programs in Texas, the program is committed to excellence in helping to meet the diverse needs of both traditional and nontraditional students. The program seeks to provide each student with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to become a functional dental team member and meet the requirements of the national examining entity.  Acceptance to the Dental Assisting Program is a competitive ranking process with particular attention given to grades in science subjects.  (CODA Standard 2-1)

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of San Antonio College, students desiring admission into Dental Assisting program courses must submit all of the following for fall admission:

Phase One: Allied Health Department Requirements

• An application for formal admission San Antonio College (Apply Texas).
• Complete Dental Assisting Program online application website before deadline. 
• Submit official sealed transcripts to Admission and Records Office
• Meet the program’s entry-level competencies which are completion of MATH 0305 or a TSI score of 337 or higher (Certificate Level I), INRW 0420 or TSI-English: Essay 5 and Reading 351. This can be accomplished by scoring appropriately on the TSI test or taking and passing the courses. 
• A GPA of 2.75 or better.  Acceptance to the Dental Assisting Program is a competitive ranking process with particular attention given to grades in science subjects. (CODA Standard 2-1)
• Provide a copy of unofficial transcript for advisement.
• Written proof of an advisement/degree plan signed by a faculty member of the dental assisting program

Student not meeting these basic requirements will be referred to the Counselors at the Health and Biosciences Institute.

Please Note: Acceptance to the Dental Assisting Program is a competitive ranking process with particular attention given to grades in science subjects. Students accepted into the dental assisting program will be notified by Alamo ACES e-mail. The phase two packet must be returned by the deadline in order to move to phase three.

Phase Two: Program Specific Requirements

Students entering the Dental Assisting Program must submit the following by the deadline: 

• Pre-Program Requirements:  Take and pass CPR- American Heart Association Basic Life Support and submit copy of current CPR card to Complio. Note: CPR is required for State and National Certificates (CPR- American Heart Association Basic Life Support ).
• A completed program health assessment policy packet which includes:  A completed updated immunization record including Hepatitis B series (3); TB screen (within one year) Chest x-ray if hx (+) or a No evidence of active tuberculosis documented by physician; Tdap (# As determined by medical provider) or Tetanus booster (Renewal every 10 years); MMR #1 and MMR #2; Additionally, Varicella #1 and Varicella #2 or official documentation by a physican indicating active disease.
• Proof of completed background check.
• Proof of completed drug screening. 
• Students must provide proof of health insurance (throughout program)
• Dental prophylaxis with current dental examination with interproximal radiographs (4).
• A signed order for x-rays from dentist (18fmx).
• Proof of ADAA Membership (fall and spring requirements)

Phase Three:

Students entering the Dental Assisting Program will receive notification from the program office by e-mail and must:

• Attend the mandatory orientation in the summer prior to enrollment in classes.
• Purchase of required textbooks and supplies.
• Purchase of required scrubs.

Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course required of the Certificate level I in Dental Assisting curricula.  Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to keep in contact with the dental assisting advisor, check eligibility, acceptance status and registering for their classes.

APPROVED Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Site for the Registered Dental Assistant Course (RDA). RDA certificates will be held until all required DNTA classes are passed.  Please refer back to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for expiration dates of exams.

Upon being awarded a degree or certificate, the graduate is eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board certification (DANB) exam. If the examination is passed, the graduate will become a certified dental assistant (CDA).

For more information about this degree, contact the Allied Health Department at 210-486-1502.

NOTE: Any incoming students who HAVE NOT yet met all required phases by program deadline must re-apply online and be re-advised with the program once phases have been met.  Admittance into the program is on a space available basis.  Should a student withdraw, fail, or drop, for whatever reason, he/she is readmitted on a space available basis.

Related Degrees and Certificates:

Dental Assisting, A.A.S.  

Certificate Requirements (Total Credit Hours 33)