Dental Assisting, A.A.S.

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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 (26).

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:

An application for formal admission to San Antonio College and complete Dental Assisting Program online application website.  Written proof of an advisement/degree plan signed by a faculty member of the dental assisting program and meet the program’s entry-level competencies which are completion of MATH 0305 (Certificate Level I), MATH 0320 (Associate of Applied Science), INRW 0420 and have a GPA of 2.75 or better.  This can be accomplished by scoring appropriately on the TSI test or taking and passing the courses.  Submit unofficial transcripts to Allied Health Department and official transcripts to Admissions Office.  Pre-Program Requirements:  Take and pass CPR-Health Care Provider and submit copy of current CPR card to program.  Note:  CPR is required for State and National Certificates (CPR-Health Care Provider).

Phase Two:

Students entering the Dental Assisting Program must submit the following by the deadline:  a completed program health assessment policy packet which includes:  A completed updated immunization record including Hepatitis B series (Hep B completed (3) or is in progress, needing only #3 in the series to be completed); PPD/TB; TD; MMR; IPV; DPT, Bacterial Meningitis and Varicella a current dental examination with interproximal radiographs (4), dental prophylaxis, treatment form indicating which teeth need sealants, proof of completed background check and drug screening.  Students must provide proof of health insurance.

Phase Three:

Students entering the Dental Assisting Program will receive notification from the program office by e-mail and must attend the orientation meeting in the Summer prior to enrollment in classes.

Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course required in the AAS Degree or Certificate 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 Dental Assisting Program 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, Level I Certificate 

Enhanced Communications Skills Certificate - Dental Assisting 

Degree Requirements (Total Credit Hours 60)