Purpose: (l) To prepare students to perform the following services under supervision of a dentist: chairside assistance, including preparation of impression and restorative materials; exposing and processing intra-oral and panoramic dental radiographs; laboratory and office management procedures; dental health education; recognition of emergencies; patient care as authorized by the Virginia Board of Dentistry. (2) To qualify the student for the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Examination. Occupational Objectives: This program is designed to provide essential technological and practical knowledge required for a dental assistant to perform efficiently in a dental office. Training experiences in nearby dental clinics and private dental offices are provided. Admission Requirements: General college curricular admission Financial Requirements: In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the Dental Assisting Program requires: Textbooks | $250.00* (per semester) | Uniforms, Lab Coat, Clinic Coat, Safety Glasses, Blood Pressure Kit, and Hepatitis Vaccine Series | $300.00* | Student Membership in the ADAA | $35.00* (one time) | Certification Exam Application | $470.00* (one time) | *Costs listed are approximate. |
Program Notes: This program takes new students in the spring and fall semesters of each year. Students admitted into Dental Assisting will be approved for entry into major/clinical courses (DNA 103 and higher) when they have satisfied the following requirements: 1. | A personal interview with the program head or a designated faculty member. | 2. | Completion of one unit of high school biology with a grade of "C" or better, or its equivalent (JSRCC BIO 01). | 3. | Completion of one unit of high school mathematics with a grade of "C" or better, or its equivalent (JSRCC MTH 02). | 4. | A grade of "C" or better in each course of the Dental Assisting curriculum. | 5. | Completion of all JSRCC developmental coursework prescribed as a result of JSRCC placement tests. | 6. | Completion of health forms provided by the program head for physical and dental examinations. |
Any student whose final grade falls below a "C" in any course must obtain permission from the program head to continue the major in Dental Assisting. Students are responsible for transportation to and from facilities used for clinical experiences. DNA courses are sequential unless otherwise determined by the program head. Students entering the program may find it beneficial to take all of the general education courses prior to entering the DNA courses. Computer Competency Requirement: Students in this program will meet the college’s computer competency requirement by successfully completing ITE 115. Students can also meet this requirement by passing the college’s computer competency exam, administered in the testing centers on each campus, in which case they will receive college credit for ITE 115. Those students not passing the computer competency exam may retake the exam only once. Program Accreditation: The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. | 
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