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Dental Assisting Diploma (D45240)

The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.

Course work includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provide students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.

Accreditation:
The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of initial accreditation]. 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. The Commissions web address is: http://coda.ada.org/.

Semesters

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First Fall Semester

Basic Orofacial Anatomy

This course provides a basic introduction to the structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include tooth morphology, head and neck anatomy, histology, and embryology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of normal structures and development and how they relate to the practice of dental assisting.

DEN 100

Credits: 2

Preclinical Procedures

This course provides instruction in procedures for the clinical dental assistant as specified by the North Carolina Dental Practice Act. Emphasis is placed on orientation to the profession, infection control techniques, instruments, related expanded functions, and diagnostic, operative, and specialty procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in clinical dental assisting procedures.

DEN 101

Credits: 7

Dental Materials

This course provides identification, properties, evaluation of quality, principles, and procedures related to manipulation and storage of operative and specialty dental materials. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and safe application of materials used in the dental office and laboratory. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory and clinical application of routinely used dental materials.

DEN 102

Credits: 4

Infection/Hazard Control

This course introduces the student to infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the healthcare worker. Topics include introduction to Microbiology, Practical Infection Control, Sterilization and Monitoring, Chemical Disinfectants, Aseptic Technique, Infectious diseases, and applicable North Carolina laws. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of infectious diseases, disease transmission, infection control procedures, biohazard management, OSH standards, and applicable North Carolina laws.

DEN 111

Length: 2
Credits: 2
Lecture: 2

Basic Anatomy & Physiology

This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

BIO 163

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.
Length: 4
Credits: 5
Lecture: 4
Lab: 2
Semester Total 20
First Spring Semester

Dental Sciences

This course is a study of oral pathology, pharmacology, and dental office emergencies. Topics include oral pathological conditions, dental therapeutics, and management of emergency situations. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize abnormal oral conditions, identify classifications, describe actions and effects of commonly prescribed drugs, and respond to medical emergencies.

DEN 103

Credits: 2

Dental Health Education

This course covers the study of preventive dentistry to prepare dental assisting students for the role of dental health educator. Topics include etiology of dental diseases, preventive procedures, and patient education theory and practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in patient counseling and oral health instruction in private practice or public health settings.

DEN 104

Credits: 3

Practice Management

This course provides a study of principles and procedures related to management of the dental practice. Emphasis is placed on maintaining clinical and financial records, patient scheduling, and supply and inventory control. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate fundamental skills in dental practice management.

DEN 105

Credits: 2

Clinical Practice I

This course is designed to provide experience assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize classroom theory and laboratory and clinical skills in a dental setting.

DEN 106

Credits: 6

Dental Radiography

This course provides a comprehensive view of the principles and procedures of radiology as they apply to dentistry. Topics include techniques in exposing, processing, and evaluating radiographs, as well as radiation safety, quality assurance, and legal issues. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the production of diagnostically acceptable radiographs using appropriate safety precautions.

DEN 112

Credits: 3

Writing and Inquiry

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquire, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AS or AE degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in English Composition for the AA, AE, and AS degrees.

ENG 111

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.
Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Semester Total 19
First Summer Semester

Clinical Practice II

This course is designed to increase the level of proficiency in assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to combine theoretical and ethical principles necessary to perform entry-level skills including functions delegable to a DA II.

DEN 107

Credits: 5

General Psychology

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Social & Behavioral Sciences for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

PSY 150

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.
Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Semester Total 8
Total Program Credit 47

SALARY POTENTIAL

Entry-Level Roles

$40,000 – $55,000/year

Solid starting point with high potential for growth into specialized roles. Excellent for gaining foundational experience.

Moderate demand

93% of graduates find work within 6 months

Mid-Level Roles

$65,000 – $85,000/year

Strong progression path with options in corporate finance, public accounting, or government. Certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) enhance mobility.

High demand

96% employed within 3–6 months post-certification.

Specialist Roles

$100,000 – $180,000+/year

Leadership and strategic roles with influence on business decisions. High long-term stability and career satisfaction.

Very high demand

97% with strong job security and lateral mobility.

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STUDENT STORY

Caroline Bailey

Congratulations to Caroline Bailey for being named as a BCC Student of the Month. “In every way, Caroline represents the best of BCC,” said Instructor Heather Hardie. “She’s a team player, hard worker, and has a heart of gold. Her passion for learning and helping others inspires us all.”

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