Dental Assisting
Learn to provide excellent dental patient care
Dental assistants are the core supporters of a dental office. Students that enroll in MVC's Dental Assistant program learn how to provide patient care services including helping dentists during dental procedures, taking x-rays, sterilizing equipment, scheduling appointments, taking dental impressions, and more.
About the Dental Assistant Program
Programs of Study
-
AAssociate Degree
-
TTransfer Degree
-
CCredit Certificate
-
NNon-Credit
-
Limited Enrollment -
Online Options
Dental Assisting
Associate of Science and Certificate
-
A
-
C
-
The program prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs
(x-rays), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures as well as discharge
office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists. The curriculum
includes instructions in dental office management tasks, general office duties, reception
and patient intake, patient scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, dental
radiography and radiation safety, pre and post-operative patient care and instructions,
chair-side assisting and direct patient care in general and specialty practice, taking
impressions, infection control, Dental Practice Act, pit and fissure sealant application,
coronal polish and supervised clinical practice.
Program Code
MAS621/MCE621
Units
33 Units
Why become a dental assistant?
Dental assisting is a fast-paced career where you have an opportunity to better the
lives and health of your community. Providing top tier patient care means you're able
to reduce patient anxiety, help relieve oral pain, and increase a patient's quality
of life. Dental assistants bring a broad set of skills to the table, from office administration
to technical dentistry skills to customer support. You can start working in this field
in less than two years.
What You'll Learn
- How to collect diagnostic data and perform clinical supportive treatments as outlined by the State Dental Practice Act.
- How to perform business office procedures as related to dental practices.
- How to adhere to the ADAA’s Code of Ethical Conduct and apply this to established ethical, legal and regulatory concepts for dental assisting.
- How to apply self-assessment skills to promote life-long learning.
- How to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population.
Career Options
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Lab Technician
- Community Dental Health Coordinator
- Dental Consultant
- Dental Product Developer