Dental Assisting (Career Certificate)

For information contact Julie LaRosa.

Provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively as integral members of the dental health team. This 10-month program offers preparation in chairside assisting and related office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of the dentist. All students must complete the college placement test and must place into Composition in order to begin the program.

The program has a 30 year affiliation with University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.

The program utilizes the facilities of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, federal, state and local hospitals, and community health clinics. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination.
The dental assistant certificate has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation may be contacted at 312.440.2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

NOTES: The ability to obtain a license may be affected due to a felony conviction. Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations.

Dental Assisting Mission Statement:  It is the philosophy and mission of the Tunxis Community College  Dental Assisting Program to graduate students who demonstrate the highest ideals of the dental professions, advance the standards and delivery of oral health care, develop positive human and understanding relationships with those with whom they work and serve, endeavor to extend the benefits of quality oral health care to all, and who are proactive members of society in the promotion of health.

Dental Assisting Program Goal: It is the goal for the Tunxis Dental Assisting Program to develop competent and self-confident oral health practitioners

Dental Assisting Program Objectives: 

1. As self-directed thinkers and decision makers, adapt to change and challenge
2. Value education as a lifelong process and not the end product
3. Exhibit the integrity and ethics that are necessary to insure the delivery of quality dental care to a diverse population
4. Successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board Certification exam.

Dental Assisting Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all courses in the program, students will show proficiency in:

1. Dental Assisting Process of Care – provides care to all clients without regard to economic, social, cultural religious or
   health status. This is based upon an individualized human need, evidenced based system which includes assessment, anticipation of operator’s needs, implementation, education and evaluation
2. Health Promotion – develops, implements and evaluates health promotion strategies directed toward helping individuals as well as diverse populations achieve oral wellness as well as overall health and awareness.
3. Teamwork – effectively engages in interpersonal activities and teamwork
4. Professionalism – demonstrates professional etiquette in healthcare by establishing respectable relationships with patients, colleagues, and supervisors
5. Technology Literacy – effectively uses technology to accomplish assigned tasks

The College recommends that you apply as early as possible because the program has a limited number of available spaces. To be admitted to the program, a student is required to demonstrate the ability to place into Composition (ENG*101) by the end of the first summer session prior to the fall semester in which the student seeks to enroll.

In addition, students must meet core requirements for admission to the College.  Specialized course work must be taken in the outlined sequence.

Waiver of Licensure Guarantee

Upon successful completion of the certificate program in Dental Assisting, the graduate is eligible to take the General Chairside Dental Assisting National Board exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant. Students must pass all three components (Infection Control Examination; Radiation Health and Safety Examination; and the General Chairside Examination) of the Dental Assisting National Board to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

Dental assistants in Connecticut must successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board’s Infection Control exam or an infection control competency assessment administered by a CODA-accredited dental education program in Connecticut.  Dental assistants in Connecticut must also successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board’s Radiation Health and Safety exam to legally expose patients for radiographic imaging.

Students/Candidates who live/work or plan to live/work outside of Connecticut should verify the licensing/credentialing required for dental assistants in that state to ensure that credentialing will be accepted.  We suggest that you research the Dental Assisting National Board’s website listings that provide requirements for each state.  The Dental Assisting National Board webpage link is provided below for your convenience.

Dental Assisting National Board, Inc (danb.org)
Search state requirements, dental assisting job titles, allowable functions, requirements for each job level and more.

The ability to obtain a license may be affected due to a felony conviction.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting
body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation may be contacted at 312.440.2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.