Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dental Assisting Technical Certificate


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For more information on this program, contact the Health Sciences division at 615-230-3330.

This technical certificate program is one year (twelve months) and is composed of didactic and clinical instruction. It is designed and organized to promote the personal and professional growth of each student. The main objectives of the program are to prepare the student to function in the dental setting and to academically qualify for the Dental Assistant National Board certification examination and the Tennessee Board of Dentistry registry examination. The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.

Students desiring entrance into the Dental Assistant program must have the following on file:

Meet admission requirements for the College based on the admission or readmission status the applicant is seeking.

1. Application to Health Sciences Careers

2. Complete documents located in the Program Information Packet

3. All students will be required to complete a criminal background check upon formal acceptance in a Health Sciences program. Please take a look at our Background Check Requirements and steps on how to get your results submitted.

This profession may expose the student to blood borne pathogens.  Therefore, the Dental Assistant Program follows all rules and regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  The student is required to be immunized against infectious diseases as required by the clinical affiliates and OSHA regulations or complete a refusal document with the guidelines of the regulations.  Clinical affiliates may refuse clinical rotation access to students who fail to obtain the required immunizations.

The application deadline is May 15. Applicants are admitted into the program each August. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. The Dental Assistant courses begin in August and end the following August. Any questions about the program or the admissions procedure should be directed to the Program Director.

Certificate Requirements - Credits (45)


DegreeWorks, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the DegreeWorks audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

Total Certificate Requirements - Credits (45)


Career and Salary Information


The following is a list of some of the career choices that may be obtained upon completion of this program. Please visit the following website bls.gov or speak to an advisor for additional career opportunities, salary information and education requirements. Salaries are not guaranteed. Experienced salary depends on education and/or years of experience.

Career Beginning Median Salary with Technical Certificate Experienced Salary
Dental Assistant $22,520 $36,380

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