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

Health Sciences - Dental Assisting Concentration A.A.S.


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

The College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree as a career ladder for persons who have successfully completed their program of study in Dental Assisting. A total of 36 hours from the certificate may be applied to the required degree hours.  This degree is designed to assist Health Sciences workers with their general and continuing education.  For more information refer to the Health Sciences Associate of Applied Science Degrees section in the catalog. Specific core credits may be earned by current enrollment in appropriate health sciences courses.  In addition to the 15 credit hours of General Education core courses currently required for an A.A.S degree, students will complete 3 required courses and 2 elective courses from those listed in the institution’s catalog.

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the Educational Testing Service Proficiency Profile (ETSP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/testing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Student will demonstrate the basic skills to be a competent dental assistant.

  2. Students will define the terminology unique to dental assisting. 

  3. Students will illustrate comprehension of professional ethical standards for dental assisting. 

  4. Students will apply and demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills within the parameters of dental assisting.

General Education Requirements - Credits (15 - 17)


Professional Core Course Requirements - Credits (15)


Total Degree Requirements - Credits (60-62)


Career and Salary Information


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

Career Beginning Median Salary with Technical Certificate Experienced Salary - Depends on education and/or years of experience
Dental Assistant $22,520 $36,380

Recommended Schedule


Students should follow the recommended schedules for the technical certificate and work with their advisor to schedule the remaining required courses.

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.

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