Program Description
The Dental Assisting accredited program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in today's dental offices. The Dental Assisting program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of dental assisting. Graduates of the program receive a Dental Assisting diploma and are eligible to sit for a national certification examination.
Accrediting Agency
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA is located at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, (800) 621-8099 or (312) 440-4653.
Programmatic Accreditation
This program was accredited as detailed below until May 13, 2023, at which point Atlanta Technical College voluntarily opted to discontinue CODA accreditation for this program as it not required for Dental Assistants in the State of Georgia.
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. 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, website: https://www.ada.org/en/coda
Career Information
Occupation
Dental Assistants
Career Projections
The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by 25% nationally and 60% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $36,000 a year.
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.
Career Coach
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Admission Requirements
General College Admissions Requirements
Additional Program Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Must be 18 years of age
- Must be CRP certified from the American Heart Association- Basic LIfe Support (BLS) course before entering the occupational courses.
Blood and Airborne Pathogens
Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens.
These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Program Contact Information
Cartrelle Clayton
Dental Assisting Program Director
cclatyon@atlantatech.edu
404-225-4412
Program Length and Cost
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 6 Terms (last 9 months in an externship)
Credit Hours: 55
Estimated Program Cost: $8,910
Required Courses
Curriculum
General Education Courses - (9 Credits)
English Requirement - (3 Credits)
| | Select one of the following English courses | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | Fundamentals of English I | 3 |
| | Or | |
| ENGL 1005 | Applied Technical Communication | 3 |
Math Requirement - (3 Credits)
| | Select one of the following Math Courses | |
| MATH 1012 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
| | Or | |
| MATH 1005 | Applied Technical Mathematics | 3 |
Social/Behavioral Science Requirement - (3 Credits)
Occupational Courses (46 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 55
Program Outcomes
1. The graduate will be able to prepare dental operatory for dental procedures.
2. The graduate will be able to maintain OSHA standards for infection control.
3. The graduate will be able to prepare patient for dental procedures, reviewing vital signs, medical history and answering questions.
4. The graduate will be able to perform 4-handed dental techniques.
5. The graduate will be able to perform front office duties—file insurance, take payments, schedule appointments.