Programs And Courses

Dental Assistant

Learn more about our Dental Assistant certificate program and the clinical application requirements and process.

The  clinical application is available online using SurveyMonkey each spring - check back in early 2020 for link. You must meet the following criteria to apply: High school diploma or GED or equivalent foreign education as verified by a HACC-approved credential evaluation service • Documented proficiency, C or better, in English through the 051 and 003 levels (eligible for English 101) • Completed a documented shadowing experience • 2.0 overall GPA for continuing students; 2.0 high school GPA for students with no college credits • Met with the program director

What does a dental assistant do?

A dental assistant performs various tasks. They:

  • Assist the dentist with a variety of treatment procedures
  • Take dental radiographs
  • Serve as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
  • Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
  • Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling)
  • Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
  • Take impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
  • Perform office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies)

 

Where do dental assistants work?

Dental assistants help provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery.

 

What are the additional expenses of the program?

Download Estimated Expenses (pdf) for a list of estimated expenses.

 

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials?
Upon successful completion you will:

  • Receive a certificate of completion 
  • Be immediately eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination to achieve the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation.

 

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete? Where are the clinical classes held?

  • Download the Required Courses listing. It includes a sample schedule (pdf).
  • The complete program is available only at the Harrisburg Campus. HACC offers other required courses at other campuses and sites. 

 

What are the program clinical admission criteria and how do I apply for clinicals?

  • Admission to HACC does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the program.  Work closely with your advisor to prepare to apply to the clinical/core component.
  • Download the Admission Criteria, Point System and Essential Qualifications (pdf). (Includes shadowing form)
  • Download the Shadowing Form (pdf)
  • The  clinical application is available online using SurveyMonkey in early spring each year. Check back for link in early 2020.
  • Pre dental assisting students are required to meet with Dawn Adams, the Program Director. Call (717) 221-1731 or email dacliffo@hacc.edu to schedule your appointment.


Is the program accredited?

The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.  

American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800.621.8099 or 312.440.4653
http://www.ada.org/en/coda

Can I advance my education in this field?

This program leads directly to an occupation. 

What is the most current program effectiveness data?

  • Updated March 2, 2017
  • Five-year program completion rate —86%
  • Program performance on national board exams (five-year data 2011-2016):
    • Radiation Health Safety —97%
    • Infection Control —83%
    • General Chairside Assisting —97%
  • 2016 national board exam data
    • Radiation Health Safety - 95%
    • Infection Control - 100%
    • General Chairside - 100%

How can I get more information?

 

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu

 

Dental Assisting Program Office:
Select Medical Health Education Pavilion (SMHEP), Room 104
HACC - Harrisburg Campus
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-221-1731

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