Dental Assisting - Certificate

Code: F_CER_DEA1
Campus: Larimer

This certificate program offers a challenging career in the rapidly growing field of dental assisting. In addition to assisting dentists in all phases of dental treatment, dental assistants are valuable members of the dental team with skills in office management, clinical assisting, laboratory procedures, dental radiography, and radiation safety.

The Front Range Dental Clinic, staffed by licensed dentists, provides a clinical experience, as well as an internship feature of the program. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits the program, a special accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates are eligible for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination. Students must have a high school diploma or GED.

In order to graduate, a "C" grade must be earned in all courses required for the program. Completion of radiology courses qualifies students to take radiographs in the State of Colorado.

Assessment testing is required for all students. Students who place into ENG 090 (or above) and MAT 099 (or above) and REA 090 (or above), may begin this program of study. Students scoring below this level should consult with a faculty member before registering for courses in this program of study.

Required Courses

Credits

DEA 102 Principles of Clinical Practice

3

DEA 103 Pathology and Pharmacology

1

DEA 104 Specialties in Dentistry

2

DEA 111 Dental Office Management

2

DEA 120 Introduction to Dental Practices

1

DEA 121 Dental Science I

3

DEA 122 Dental Science II

3

DEA 123 Dental Materials I

3

DEA 124 Dental Materials II

3

DEA 125 Dental Radiography

3

DEA 126 Infection Control

3

DEA 131 Advanced Dental Radiography

3

DEA 134 Prevention and Nutrition in Dentistry

2

DEA 181 Clinical Internship I

1

DEA 182 Clinical Internship II and Seminar

6

DEA 183 Clinical Internship III

2

General Studies Elective*

3

Total Required Credits for Certificate

44

Note:

* Electives must be selected from the Approved General Education Electives List for the A.A.S. Degree.