Dental Assisting

Program Information

The Dental Assisting program is designed to prepare the student for a career in the dental assisting field of dentistry. This program provides students with the theoretical, practical, and clinical skills necessary to get an entry-level position in a dental office. Dental Assistants are versatile members of the dental team who work alongside the dentist in providing patient care. The varying roles of a dental assistant include chairside assisting, front office management, laboratory duties, and assisting in a dental specialty office. One class is admitted each August.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and has been granted " approval " status without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

The Certifying Board of the American Dental Association gives special recognition to those who have achieved a high degree of competence and ability in the dental assisting field. The Program is approved by the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. Trenholm State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), and all credits are transferrable to four-year institutions.

Occupational Choices

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral and general health will continue increasing the demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire dental assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed. About 56,400 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Sources:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm.

Average Full-Time Wage

The median annual wage for dental assistants was $39,660 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,540.

Sources:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Additional Requirements

Dental Assisting courses begin in the fall and must be taken in sequence with each course in each term being a co-requisite. Students beginning the spring or summer term will be enrolled in general education courses until fall semester begins.

Requirements for the program include but are not limited to (1) Physical and dental exams by the end of the 2nd week in September and (2) Program uniforms by the end of the 2nd week in October. (3) CPR certification will need to be obtained by the end of September. Once you are enrolled in Program courses, CPR is offered for a cost by the Program before this date. Students must pass all DAT courses with at least a “C” to continue in the Program.

Awards Available

Associate of Applied Science
Dental Assisting
Certificate
Dental Assisting

Program Contact

Kimberly White
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4427
Location:  Trenholm Campus - Bldg. J

The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.

Estimated Program Length & Cost *

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.