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 the status of “approval” 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 also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and all credits are transferrable to four-year college institutions.

Additional Requirements

Dental Assisting courses begin in the fall and must be taken in sequence, with each course being a co-requisite in each term. Students starting 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 must be obtained by the end of September. Once you are enrolled in program courses, CPR is offered at 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 Contacts

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

Tanisha Nasim
Instructor
334-420-4429
tnasim@trenholmstate.edu
Location: Trenholm Campus - Bldg. J

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