Dental Assistant
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Dental Assistant Diploma Program
The Dental Assistant program at Chattanooga College, MDTC introduces students to the skills and knowledge needed to support dentists and patients in a variety of dental office settings. Coursework covers areas such as dental terminology, patient care, administrative responsibilities, and basic laboratory procedures. The program emphasizes both classroom instruction and hands-on learning to help students understand the responsibilities of an entry-level dental assistant.
Dental Assistant, Certificate
Modality: Hybrid
Dental assistants are essential members of modern dental teams, supporting preventive, restorative, and specialty procedures. This program develops technical proficiency in radiographic techniques, infection prevention standards, dental materials handling, and chairside workflow coordination. Graduates are prepared to contribute to general dentistry, orthodontic practices, oral surgery settings, and multi-provider clinics where clinical efficiency and patient-centered service are important.
Dental Assistant – Program Overview
The Dental Assistant program at Chattanooga College, MDTC provides students with instruction in both the clinical and administrative aspects of dental assisting. The curriculum introduces topics such as patient care, dental terminology, chairside assisting, administrative responsibilities, and laboratory procedures. Students are exposed to both classroom and hands-on learning experiences that highlight the role of dental assistants in supporting dentists and contributing to the daily operations of a dental office.
Experienced Instructors and Modern Labs
The Dental Assistant program at Chattanooga College, MDTC is taught by instructors with professional experience in the field. Faculty bring real-world knowledge into classroom and lab instruction, covering dental care essentials, patient interaction techniques, and the use of current technology. Students also benefit from learning in brand-new dental labs, designed to reflect the tools and equipment used in today’s dental offices. Instruction emphasizes both clinical and administrative aspects of dental assisting to help students understand the skills expected in professional settings.
Explore Your Path to Becoming a Dental Assistant: Quick Facts
Getting Started
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Connect with Us: Complete the Contact Form at the top of this page to request more information.
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Enrollment Advising: Schedule a meeting with a Chattanooga College advisor to review admission requirements and program details.
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Planning Ahead: Advisors are available to discuss program structure and provide guidance on preparing for dental assisting education.
Program Duration
The Dental Assistant Diploma program at Chattanooga College, MDTC can typically be completed in as little as 9 months depending on course load and scheduling.
Dental Assisting Diploma - Curriculum
Rich Curriculum: Our expansive curriculum delves into crucial areas, preparing you comprehensively for your role as a dental assistant:
Dental Anatomy: Explore the intricacies of tooth structures, dental terminology, and overall oral anatomy, laying a solid foundation for specialized knowledge.
Radiography: Master the art and science of dental X-ray procedures, including the safe handling and interpretation as part of a diagnostic team.
Patient Care: Sharpen your skills in patient management, from maintaining accurate records to assisting in various dental procedures, ensuring top-notch patient service and care.
Nitrous Oxide Management: Learn to safely administer nitrous oxide, enhancing your competencies in procedural assistance.
Classes combine theoretical learning with practical applications, ensuring you acquire both the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for success.
Dental Assisting Diploma - Careers
Career Horizons: Graduates from our Dental Assistant Program are well-equipped for diverse roles across the dental care spectrum:
Dental Offices: Engage directly with dentists and hygienists in delivering patient care and support during treatments.
Hospitals: Contribute to dental departments by managing routine and emergent dental needs.
Dental Corporations: Enter roles that span administration, supply chain management, and patient coordination within corporate dental entities.
Elevate your professional path in dental healthcare with Chattanooga College MDTC, where your career development is as important as the care you will learn to provide.
Dental Assisting Diploma - Certificates/Licenses
Certifications: Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for the certification and licensure exams required to become certified dental assistants. The course includes detailed reviews and practical preparation for these exams, boosting confidence and readiness to meet national and state-specific requirements.
Dental Assisting Diploma Courses/Credit Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DD 101 | Dental Terminology | 4 |
| DD 104 | Microbiology and Infection Control | 4 |
| DD 105 | Dental Materials I | 4 |
| DD 106 | Dental Radiology | 4 |
| DD 185 | Office Procedures-Dental | 4 |
| DD 201 | Dental Assisting I | 4 |
| DD 202 | Dental Assisting II | 4 |
| DD 206 | Dental Clinical Procedures I | 4 |
| DD 207 | Dental Clinical Procedures II | 4 |
| DD 216 | Head & Neck Anatomy | 4 |
| DD 219 | Nutrition/Preventive Dentistry | 4 |
| DD 230 | Dental Experience | 6 |
| TOTAL DENTAL ASSISTING DIPLOMA CREDIT / HOURS | 50 | |
Want to Learn More about becoming a Dental Assistant?
Elevate Your Dental Career: Specialized Training and Certifications
The Dental Assistant Diploma program at Chattanooga College includes opportunities for students to complete specialized training in Nitrous Oxide Monitoring and Radiology, which are important for dental assisting practice in many states. Coursework is paired with a supervised externship, giving students exposure to real-world dental office settings.
These experiences are designed to help students understand both the clinical and administrative responsibilities of dental assisting, while also meeting selected requirements commonly expected in professional practice.