Must be completed or in progress by the spring semester before program entry.
The grades in these courses earn quality points toward admission to the program.
Must be formally admitted to the Dental Assisting Program to take DEN courses.
Admission to the Dental Assisting Program is competitive. Applicants compete for admission based on the sum of quality points. Applicants earn quality points by completing the general education and recommended courses required for the Dental Assisting Program with a C or better.
| Criteria | Points Calculation |
|---|---|
| Quality Points for General Education Courses | Multiply credit hours by quality point value (A=4, B=3, C=2) for each course completed with a grade of C or better. |
| Total Quality Points | Sum of quality points from all general education and recommended courses based on the best grade earned. |
| GPA Calculation | Divide total quality points by total credit hours attempted in general education and recommended courses. |
Pitt County Schools Health Sciences Academy (PCSHSA) graduates who participated in the Health Sciences Academy in their junior and senior years of high school, earned college credit for general education courses required for their program of interest with an “A” or “B,” and fulfilled all responsibilities of the Health Sciences Academy program will receive a 10% increase to their quality point calculation. These points are awarded to PCSHSA graduates who have graduated within five years prior to enrollment in a health sciences program at PCC. PCSHSA graduates are not guaranteed acceptance into any health sciences program.
Students admitted to health sciences programs are required to complete a clinical practicum. Clinical facilities may require criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks, professional license checks, and/or proof of US citizenship prior to or during participation in the clinical portion of a program. Any expenses associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student. Pending the outcome, clinical facilities may deny a student the opportunity to complete the clinical portion of a program. A student who is unable to complete the clinical portion of a program will not be able to graduate. Criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks, professional license checks, and/or proof of US citizenship may also be required after graduation by examination boards, state licensing boards, and employment agencies. Pending the outcome, a graduate may be disqualified from examination eligibility, state licensure, and/or employment.
Students admitted to health sciences programs are required to have a physical examination to determine if they are physically and emotionally capable of performing the essential functions of the program and must submit a completed medical form. A record of immunizations, including, but not limited to, an annual Influenza vaccine must be included with the medical form. A medical or religious exemption for vaccines must be approved by the clinical site(s). PCC does not grant vaccine exemptions in lieu of the clinical site(s) and does not guarantee vaccine exemptions will be approved by the clinical site(s).
Programs at PCC that prepare students for professional licensure are designed to prepare a student to apply for applicable licensure in North Carolina. In order to ensure whether the program meets requirements for professional licensure outside North Carolina, PCC recommends the student contact the program director prior to enrolling in the program.
It is the policy of PCC not to discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, handicap, religion, age, or national origin in the recruitment and admission of students; the recruitment, employment, training, and promotion of faculty and staff; and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations. PCC is an equal opportunity institution.
Health Sciences admissions policies are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between PCC and students. PCC reserves the right to change any provisions or requirements at any time. Every effort will be made to minimize the inconvenience such changes create for students.
The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.
Coursework includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provides students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.
Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.
Private Dental Offices
Group Practices
Dental Suppliers
Dental Manufacturing Companies
Insurance Providers
Educational Institutions
Public Health Facilities
Basic Orofacial Anatomy
Dental Materials
Infection Control
Dental Radiography
Dental Science
Dental Health Education
Practice Management
Preclinical Procedures
Clinical Practice I & II
Students will possess the skills and knowledge of the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and appropriate infection control procedures.
Students will possess the knowledge and demonstrate competency in radiographic procedures and safety protocol.
Students will possess the knowledge to pass the DANB exam with at least a 78% on each of the following sections: General Chairside, Radiation Health & Safety, and Infection Control.
Diploma in Dental Assisting