DENTAL ASSISTING
Selective Admissions Process
Application Dates (Intent to Apply): February 7, 2012 through April 12, 2012 or until filled
Dental Assisting Student Handbook
DENTAL ASSISTING INFORMATION WORKSHOPS:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Room L-107
Wednesday, February 22, 2012, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Room L-107
Friday, March 23, 2012, from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Room L-107
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.
Course work 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.
It is important that all applicants for the Dental Assisting Program understand the admissions process. Applicants who wish to submit an application must first meet minimum requirements. Please carefully review the information regarding minimum requirements and other pertinent information outlined below.
APPLICATION PROCESS
It is the Dental Assisting applicants' responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met by the established deadline. Dental Assisting deadlines, guidelines, and policies apply equally to all students; thus there can be no exceptions.
| ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN ROOM A-220 (DOWNTOWN) OR ROOM NA-100 (NORTH CAMPUS). APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY MAIL/WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE. |
The following steps must be completed prior to filing your "Intent to Apply" to the program.
1. Have an overall GPA of 2.2 or higher in all post-secondary coursework completed at Cape Fear Community College. If your CFCC GPA is below 2.2 and you have not been enrolled in CFCC for 3 consecutive years, you may be eligible for academic forgiveness. (See page 24 in the current 2011-2012 catalog.)
2. Complete the CFCC General Admission Application.
3. Complete appropriate Placement Tests, if required by the Admission Office. Meet minimum cut-off scores on Placement Test.
4. Request official high school transcripts or GED scores be mailed to the Admission and Records Office. Official transcripts should be mailed from the institution(s) attended or be hand delivered in an envelope sealed by a representative of the schools attended.
5. Request official transcripts from all colleges or schools attended since high school be mailed to the Admission and Records Office. This will be reviewed for possible transfer credit.
6. Dental Assistant Observation verification mailed from the observation site documenting sixteen (16) hours of observation. Hand-delivered copies will not be accepted.
MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. PLACEMENT TESTING
All students who wish to apply to the Dental Assisting Program must take a Placement Test and meet minimum cut-off scores or complete the sequence of developmental courses. Test scores are only valid for five years from the initial test date.
| ASSET | Compass | Accuplacer (CPT) | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Writing | 70 Writing | 86 Sentence | 470 Verbal or | 19 English |
| 41 Reading | 81 Reading | 80 Reading | 470 Reading & 470 Writing | 19 Reading |
| 41 Numerical | 47 Pre-Algebra | 55 Arithmetic | 500 Math | 20 Math |
- OR -
If an applicant scores less than the minimum cut-off scores on an appropriate Placement Test, he/she will be required to complete the essential sequence of developmental courses. If the student completes all of the required developmental courses (with a grade of "C" or higher) prior to the application deadline date and meets the other minimum requirements, he/she may be considered for admission to the Dental Assisting Program.
- OR -
Prior completion of English 111 or equivalent and Math 115 or higher with a grade of "C" or better may eliminate taking a Placement Test.
The Placement Test or any combination of placement tests may be taken twice in twelve (12) consecutive months. Applicants who violate the testing policy will not be disqualified. However, when a Dental Assisting applicant has tested more than twice in twelve consecutive months, only the first two attempts will be considered in the application process. Placement test scores which violate the testing policy will be disregarded.
If a student has taken a Placement Test at another community college in the past five years, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the scores are transferred to Cape Fear Community College by the deadline.
In addition, if a student has special needs and must arrange for appropriate testing accomodations, he/she should contact the Disabilities Coordinator in the Counseling Office (A-215-A) or call (910) 362 - 7012.
2. OBSERVATION OF DENTAL ASSISTANT IN A DENTAL OFFICE
All applicants must observe the work of a Dental Assistant in a dental office for a minimum of 16 hours. Please dress in professional attire; NO JEANS, SHORT TOPS, SHORTS, ETC. Accordingly, the dentist in this office determines whether a recommendation of the student for the Dental Assisting Program serves the interests of all individuals involved.
| CONFIRMATION OF OBSERVATION MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE LAST TWO (2) YEARS, MUST BE DOCUMENTED ON THE OBSERVATION FORM ON THIS WEBSITE AND MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE (A-220) IN A SEALED ENVELOPE MAILED FROM THE OBSERVATION SITE. PLEASE ALLOW 5 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE FORMS TO BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO FILING YOUR "INTENT TO APPLY" TO THE PROGRAM. (HAND-DELIVERED COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED). |
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES BUREAU (PSB) HEALTH OCCUPATIONS EXAM
Students who meet the minimum requirements will schedule an appointment to take the PSB Health Occupations exam. Dental Assisting applicants may take the Health Occupations PSB one time per application period. More information about the PSB will be provided when the applicant is scheduled for the PSB.
There are several resources that can be used to help prepare for this exam such as a dictionary, 8th grade arithmetic textbooks, high school science textbooks, GED Study Guide, and the ARCO Nursing School & Allied Health Entrance Exams by Marion F. Gooding, R.N., Ph.D. The CFCC Learning Lab, (910) 362-7137, offers tutoring for the PSB exam.
A Study guide for the PSB exam can be accessed at http://www.cfcc.edu/testingservices/.
All applicants to the Dental Assisting program must complete the PSB Health Occupations Exam. There are no minimal score requirements. Percentile scores from the Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Science and Vocational Adjustment sections of the test will be used to determine points for selection into the program. Those who have taken the Health Occupations PSB in previous years for the Dental Assisting program should be aware that only those scores from the two most recent attempts within the last 5 years will be considered for the point count.
A $25.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO TAKE THE HEALTH OCCUPATIONS PSB EXAM. A $25.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO RENORM A HEALTH OCCUPATIONS PSB EXAM TAKEN FOR ANOTHER PROGRAM WITHIN THE SAME OR PREVIOUS YEAR. TEST SCORES THAT ARE MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD CANNOT BE RENORMED.
DENTAL ASSISTING SELECTION PROCESS
Students are selected on a "best qualified" basis. The point system was implemented as an objective means for evaluating Dental Assisting applicants. Dental Assisting applicants will be ranked based on points earned, and the (18) students with the highest number of points will be selected each year. If two or more students have the identical point count total, the date that the "Intent to Apply" form was completed with a counselor will be the determining factor.
Points for high school/college courses. Dental Assisting applicants may earn points for the completion of various related courses in CFCC's Dental Assisting program. In order to earn points for courses, applicants must have achieved grades of "C" or higher. See "Point Count Worksheet" for point values.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Bio 106, Bio 163, Bio 168, Bio 169 and Bio 175 must have been taken in the last five (5) years prior to filing your "Intent to Apply" to the program. First attempt with a letter grade of "C" or higher will be considered for the point count.
-
Points for Psychological Service Bureau (PSB Admissions Exam)
Percentile scores in all seven (7) areas of the PSB exam - Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Sciences, and Vocational Adjustment Index are used in calculating the total number of points earned in this section.
Points for Information Session
Five (5) points will be awarded for attending one of the information sessions listed below. No points will be awarded for sessions attended in previous years. A certificate of attendance must be filled out (by student) and collected by a counselor immediately after the information session in order for points to be awarded.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 10:00 am - 11:00 am Room L-107
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Room L-107
Friday, March 23, 2012 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Room L-107
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Eighteen (18) new students may be admitted to the Dental Assisting program in the Fall semester. Students whose status is "alternate" are admitted to the program only if someone who was originally accepted declines the offer of admission, or if someone who was originally accepted becomes disqualified (refer to disqualifying factors). If a student did not meet the minimum requirements, were not accepted, or declined admission, he/she must re-apply the following year.
The eighteen (18) selected students will be notified when to complete the following information:
- Medical Reports
All completed health/medical reports must be received by the specified date noted in acceptance letter. - Drug Screen Nine (9) panel urine drug screen is mandatory. Methadone will be included in the urine drug screening. Testing positive on the drug screening, or evidence of tampering with a specimen, will disqualify a student from participation in the clinical assignment, thus result in dismissal from the Dental Assisting program. Information on obtaining a drug screen will be provided at orientation. For further information, students should see the "Drug and Alcohol Policy" in the CFCC Student Handbook (pgs. 55-57).
- CPR
Students must also submit documentation of current CPR certification. Certification must be current two-year CPR certification for health care providers (must include infant, child and adult). No online courses accepted. - Criminal Background Check Clinical sites require a drug screening and a criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting (Any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student). In addition, certain criminal activity, as evident by a criminal background check may also disqualify a student from clinical participation. Please be aware that failure to participate in a clinical assignment based on either the drug screening or criminal background check will result in dismissal from the Dental Assisting Program. Information on obtaining a criminal background check will be provided at orientation.
A. PROGRESSION POLICY
Students admitted to the Dental Assisting program MUST achieve or have achieved a "C" or higher in each course in the curriculum in order to progress semester by semester.
Grading Policy
| A | Excellent | 92-100 |
| B | Good | 84-91 |
| C | Average | 76-83 |
| D | Poor | 68-75 |
B. DENTAL ASSISTING SKILLS & LEVEL OF COMPETENCE AT PROGRAM COMPLETION
Skills in the Dental Assisting program are taught to clinical or laboratory competence.
CLINICAL COMPETENCE: Clinical competence is developed during the repeated experience of working chairside with a dentist and by the delivery of dental services under the close supervision of faculty. These services are mastered on clients in CFCC's clinic and in various rotation offices in the surrounding community. Once the student has mastered these competencies and graduated from the dental assisting program, he/she will be legally and ethically capable of delivering those services, within the scope of the dental laws, as directed by the State Board of Dental Examiners.
LABORATORY COMPETENCE: Laboratory competence is developed in a laboratory setting on a mannequin, extracted teeth or dental model. With additional experience, beyond graduation, the graduate may develop clinical competence. Legally and ethically the graduate must inform his/her employer that he/she has been trained to provide this dental service to laboratory competence. The supervisor will need to observe directly and supervise the graduate performing this service until he/she develops clinical competence.
All functions allowed by the State of North Carolina for a DAII are taught to clinical competency with the exception of the following:
Functions that are NOT taught to laboratory or clinical competency
Placement of Ligature Wire and Lock Pins
Insertion of Spacer Wires or Springs
Functions which are taught to laboratory competency, but may or may not be evaluated to clinical competency
Remove Periodontal Dressings
Remove Sutures
Adjust Partials and Dentures
Flush, Dry and Temporarily Close Root Canal
C. PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE EXPECTATIONS OF A STUDENT IN DENTAL ASSISTING
The Dental Assisting profession demands cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. So that the Dental Assisting Program complies with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, a qualified individual with a disability, (regardless of the severity of the disability) who meets the necessary eligibility requirements may be selected for admission to the Dental Assisting Program.
If a student believes that requirements for the program cannot be met without accommodations, the faculty will determine on an individual basis whether necessary accommodations can be reasonably provided.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY
Although there are no documented cases of occupational spread of HIV to dental workers, students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program are at a slight risk for exposure to blood and body fluids, and the potential does exist for transmission of bloodborne and other infectious diseases during patient care activities. The risk of HIV disease transmission from dental patients to members of the dental team is extremely low. Nevertheless, there is some small potential for this to occur. The Americans with Disabilities Act forbids discrimination against patients with HIV; therefore, students are required to treat all patients assigned, regardless of the disease state of the patient. Refusal to treat any patient may affect the student's academic success.
Applicants/students who are HIV/AIDS or HBV (Hepatitis B) positive will not be barred from working, teaching, attending classes, or participating in college-sponsored activities unless the applicant/student is unable to follow Standard Precautions. (Standard precautions are defined as: Consideration of all patients as being infected with pathogens and therefore applying the infection control procedures to the care of all patients.) All decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
E. LIMITATIONS TO EMPLOYMENT
Students may not be denied the right to apply to the Dental Assisting Program, however, they may have difficulty finding and/or maintaining employment for any of the following reasons:
- Physical or emotional health indicating impairment in their ability to provide safe dental care to the public.
- Behavior failing to adhere to the standards of a Dental Assistant. Examples of such
behavioral failures are as follows:
- Has given false information or has withheld material information;
- Has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to any crime which indicates that the individual is unfit or incompetent to practice Dental Assisting or that the individual has deceived or defrauded the public;
- Uses or has used any drug to a degree which interferes with his/her fitness to practice Dental Assisting;
- Engages or has engaged in conduct which endangers public health.
COUNSELING
If you have questions or concerns regarding the selective admissions process, please contact a counselor in the Counseling Office (A-220) or at the North Campus (NA 100).
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
Tuition: In-State ($1132.50 per semester x 2, and $792.25 for summer semester) $3057.25 Tuition: Out-of-State ($4204.50 per semester x 2, $2904.25 for summer semester) $11,313.25 Uniforms (scrubs, lab jackets, shoes) 250.00 Books and Supplies 650.00 Dental Supply Fee 35.00 Student Class Dues ($10.00 - one time fee) optional 10.00 National Board Exam (The cost of this exam can range from $300 to $485
depending on exam type and format)485.00 Class Pin (can range from $40 to $70) 70.00 Physical Exam 100.00 *Hepatitis B Vaccine (For Complete Series of Three Injections) 297.00 CPR Certification 50.00 American Dental Assistants Association Dues 30.00 Professional Liability Insurance 15.00 Drug Screen, Background Check and Immunization Tracker (varies) 90.00 _____ TOTAL IN-STATE $5139.25 TOTAL OUT-OF-STATE $13,395.25
The above prices may be subject to change without notice. They represent approximate costs of the total expenses for the Dental Assisting Program.
* This estimate is for students who choose to receive their Hepatitis B vaccine from their private doctor. However, Hepatitis B vaccines are available through the New Hanover County Health Department free of charge for students under the age of 19. They remain free of charge after the age of 19, if the series of three injections was begun while the student was under 19. Otherwise, the cost is $297.00 for the series.
CURRICULUM SEQUENCING AND CREDITS
| FALL SEMESTER I | ||
| DEN 100 | Basic Orofacial Anatomy | 2 |
| DEN 101 | Preclinical Procedures | 7 |
| DEN 102 | Dental Materials | 5 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control | 2 |
| CIS 111 | Basic PC Literacy | 2 (or approved course substitution) |
| (CIS 110 Introduction to Computers can be substituted for CIS 111 Basic PC Literacy.) | ||
| SPRING SEMESTER I | ||
| DEN 103 | Dental Sciences | 2 |
| DEN 104 | Dental Health Sciences | 3 |
| DEN 105 | Practice Management | 2 |
| DEN 106 | Clinical Practice I | 5 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography | 3 |
| PSY 118 | Interpersonal Psychology | 3 (or approved course substitution) |
| (PSY 150 General Psychology or SOC 240 Social Psychology can be substituted for PSY 118 Interpersonal Psychology.) | ||
| SUMMER SEMESTER I | ||
| DEN 107 | Clinical Practice II | 5 |
| BIO 106 | Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology | 3 (or approved course substitution) |
| (BIO 168 Anatomy & Physiology I and BIO 169 Anatomy & Physiology II and BIO 175 General Microbiology or BIO 163 Basic Anatomy & Physiology and BIO 175 General Microbiology can be substituted for BIO 106 Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology.) | ||
| ENG 102 | Applied Communications | 3 (or approved course substitution) |
| (ENG 111 Expository Writing and ENG 114 or COM 231 can be substituted for ENG 102 Applied Communications.) | ||
| Total Credits | 47 | |
The program in Dental Assisting at Cape Fear Community College is accredited without reporting requirements by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
"The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvements of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students."
"A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653."
TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS IN THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
In compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, the following standards have been established. According to the nature of the work required in dental assisting practice and the educational requirements of the dental assisting curriculum, the student must be able to meet the following:
| Standard | Examples of Necessary Behaviors (not all inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, physical, medical and intellectual backgrounds | Establish rapport with clients, families and colleagues. |
| Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. | Explain treatment procedures and oral health instruction as well as document treatment procedures and client responses. |
| Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. | Identify cause and effect relationship in clinical situations. Assimilate knowledge from lecture, laboratory and clinical arenas. Utilize basic mathematic skills. |
| Physical abilities sufficient to move around rooms in the dental environment, maneuver in small spaces and reach needed equipment. | Move around clinical operatories, dark room, sterilization room and other treatment areas. Position self chairside in close proximity to client. Administer CPR and BLS procedures. Reach radiographic equipment, which is approximately 5-6. off floor. Transfer clients from wheel chairs to dental chairs and back. |
| Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective assistance to the dentist, client and co-workers. | Move, calibrate and use equipment and dental materials and supplies including sharp instruments during operative procedures. Use ancillary aids chairside-mannequins, small equipment, etc. |
| Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. | Hears patients; cries of distress; sounds of instruments and equipment being properly utilized; sound of slow speed handpiece and monitor vital signs. |
| Visual ability sufficient for physical assessment, performance of dental procedures and maintenance of environmental safety. | Observes client responses such as skin color and facial expression. Monitors vital signs. Evaluates radiographs for technical quality including density, contrast and distortion. Read records. Notes color changes in dental materials, which indicate reactions occurring. |
| Tactile ability sufficient for assessment and performance of dental chairside procedures including safe expanded functions. | Perform selective coronal polishing; placement of x-rays and gingival retraction cord; mixing and placing alginate impression material, sealants; and removing excess cement. |
Addendum
Financial Aid
Effective July 1, 2011 the Financial Aid office implemented a new policy that is based on federal regulations that establish a maximum time frame for completion of a program of 150 percent of the published length of an educational program. This means that as a student majoring in Pre-Nursing or a Pre- Health Science program, you will need to pay careful attention to the number of hours you attempt prior to actual admission into your program of choice. Depending on the number of hours that you have attempted prior to admission into Nursing or a Health Science program, you may not be eligible for enough financial aid to complete the program after you have been admitted.
To make sure you understand this new policy and that you plan ahead in order to use your financial benefits in a wise and timely manner, please consult with the financial aid office or a Counselor located in the Galehouse building (Downtown) or the McKeithan Center (North Campus).
Revised 7/2011
