Gulf Coast State College
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Dental Assisting Certificate (DENTA-VC)
AREA OF CONCENTRATION: The purpose of this limited access, selective admissions program is to provide students with the educational background and clinical competencies necessary in the field of dental assisting. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) for certification. The program can be completed in as little as 10 months.
PRIMARY ADVISOR: Laurie Womble 850.769.1551 (ext. 5842)
To apply for this program of study, students should obtain a program application packet from the Division of Health Sciences or the Internet web page containing a current listing of admission and course requirements.
ADMISSIONS:
The Dental Assisting program is a limited access program beginning in the Fall and limited entrance opportunities in the Spring semester. A selective admissions policy with specific selection criteria is utilized in order to select the most qualified applicants. The strength of the applicant pool varies year‐to‐year, with the best qualified applicants receiving first consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to inquire about these specific admission and selection criteria and to ensure that all required documents are received on campus prior to July 15 for Fall entrance and December 15 for Spring entrance.
Provisional Admission Requirements:
- Application to Gulf Coast State College.
- Application to dental assisting program which includes:
- Application form.
- Current TABE or CPT Test Scores (Successful completion required for graduation.).
- Transcripts – Official high school and college. Students must have all college transfer credits evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Records. It is the student's responsibility to ensure this is completed.
- High school diploma or GED. Required for first time college students only; does not apply to students transferring from other accredited colleges or universities.
Requirements after Provisional Acceptance
- Report of Vaccination History to include:
- Hepatitis B vaccine series or signed waiver
- Annual PPD Mantoux/TB Test (May require chest radiograph if history of positive results)
- MMR
- Tetanus (every 10 years)
- Copy of current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate BLS for the Healthcare Provider.
Readmission Guidelines
- A student who withdraws from or earns a grade lower than a "C" in a Dental Assisting course will not be permitted to continue in the Dental Assisting Program. A student who does not meet the Technical Standards of the program will not be permitted to continue in the program.
- A student who applies for readmission to the Dental Assisting program must provide significant evidence which suggests the potential for future success in the program. This evidence may address such things as unusual circumstances, remedial study, and/or additional preparation.
- Readmission to the Dental Assisting program will be dependent upon available resources.
- In order to be considered for readmission by the Admissions Committee, the applicant must do the following:
- Submit a written request (not e‐mail) to the Dental Programs Coordinator presenting evidence to justify readmission. This may include letters of recommendation from a previous faculty member or coordinator, additional course work, work experience, etc.
- Meet current guidelines for admission to the College and Dental Assisting Program.
- Readmission may be contingent upon the candidate’s agreeing to audit previously complete course work.
Transfer Policy
Applicants who wish to transfer from another Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting Program to a GCSC Dental Program must: 1) meet all admission requirements, 2) apply at least two months prior to the expected date of enrollment, and 3) notify the Assistant Coordinator in writing, stating anticipated entry date and reason for transfer. Acceptance of any transfer student will be dependent upon available resources.
Articulation Policy
Students who elect to articulate must have completed said courses with a grade of "C" or better from an accredited Dental Assisting Program within the last three years and have actively been working in the dental field at least 3 months prior to entrance in the program. If you feel you meet articulation requirements, please contact the Dental Programs Coordinator for more information.
COURSES
+#=* DEA0020C, Pre‐Clinical Procedures 6v
+#=* DEA0132, Dental Nutrition 1v
+#=* DEA0133, Introduction to Microbiology 1v
+#=* DEA0134, Introductory Pharmacology/ Dental Office Emergencies 2v
+#=* DEA0800L, Clinical Practice I 1.5v
+#=* DEA0801, Clinical Practice II 2v
+#=* DEA0801L, Clinical Practice II Lab 6v
+#=* DEA0850L, Clinical Practice III 6.5v
+#* DEH1400, Oral Pathology 2
+#=* DES0501, Dental Practice Management 1v
+#=* DES0844, Dental Health Education 1v
+#* DES1000, Dental Anatomy 2
+#* DES1010, Head and Neck Anatomy 2
+#* DES1100C, Dental Materials 3
+#* DES1200, Dental Radiology I 2
+#* DES1200L, Dental Radiology I Lab 1
+#* DES1201, Dental Radiology II 1
+#* DES1201L, Dental Radiology II Lab 1
+#* DES1320, Basic Comm. and Human Relations 1
+#* DES1404, Introductory Anatomy and Physiology 2
+#* DES1832, Expanded Functions 1
+#* DES1832L, Expanded Functions Lab 1
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 19
TOTAL VOCATIONAL HOURS 28
TOTAL CERTIFICATE HOURS 47
+ Prerequisites required.
# Applies only to A.S. degree, A.A.S. degree, and certificate programs.
= PSAV course.
