Dental Assistant
Your education
The dental assistant Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a four-semester program designed to prepare students to become skilled members of the dental health care team. The degree program builds on the certificate degree program with additional dental assistant, health, and general education coursework.
Coursework included in the four-semester program will advance your dental assisting knowledge and skills in dental specialties which include: prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. You will also advance your general health knowledge by completing coursework in human anatomy and physiology, science and nutrition, and the use of therapeutic medications in medical settings.
The dental assistant certificate degree is a three-semester program designed to prepare students to function as a chairside dental assistant in a general dentistry practice.
Coursework in the program consists of classroom instruction and clinical experience. You will learn advanced dental assisting skills such as taking impressions, radiography, matrix assembly, rubber dam application, assisting with the administration of local anesthetics, temporary crowns, oral health and nutrition
Upon completion of program coursework, you will be eligible to take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination.
Your career
The duties of dental assistants are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office making a career in dental assisting challenging and interesting. The demand for dental assistants is high, the opportunity widespread, and the working conditions are outstanding. Graduates of the program may choose to pursue a clinical or administrative career in a wide variety of settings including private or group practice, clinics, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, pedodontics, public health, bush travel, education and more.
Program delivery
Delivery:
Program is completed through in-person courses in which students receive both classroom and practical hands-on learning experiences. Class size is limited in order for students to receive individual help and attention.
The program is a cohort based program that accepts up to 12 students per cohort. Each student cohort progresses through a pre-determined sequence of courses.
Scheduling:
The certificate degree program can be completed in three semesters while the associate degree can be completed in four semesters. The program is modular in format, which allows non-traditional as well as traditional students to complete the program.
When to Start:
The program starts two student cohorts each fall semester.
Location:
The program is located in downtown Fairbanks at the UAF Community & Technical College, 604 Barnette Street building. Training takes place in CTC’s state-of-the-art dental clinic and laboratory featuring the latest in dental technology.
Program highlights
Training takes place in CTC’s state-of-the-art dental clinic and laboratory featuring the latest in dental technology (students learn on equipment being used by the industry today). Faculty bring a wealth of industry experience with them to the classroom, as many of them are practicing professionals.
Upon completion of program coursework, students are eligible to take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination. Earning and maintaining a DANB certification recognizes the education and training students receive.
UAF CTC also offers a continuing education course in Coronal Polishing to graduating students. After completing this course, students can apply for a certificate of completion through the Alaska Board of Dental examiners. Many local dentists recruit for this skill set and state certification.
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Other details
Special admission requirements may apply to students in this program. Applicants should familiarize themselves with these and speak with a faculty advisor if they have any questions or concerns. Students must meet with a program advisor prior to entering the program, as space is limited to 12 students.
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