Students wishing to enter the Dental Assisting Program may begin taking the basic academic course during any semester. The entry date for the Program is generally the Fall semester of each year; however, arrangements may be made for Spring entry. The following should be submitted to the Director for acceptance consideration:

· Program Application Form
· THEA/COMPASS Scores
· High School Transcript, GED Scores, and/or College/University Transcript(s).

Certified Dental Assistants accept employment opportunities from a variety of settings. The majority of Dental Assistants are employed in solo dental practices. Others accept career opportunities in group practices, specialty practices (i.e. orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery), public health dentistry, hospital dental clinics, insurance companies, and dental product sales companies.

The Dental Assisting Program is designed to prepare the student to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health care team. Throughout the program, the student will participate in classroom instruction, laboratory procedures, and supervised clinical experiences in order to learn the basic functions required of a Dental Assistant. During the ten and one-half months of educational training, students will learn the techniques of:

· Exposing and processing dental radiographs (x-rays) to include digital and panoramic radiology;
· Obtaining impressions of the oral cavity for the fabrication of study models, occlusal guards, and custom trays;
· Implementing the standard precautions of infection control protocol;
· Assisting the dentist(s) in various esthetic and restorative techniques;
· Performing the basic procedures of dental office management.

During the program, the student will take the following examinations for certification within the State of Texas: Radiological Certification and Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation Monitoring Certification. Upon program completion, the graduate is eligible to take the examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Becoming a CDA assures the public that you are prepared to assist competently in providing quality dental care.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of Approval. The Commission on Dental Accreditation is a specialized component of the American Dental Association, and is recognized by the US Department of Education. Grayson County College offers the only accredited Dental Assisting Program in North Texas & Southern Oklahoma. For more information visit this website: http://www.cdr.state.tex.us/emerging/canidates.htm.