Dental Assisting Program

Welcome

The Dental Assisting Program at Southeast Community College, began in 1964 and became accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation in 1965. The program has maintained current accreditation status. This means to you the consumer that upon graduation from the Dental Assisting Program a graduate may sit for the Dental Assisting National Board examination, and become a currently certified dental assistant (CDA). This credential offers national recognition of one’s educational status which provides employment opportunities.

This program is located on the Lincoln Campus. Admission to the clinical track portion of the program is during the Fall and Spring quarters of each year.

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Overview

The Dental Assisting Program is a four quarter (12 month), face to face or on-line program if taken on a fulltime basis. The program may also be taken on a part-time basis, which extends the length to 6 quarters or one and a half years.

The Dental Assisting Program provides opportunities to develop specialized skills in dental health education, chairside assisting, laboratory procedures, and business office procedures and management. The Program provides clinical experiences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, Veterans Administration Dental Clinic, the Lincoln/Lancaster-County dental Clinic, People’s Dental Clinic, Corrections Dental Clinic and private dental offices.

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Mission

Mission Dental Assisting Program

To meet a community need by providing an ADA accredited Dental Assisting Program that includes provides practice in dental offices and clinics and a planned course of study which will enhance the delivery of quality dental health care to the community.

Program Philosophy

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Requirements

All required remedial or support courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C (70%) PRIOR to entry into the Program. All Dental Assisting Program courses must also be completed with a minimum grade of C+ (75%). If a student receives less than a C+ in any Dental Assisting Program course, the student may recycle into the program in six months, if space is available..

SPECIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

CPR for Health Care Providers (or Professional Rescuer) certification is required prior to entrance into the program.  Health statement with required immunizations prior to entrance into the Program:

• Tetanus
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Heptavax (Hepatitis B) Series of 3 (can be waived-see advisor)
• Negative Tuberculosis Skin test (in the event a student has a positive TB skin test a negative TB chest x-ray is required).

Successful completion of a criminal background check, including the Nebraska adult & child abuse registries.

How to enroll in the Dental Assisting Program

Complete an application for admission.

1. If submitting online – select the Lincoln Online Application.
2. Submit official high school transcripts, GED scores and/or other college transcripts.
3. Check with an advisor to determine whether the COMPASS assessment test is needed. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has sufficiently high and recent ACT scores or has successfully completed necessary college level prerequisite courses elsewhere.
4. If applicants have deficiencies or lack of high school diploma or GED, check with a counselor to determine a preparatory plan.
5. Complete a Health Statement and submit to Admissions.

Once the application is complete, the Admissions Office will contact you regarding acceptance to Southeast Community College. All advising will be done by Susan Asher the Dental Assisting Program Chair.  Complete a program orientation when invited by the Program Officials. Students must meet all of the requirements of the orientation to be officially accepted into the program. For further questions, contact Admissions at 402-437-2600 or 800-642-4075, ext. 2600.

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Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to take an active role in their education in the Dental Assisting Program at SCC. Students must demonstrate maturity, professionalism and responsibility throughout the Program. As students learn the program material, professional standards of conduct, and American Dental Assistants Association Code of Ethics for the Dental Assisting Program, they are RESPONSIBLE for having the knowledge necessary to perform clinically and to know where and how to access information. As students advance through the program, they are responsible for performing and conducting themselves both professionally and educationally in a progressive manner. 

Following is an additional list of student expectations:

• Maintain a minimal grade of 75% (C+) in all didactic and clinical education courses.
• Maintain attendance standards according to course and program policy.
• Follow the Program Rules and Regulations as put forth in the program "Program Manuel".
• Demonstrate professionalism, communication skills, and effective interpersonal relations in both the clinical and didactic settings.
• Provide patient care in the practice of dentistry and display compassion, understanding of diversity, respect, empathy, and concern for patient dignity.
• Follow designated safety procedures while on campus.
• Participate in all learning activities at the scheduled times.
• Be responsible for program costs: tuition, fees, books and tools.

Special program requirements:

Verification of current health insurance policy, immunization record, health care provider (CPR), and current prophylaxis (teeth cleaned) are required prior to entering the clinical track course #DENT1110.

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Clinical Education

Clinicals are the courses where students have the opportunity to use the knowledge learned in the classroom along with the skills learned in lab to give care to patients or clients in a practicum experience at UNMC College of Dentistry and private dental offices.