Purpose
This program is being provided through an innovative, cooperative agreement with Germanna Community College. Germanna Community College offers a Career Studies Certificate in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting. The program consists of a combination of traditional and clinical learning modalities. The curriculum is designed to prepare certified dental assistants to serve in a dynamic and growing health profession as valuable members of the Dental Health team in accordance with the Virginia Board of Dentistry.
For the most up to date information, please refer to the Germanna Community College program website: Pathway: Expanded Functions Dental Assisting, Career Studies Certificate Program – Germanna Community College – Acalog ACMS™.
Dental Assistant II Expanded Function (GCC) - Video
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding and implementation of aseptic technique.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and use of dental materials and instruments during general and specialty dental procedures.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical values defined by the American Dental Assistants’ Association and comply with federal and state laws and regulations.
- Demonstrate the ability to competently place direct restorations.
- Demonstrate the ability to function as an expanded functions dental assistant as it pertains to indirect dental restorations.
Program Requirements
An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. This program is restricted to students who are certified dental assistants recognized by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Employment Opportunities
Job opportunities may include working with other dental health professionals in private dental offices, hospitals, corporations, specialty dental clinics, volunteer dental events, and public health settings.
Admission Requirements
Students must be able to perform all of the essential functions of a dental assistant:
- Students must possess eye/hand coordination, sufficient motor function, strength, and endurance with both hands and arms, as well as utilize digital fine motor skills to deliver patient care for varying lengths of time through the day.
- Students must have the ability to tolerate frequent hand washing and/or use of disinfectants including hand-sanitizing agents. Additionally, students must have the ability to wear protective gloves when indicated.
- Students must have the ability to perform single provider CPR in the management of a patient during an emergency.
- Students must possess the physical capacity to participate in required laboratory preclinical, and clinical experiences, as well as lift and operate equipment with necessary strength and dexterity.
- Students must possess the capacity to participate in administrative duties related to the dental assisting profession.
- Students must have the ability to utilize auditory and sensory perception sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs.
- Students must possess normal or corrected visual acuity in order to assess oral health conditions and perform clinical procedures on patients.
- Students must be able to communicate in person and via electronic devices by effective use of the English language.
- Students must comply with the Code of Ethics and bylaws as defined by the American Dental Assistants’ Association and the statutes and regulations associated with the Commonwealth of Virginia Dental Practice Act.
Despite the foregoing, a qualified person with a disability who can perform these essential functions with reasonable accommodation will be considered for admission along with other qualified applicants.
Applicant selection into the Dental Assistant Program is selective and competitive. Five students are admitted annually at the Mountain Empire Community College site.
Interested students must complete the following:
- Apply for admission to Germanna Community College and Mountain Empire Community College
- Provide an official high school, home school, or GED record or transcript
- Hold current Certified Dental Assistant credentials recognized by the Dental Assistant National Board.
- Submit a program application and participate in an advising session with the MECC Dental Assistant Program Coordinator.
Special Requirements
- Students may be required to repeat courses or to complete evaluative testing for credits earned more than ten years ago.
- The Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Dentistry reserves the right to deny licensure to any candidate who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or the use of drugs or alcohol to the extent that such use renders him/her unsafe to practice dental assisting. Any applicant who has been found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony must consult with the Dental Assisting Program Director or Coordinator prior to admission.
- To prepare students for the high ethical standards of the health professions, the Colleges expect absolute academic integrity both in the classroom and in the clinical practice. Therefore, cheating, attempting to cheat, plagiarizing, lying, stealing academic work which includes secured tests or related materials, submitting papers purchased or written by others, or failing to report an occurrence of academic dishonesty or any violation of this honor code may subject the student to disciplinary procedures as defined in the GCC and MECC Student Handbooks.
- Students in the dental assisting program incur a variety of expenses in addition to college tuition and fees. These include, but are not limited to, the cost of uniforms, accessories, immunizations, testing fees, and travel to clinical assignments.
- A strict dress code is required in the clinical setting. Students may be dismissed if they fail to comply with this dress code.
- The Colleges reserve the right to require students to obtain and maintain, at their own expense, liability/malpractice and/or health insurance.
- Students are required to complete learning experiences at local clinics, private offices, and/or other community-based agencies. Students may be required to attend both day and/or evening clinical assignments.
- Students must provide their own transportation to clinical assignments and strict attendance is required.
- Students may utilize the resources of the assigned clinical affiliate, at the discretion of the assigned clinical affiliate, for emergency medical treatment for injuries or illness that may occur during the time period a student is assigned to a healthcare facility. The student is responsible for any expense incurred for this treatment.
- Students must comply with all clinical contract protocols, including, but not limited to, immunization requirements, drug screening, and criminal/sexual background checks.
- Students must maintain current BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
- While enrolled in clinical courses, students may not replace or take the responsibility of “qualified” staff in affiliated facilities. However, after demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to perform specified procedures under careful supervision. Students may be employed in clinical facilities outside regular education hours provided that such work does not interfere with academic responsibilities. The work must be non-compulsory and subject to employee regulations.
- Students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior consistent with standards associated with health care practitioners.
Continuing Requirements for Dental Assisting II Students
- Each course in the program major must be completed with a grade of “C”or better before taking the next course in the sequence and to satisfy graduation requirements, unless waived by the Division Dean upon the recommendation of the Program Director.
- All courses in the major must be taken in the sequence prescribed in the GCC Catalog, unless otherwise approved by the Program Director.
- To pass a course students must successfully complete both the didactic (classroom) and the clinical/lab requirements.
- Program faculty and clinical affiliates reserve the right to recommend, through appropriate channels, withdrawal of any student who exhibits unsafe performance or non-adherence to prescribed clinical affiliate policies and procedures.
- Satisfactory physical and mental health must be maintained for continuance in the program. Applicants must be free of any physical and/or mental condition that might adversely affect their acceptance or performances in the program. The College reserves the right to require medical examinations and drug testing to verify continuing compliance. Students with pre-existing physical and/or mental conditions which might adversely affect performance in the program who do not self-disclose this information are subject to dismissal from the program.
- Students with criminal convictions who do not self-disclose this information are subject to dismissal from the program.
- Any student who has voluntarily withdrawn or who has been withdrawn due to unsatisfactory academic or clinical performance may apply for re-admission the following academic year. Any student who has voluntarily withdrawn or who has been withdrawn due to ethical violations or criminal actions may not reapply to the program. Acceptance will be based upon space availability, successful fulfillment of any contingencies agreed to in writing at the time of withdrawal, and Program Director approval. An interview and medical examination may be required.
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