There are two options for the Dental Assisting Program at Grayson College: Dental Assisting Certificate or the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Assisting.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Assisting is designed to prepare the student to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health care team.  The AAS degree consists of 9.5 months of dental assisting coursework including classroom instruction, laboratory procedures, and supervised clinical experience in addition to 25 credit hours of academic coursework. The academic coursework can be taken either before or after the dental assisting coursework. Following the completion of all dental assisting course requirements, the student will be eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) licensing exam. Dental Assisting students who complete the program are given the exam at the completion of the program and are eligible to file an application to the State Board of Dental Examiners to obtain their RDA license. Since the Dental Assisting Program is accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), graduates are also eligible to take the examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate mastery in the knowledge, technical skills, attitudes, and workplace skills necessary for successful employment in the dental assisting profession.
2. Demonstrate mastery of current methods, materials, supplies and equipment to meet occupational requirements and needs.
3. Identify and meet the standards of performance expected of them in the dental field.
4. Participate in extramural clinical experiences in a variety of offices throughout the dental community  to gain practical experience and assist in job placement.
5. Evaluate factors that can be used to promote patient/ client adherence to disease prevention and/or health maintenance.
6. Successfully complete the dental assistant program competencies to be prepared to meet the employment needs of the dental community and the ADA standards.

The Dental Assisting Certificate is designed to prepare the student to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health care team.  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. 

The Certificate of Dental Assisting is a 9.5 month program. Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) licensing exam. Dental Assisting students who complete the program are given the exam at the completion of the program, and are eligible to file an application to the State Board of Dental Examiners to obtain their RDA license. Graduates are also eligible to take the examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) since GC Dental assisting program is accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Becoming an RDA and CDA assures that the graduate is prepared to assist competently in providing quality dental care.

Transfer of College Coursework

Students who desire admission via transfer to GC must adhere to the GC course transfer policies outlined in the Student Handbook.  This includes submitting official copies of transcripts from each college or university previously attended to the Office of Admissions and Records.  Prerequisite and corequisite general education courses will be accepted for transfer and application if the course is evaluated as equivalent to the required course at GC. Health Science program courses are accepted for transfer only with prior approval of the Program Director and/or admissions committee.  Copies of course syllabi from all previous courses may be required to determine eligibility for transfer.

Eligibility for Licensure:

Students who have been involved in the criminal system may not be eligible for licensure following graduation. If you feel this applies to you, please seek guidance from the Program Director or Health Science Success Coach prior to enrollment.

Accreditation Information

Associate of Applied Science - Dental Assisting

*Please review your Student Planner or contact your Student Success Coach/Faculty Advisor to review which courses may be used to fill this degree requirement.

Dental Assisting - Certificate