The dental assistant increases the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care. The dental assisting program prepares students to become skilled members of the dental health team. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Assisting articulates with the Undergraduate Certificate in Dental Assisting that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Licensure and/or Certification
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate or the AAS in Dental Assisting are eligible to become certified in coronal polishing for the State of Alaska and to sit for the Certified Dental Assistant national certification examination from the Dental Assisting National Board.
Please go to UAA's Authorization by State website for information about licensure or certification in a state other than Alaska.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees.
-
Complete the following Admission Requirements for the AAS in Dental Assisting:
-
Submit test scores showing placement into WRTG A111 or higher, or completion of courses at that level or higher with a minimum grade of C.
-
Submit a dental assisting application according to instructions and deadlines on the program website.
-
- Students may initially be admitted to a pre-major status. Admission to the pre-major status does not guarantee subsequent admission to the major. As a pre-major, students work with an advisor to assist them in completing pre-major requirements and preparing to apply to the full major.
Special Considerations
Prior to beginning clinical courses, students must provide documentation of:
-
The following immunizations: Hepatitis B titer showing immunity, Hepatitis A, MMR, TDap, Varicella, Influenza vaccine within the previous twelve months, and two-step PPD test or Quantiferon Gold.
- Current CPR certification.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BIOL A102 & BIOL A103 | Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| or BIOL A111 & A111L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | |
| DA A101 | Essentials of Dentistry | 2 |
| DA A102 | Infection Control in Dentistry | 3 |
| DA A103 | Dental Auxiliary Professions | 1 |
| DA A109 | Radiographic Imaging for Dental Assistants | 2 |
| or DA A110 | Dental Radiography | |
| DA A110L | Dental Radiography Laboratory | 1 |
| DA A130 | Chairside Techniques I | 3 |
| DA A195A | Clinical Practicum I | 1 |
| DA A127 | Dental Office Administration | 1 |
| DA A150 | Biomedical and Dental Sciences for Dental Assistants | 2 |
| DA A160 | Materials in Dentistry | 3 |
| DA A201 | Chairside Techniques II | 4 |
| DA A202 | Dental Specialties | 2 |
| DA A295A | Clinical Practicum II | 5 |
| DN A203 | Nutrition for Health Sciences | 3 |
| PSY A111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| or PSY A150 | Lifespan Development | |
| Electives | ||
| Complete 7 credits of electives. Recommended courses include: | 7 | |
| Introduction to Personal Computers and Application Software | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Total | 47 | |
A minimum of 60 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to be competent in the dental assisting field.
- Demonstrate professional standards according to OSHA, ADA, OSAP, ADAA and radiation health and safety standards.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior in a dental office setting.
- Demonstrate general knowledge in the fields of biology, communications and nutrition.