Dental Assistant - CERT
The CODA accredited Dental Assisting program at Luna is a one year program beginning in the fall, with sequential classes through the spring semester and summer semesters. Students will be required to complete off-campus externship clinical practicum hours during the spring and summer semesters.
To attain national certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), an individual must submit an application to DANB through an accredited dental assisting program. Those individuals desiring to stay in the state can obtain certification in Radiation Health and Safety, along with other state required functions, such as coronal polish, pit and fissure sealants, and topical fluoride application, through the NM State Board of Dental Health Care, in Santa Fe, NM.
Individuals interested in the Dental Assistant Certificate program should be aware that the dental field does have some risk of occupational hazards. The nature of the occupation could involve contact with bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. Students admitted to the program will receive proper training in biohazard protection and in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk.
Students must apply for regular admission and complete the Institutional Proficiency requirements in Math and English (ENG098 0r ENG106 and MATH095). Completion of this certificate can be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Vocational/Technical Studies in this Catalog.
Degree Requirements
The follow degree requirements are for the 2023-2024 Catalog. For other catalogs, please see CatalogsMinimum of 36 Credit Hours
| Concentration Pre-requisites (3 credit hours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| AH113 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Concentration Pre-requisites (3 credit hours) this course is required for entry into the Dental Program. | ||
| Concentration Requirements (33 credit hours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| DENT103 | Dental Materials | 5 |
| DENT109 | Prevntv Dentistry/Oral Hlth Care | 1 |
| DENT118 | Dental Assisting | 3 |
| DENT118L | Dental Assisting Lab | 1 |
| DENT145 | Bio-Dental Science | 3 |
| DENT160 | Dental Radiology | 4 |
| DENT167 | Oral Medicine | 2 |
| DENT170 | Clinical Training/Practicum I | 7 |
| DENT220 | Dental Office Management | 2 |
| DENT226 | Dental Pharmacology | 1 |
| DENT233 | Laboratory Procedures | 2 |
| DENT270 | Clinical Training/Practicum II | 3 |
Aims of the Program
- The dental assisting program will provide a quality educational program focused on active learning to meet the needs of students and the educational community.
- The dental assisting program will secure continuing resources to support dynamic instructional strategies and to enhance student learning.
- The dental assisting program will support student and faculty personnel and professional development.
- The dental assisting program will serve the community by providing educational programs, dental assisting services, and optimal patient care to meet the needs of diverse groups in the community and surrounding regions.
Program Costs
Click here —> [Dental Assisting Tuition Costs & List of Classes]
Related studies to obtain an AAS in Vocational Technical Studies.
DANB Exam Pass Rates
Bloodborne Pathogen Risk Statement
All individuals interested in pursuing the Dental Assistant Certificate should be aware that the dental field does have some risk of occupational hazards. The nature of the occupation could involve contact with infectious diseases, including AIDS and Hepatitis. All students admitted to the program will receive proper instruction in standard precautions and use of personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of blood and body fluid exposures.
Dental Assisting Program Student Handbook 2022-2023
Occupational Opportunities
Dental Assisting Certificate Academic Map 2022-2023