Expanded Duty Dental Assisting

Specific Admission Requirements for Program
Applicants will be accepted into the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program on a first qualified, first accepted basis. Once all requirements for admission into the program have been completed, the applicant will be offered a seat for the next available semester.

• Criminal Background Check (CBC) 30 days prior to students enrolling in the EDDA Program. An applicant with an unfavorable CBC may result in student being removed from desired program. Clinical sites/facilities determine applicant's eligibility to participate in clinical studies based on their policies.
• Urine Drug Screening (UDS) 30 days prior to students enrolling in the EDDA Program. An applicant with an unfavorable UDS may result in student being removed from desired program. Clinical sites/facilities determine applicant's eligibility to participate in clinical studies based on their policies.
• TEAS score of 55 or above – valid for 2 years from date of testing.
• Submit a Health Sciences Division Student Health Record Form indicating the candidate has the ability to perform the physical tasks required in the program prior to the start of the final semester.
• Complete the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Checklist for Admissions
• Complete 15 hours of clinical observation observing a practicing dental assistant and dentist in a private dental office. Observation can occur in a general or specialty dental office. Forms must be completed by the supervising dentist/dental assistant verifying observations. Forms must be sent to the Office of Admissions upon completion of observation hours.
• May not have more than two unsuccessful attempts in an Expanded Duty Dental Assisting curriculum General Education course.
• Payment of a non-refundable tuition deposit.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements
A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for all courses for progression and graduation. Grades below "C" are considered course failures. Failure of one Expanded Duty Dental Assisting course will result in the student being dropped from the curriculum with eligibility for readmission the next time the course is offered. Readmission will be on a space available basis and the student will also be required to meet all admission requirements for readmission. The Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program does not currently accept advanced placement students. All courses with a DAT prefix are restricted to Expanded Duty Dental Assisting majors.

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/en.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Admissions Information

• Expanded Duty Dental Checklist for Admissions

Student Resources

• Student Handbook
• Clinical Handbook
• Program Cost
• Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Certificate Program Specific Cost

Forms

• Clinical Requirements
• Background Check
• Observation Form

Well-trained dental assistants are in demand in todays growing healthcare marketplace. A flexible work schedule, whether you are employed full-time or part-time, allows you to maintain a balance between career and personal goals. Financial rewards are excellent and the work is challenging. Career opportunities are readily available in the following settings:

• Private dental practices
• Public health departments
• Hospitals

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.

Mission

“The Horry-Georgetown Technical College Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program believes that the dental assistant is an extremely important member of the dental health team who makes a significant contribution to the total health care of all people.  Through the use of state-of-the-art technology in lecture and clinical instruction, it is the mission of this program to provide the student with a well-rounded general education as well as an evidenced-based professional education.  In so doing, the student will be prepared for his/her role as a successful dental assistant, as well as an enlightened and contributing citizen to the community.  

It is the aim of the dental assisting program faculty to create a supportive environment in which the student will develop self-confidence, expertise in clinical skills and the desire to learn to become a successful, dedicated healthcare provider.  Through the use of problem solving, planned experiences, goal setting, and self-assessment, the graduate is expected to become a purposeful, critically thinking, and self-directed member of the profession, able to make pivotal judgments in both personal and professional roles.”  

GOAL 1. The dental assisting student will demonstrate an extensive understanding of infection control procedures and practices, to include biomedical sciences.

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of bloodborne pathogens and
   hazard communications standards.
2. Display a working knowledge of dental sciences including the
   development and function of the oral cavity, oral pathology,
   anatomy, and pharmacology.

GOAL 2. The dental assisting student will demonstrate competency in various aspects of radiation health and safety.

1. Demonstrate working knowledge and competence in the skills
   required to produce diagnostic image surveys
2. Display adherence to radiation health protection techniques
3. Demonstrate competence in identifying anatomical landmarks and
   pathologies

GOAL 3. The dental assisting student will exhibit and interpret important concepts of General Chairside Assisting.

1. Demonstrate laboratory/preclinical/clinical knowledge and
   competence in essential dental assisting skills and functions at the
   program facility and clinical setting.
2. Demonstrate laboratory/preclinical/clinical knowledge and
   competence in performing advanced/expanded dental assisting
   functions.
3. Demonstrate competence in the knowledge of dental practice
   management to include software systems, ethics, communication,
   and management of patient information.