diploma in Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene Integrated Program Big Sandy Community and Technical College

The Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene Integrated Program prepares graduates to function as dental auxiliaries. The Dental Assisting program prepares the student to function as a dental assistant under a dentist's supervision. As a dental health team member, the dental assistant is responsible for providing such services as assisting the dentist with operative and surgical procedures, manipulation of dental materials, taking radiographs, providing oral health instructions, and performing office management tasks. Dental Assisting students will be awarded a Diploma in Dental Assisting and eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Graduates will also be certified in radiation health and safety, coronal polishing, and expanded duties (lab competency). The dental assisting curriculum includes courses in general education and dental assisting as required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The program provides comprehensive educational experiences through lectures, clinical externship rotations, laboratory, and related study. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each Dental Assisting (DAS) course, Dental Assisting/Hygiene (DAH) course, and approved science courses. The Dental Hygiene Program prepares the student to function as a dental hygienist on a dental auxiliary team under a dentist's supervision. The curriculum includes general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, radiography, periodontology, and dental hygiene clinical experience. The program provides comprehensive educational experiences through lectures, clinical, and related studies to apply scientific knowledge in the performance of dental hygiene procedures. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each Dental Hygiene (DHG) course, Dental Assisting/Hygiene (DAH) course, and approved science courses. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination. As the only licensed dental auxiliaries, dental hygienists may be employed in dental offices, clinics, dental schools, public health, and government agencies. The Commission accredits the programs on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body of the American Dental Association. The U.S. Department of Education nationally recognizes the Commission to accredit dental and dental-related educational programs at the post-secondary level.