Dental Assisting Coordinator
850.769.1551, ext 5842
lwomble@gulfcoast.edu
Academic Programs SpecialistCrickett Pimentel
850.913.3311
HealthSciencesGCSC@gulfcoast.edu
Pathway NavigatorTerri Thomas
850.769.1551 ext. 5863
tthomas3@gulfcoast.edu
Dental Assisting, Certificate
Welcome to the Dental Assisting Program at Gulf Coast State College.
This web page provide an overview of the program and a survey of program highlights. Thank you for visiting our site. We look forward to serving your educational needs.
The Dental Assisting program is a limited access program. A selective admissions policy with specific selection criteria is utilized in order to select the most qualified applicants. The strength of the applicant pool varies year to year, with the best qualified applicants receiving first consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inquire about these specific admission and selection criteria and to ensure that all required documents are received on campus prior to the deadline.
Educational Requirements
The Dental Assisting Program at Gulf Coast State College provides the student with the educational background and clinical competencies necessary in the field of dental assisting. This certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
As a full-time student in the Dental Assisting Program, one can complete the program in as little as 10 months. Coursework is delivered through traditional classroom lectures, distance education, and clinical experiences both on campus and in local dental offices.
Dental Programs Transfer Policy
Applicants who are currently enrolled in another Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting Program and wish to investigate transferring to a GCSC Dental Program must: 1) meet all current admission requirements, 2) apply at least two months prior to the expected date of enrollment, 3) notify the Program Coordinator in writing, stating anticipated entry date and reason for transfer, 4) provide evidence of successful completion of previous core dental courses from an American Dental Association accredited program, and 5) provide a letter from the Program Chair stating that the student is in good academic and clinical standing and is eligible to return to the Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting program they wish to transfer from. Acceptance of any transfer student will be dependent upon available resources.
Transferability of GCSC Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting courses to another institution will be dependent upon the acceptance of the receiving institution.
Occupational Safety and Health Briefing:
The Dental Programs at Gulf Coast State College have an obligation to maintain standards of health care and professionalism that are ethically and legally correct and that are consistent with the public's expectations of the health professions. In accordance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan has been developed for the Dental Programs at Gulf Coast State College. These guidelines are established and practiced by all dental health personnel (faculty, staff and students) while as an employee, volunteer or student with the Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene program. These specific guidelines and other Dental Program policies are available for review in the Dental Programs Manual.
Infectious Disease Notification:
Students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program are at risk for exposure to blood and body fluids, and the potential does exist for transmission of blood-borne and other infectious diseases during patient care activities. If you contract a blood borne infectious disease during your enrollment, appropriate health care experts will be consulted about your ability to continue to treat patients. Each applicant may view the Dental Assisting Program Policies on Bloodborne and Infectious Diseases upon request. The Dental Assisting faculty will discuss or answer any questions that an applicant may have concerning these policies.
Dental Assisting Course Requirements Examples
h3
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Clinical Practice Courses
Dental Courses
Oral Pathology
Dental Radiology Courses
Anatomy & Physiology
A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog
Dental Assisting Information
Role of the Dental Assistant
The dental assistant is a multiskilled member of the dental health team, dedicated to assisting the dentist with all phases of dentistry. Dental Assistants may perform any of the following:
-
seating patients in the treatment area
-
passing requested instruments to the dentist during dental procedures
-
sterilization and preparation of instruments
-
taking impressions of teeth for study models
-
polishing clinical crowns
-
exposing and developing X-rays
-
providing assistance in the office with tasks such as appointment scheduling, record keeping, telephone management, and billing
-
ordering supplies
-
serve as office manager or receptionist, greeting patients and introducing patients to the dental practice
-
manage the business aspect of dentistry including bookkeeping, accounting, and money management
-
manage patient records, filing, and recall systems
-
assist the dentist directly at chairside with operative, oral surgery, orthodontic, and a wide range of other procedures
-
provide oral hygiene instructions, preventive dentistry & dietary counseling
-
perform the expanded functions legally authorized in the state of Florida
-
take x-rays, impressions, and apply fluoride and sealants
-
assist with patient management by working with a wide range of population groups
-
perform laboratory functions such as pouring & trimming models, constructing custom trays and fabricating temporary crowns and bridges
-
assist with implementation and documentation of current infection control standards
Educational Requirements
A full-time student can complete the Dental Assisting Program in as little as ten months. Coursework is delivered through a full- time traditional schedule (Monday-Friday), which includes classroom lectures, web courses, and clinical experiences, both on campus and in local dental offices.
GCSC Dental Clinic
Gulf Coast State College offers a state-of -the-art patient dental clinic at the Panama City Campus in the George C. Tapper Health Sciences Building which provides patient care opportunities to our community. This high tech dental clinic allows for students in the dental programs to become highly skilled dental auxiliaries while working alongside licensed dentist, registered dental hygienists, and certified dental assistants.Are you ready to Get Started?
How to apply to the Dental Assisting Program
To apply to the Dental Assisting certificate program, you’ll need to complete two applications: the general admission application to Gulf Coast State College and a Dental Assisting application packet. Please check the Dental Assisting Program web page for information regarding a career in Dental Assisting and the application packet for a complete list of admission requirements.
Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.