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  1. Programs
  3. Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro

CertificateNon-degreeCIP: 51.0601

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

The mission of the Dental Assisting Program is to guide selected individuals through an educational experience to become personally, professionally, and socially effective Dental Assistants. The Dental Assisting Program's purpose is to provide learning experiences which enable graduates to obtain basic competencies needed for employment as a Dental Assistant in a dental office, State, Federal, private clinic, or public and private educational facilities.

Duration

8 Months

Credits

23 credits

Cost

Total Tuition/Fees $2,994.00 Textbook/Supplies Cost $1,352.00Show moreShow less

Format

In-Person

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

  • Program Pathway to Health & Human ServiceFrom The University of Tennessee
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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

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Locations

Where this program is offered

No locations specified.

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populated·from O*NET via SOC 31-9091.00

Skills

Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingService OrientationMonitoringCoordinationActive LearningInstructingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingLearning Strategies

Knowledge

English LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryPsychologyAdministrativeAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingBiologyComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten ExpressionSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingArm-Hand SteadinessFinger Dexterity

Tasks

  • Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or
  • Record treatment information in patient records.
  • Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, an
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
  • Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
  • Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
  • Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
  • Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
  • Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical r
  • Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions
  • Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse
  • Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients'
  • Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropra
  • Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing
  • Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct th
  • Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
  • Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, sy
  • Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information.

Technology

Medical softwareOffice suite softwareSpreadsheet softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareAccounting softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareCategorization or classification softwareInformation retrieval or search softwareComputer based training softwareWord processing softwareBusiness intelligence and data analysis softwareBilling and invoicing softwareVideo conferencing softwareCloud-based data access and sharing softwareInventory management softwarePresentation softwareWeb platform development software

Tools

Air abrasion unitsAir compressorsAir/water syringesAmalgam carriersAmalgamatorsApex locatorsArticulatorsAspirating syringesAutoclavesBand seating pliersBench lathesBite blocksBitewing film holdersBursCaries detection aids3D movement analysis systemsAgar slidesAutomated ESR analyzersBack support bracesBalance boardsBiohazard containersBlood culture incubatorsCardiac monitorsCarousel slide projectorsCasting ovensCell washing equipmentCervical traction unitsCoagulation testing equipmentColorimetric devicesCompact digital cameras

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Dental Assistants31-9091.00
  • Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary25-1071.00
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

  • Instrument trays and chairside materials — prepare and manage setup for multiple procedure types with minimal oversight in a busy general dentistry practice.
  • Electronic health record software — maintain accurate, complete patient treatment records and update medical histories routinely across a full patient schedule.
  • Dental diagnostic radiography equipment — expose full-mouth series and bitewing x-rays independently, applying appropriate technique adjustments for diverse patient anatomy.
  • Dental emergency response protocols — assist the dentist in managing common medical and dental emergencies such as syncope or allergic reactions using established office procedures.
  • Dental supply ordering systems and spreadsheet software — track inventory levels, generate purchase orders, and reconcile deliveries to maintain consistent clinical supply availability.
  • Postoperative care instructions — communicate procedure-specific recovery guidance clearly to patients with varying health literacy levels in a post-treatment setting.
  • Plaque control and oral hygiene education — instruct patients on individualized homecare programs, adapting explanations to age and oral health status in a preventive care context.
  • Patient vital signs data — interpret readings and flag abnormal values to the supervising dentist before treatment proceeds, applying knowledge of common medical contraindications.
  • Medical software and patient management platforms — navigate scheduling, billing support, and treatment records to ensure smooth daily clinic operations.
  • Active listening and social perceptiveness skills — recognize and respond to patient anxiety or discomfort during procedures, adjusting communication style to promote cooperation in the dental chair.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Auto-populated·from Scorecard + DOL
Completion Rate
61%
Placement Rate
78%