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  1. Programs
  3. Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Trenholm State Community College

Certificate

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

Certificate program preparing graduates for general dental assisting roles. Accredited by CODA. Covers introduction to dental assisting, dental anatomy, clinical practice, dental radiology, and infection control.

Credits

49 credits

Format

In-Person

Eligibility Calculator

Which aid programs apply to this program?

Record QualityEligibility Calculators
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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

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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

  • Alabama

    Alabama

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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 ComprehensionService OrientationMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningInstructingCritical ThinkingWriting

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementAdministrative

Abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionProblem SensitivityArm-Hand SteadinessDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingWritten ExpressionFinger DexterityManual DexteritySpeech Clarity

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.
  • Record and review patient medical histories.
  • Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
  • Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.

Technology

Electronic mail softwareMedical softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareAccounting softwareBilling and invoicing softwareInventory management software

Tools

Air abrasion unitsAir compressorsAir/water syringesAmalgam carriersAmalgamatorsApex locatorsArticulatorsAspirating syringesAutoclavesBand seating pliersBench lathesBite blocksBitewing film holdersBursCaries detection aidsAir abrasion equipmentAir-driven dental polishersAngle formersAutoscalarsBite wingsCalculus explorersCaries explorersCavitron equipmentComputer scannersCotton pliers

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Dental Assistants31-9091.00
  • Dental Hygienists29-1292.00
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
46%
Placement Rate
Not reported