Our first class graduated in May 1998. Fourteen to sixteen students are admitted to the program. The on-campus Dental Assisting program is a two semester certificate program. It is accredited by the American Dental Association. Upon graduation and successful passing of the three part licensing examination student are eligible for licensure and will be able to perform advanced Dental Assisting functions as outlined by the New York State Education Department.

Admissions Requirements

To be a qualified applicant, the following entrance requirements for Dental Assisting must be met:

• Meet all Hygiene pre-requisite requirements to enter the program prior to admission
• High School Diploma or GED
  
• Completed physical
  
• ESOL and Transitional Studies courses completed prior to matriculation into the program
• When a student wants to enter the Dental Hygiene program they must meet all Dental Hygiene prerequisites by the application deadline. Students may receive preference for admission to the Dental Hygiene program in the semester immediately following graduation from the on-campus Dental Assisting program only. Check with the Admissions Office for the further details of this pathway.

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On-Line Dental Assisting Program

Monroe Community College and the SUNY (State University of New York) Learning Network are offering a program of courses to meet the education requirements of New York State licensure through on-line computer courses. This innovative program is designed to meet the needs of practicing dental assistants who may not have access to a traditional on-campus program.

The SUNY Learning Network is an Internet-based delivery system. Lecture material and course content are offered entirely on-line by computer. Laboratory and clinical experience are monitored by the sponsoring dentist who employs the student. In combination, the student is able to fulfill all the requirements necessary for licensure for New York State.

Monroe Community College's program includes courses in professional dental assisting, clincial content areas, biomedical sciences, and communication skills. The sequence of courses allows students to complete program in varying lengths of time. All courses carry college credit.

: Once students begin coursework in the on-line Dental Assisting program they may be able to perform supportive services to a Dentist in his /her performance of dental services as authorized under New York State Education Law 6608.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must:

1. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
2. Be currently employed as a dental assistant by a dentist who will act as a preceptor
3. Complete a Preceptor Packet (.pdf format)
4. Have access to a computer and the Internet

For an application, contact the MCC Admissions Office at 292-2000, or apply on-line at the MCC website: www.monroecc.edu

Requirements for Successful Completion of the Online Dental Assistant Program

• 500 hours of clinical experience during the program
• Successful completion of each course

Verification of Course Work for State Licensure

• Upon successful completion of the program, MCC will issue you a transcript for submission with your licensure application

These are the functions that licensed New York State Certified Dental Assistants can perform under New York State Education Law, section 6608:

• providing patient education
• taking preliminary medical histories and vital signs to be reviewed by the dentist
• place and remove rubber dams
• select and prefit provisional crowns
• select and prefit orthodontic bands
• remove orthodontic arch wires and ligature ties
• place and remove matrix bands
• take impressions for study casts or diagnostic casts
• remove periodontal dressings
• remove sutures placed by a licensed dentist
• take impressions for space maintainers, orthodontic appliances, and occlusal guards
• remove temporary cement
• apply topical anticariogenic agents to the teeth
• apply desensitizing agents to the teeth
• place and remove temporary separating devices
• place orthodontic ligatures
• take dental x-rays in accordance with Public Health Law
• perform such other dental supportive services authorized by the dentist and consistent with New York State laws, rules and regulations.

Program Curriculum

• Enrollment in classes is limited to ensure the best instructor/student ratio
• Advance registration is required; waiting lists are maintained for each course.
• Please consult the descriptions below and semester schedule in planning your program of study.

BOOK ORDERS

There is an additional charge for textbooks needed for each course. The textbooks may be purchased through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN) as directed on the Web site or you may purchase required books at your local bookstore.

For more information, contact us!

David Lawrence, Program Director - 292-2761
Maureen Tompkins, Secretary - 292-2769
Mary Jo Toepfer, Dept. Secretary - 292-2766
Health Professions Dept. - 292-2038