Dental Assisting Program

Steps to Apply

The Dental Assisting Program begins each Fall Semester. Admission to the program is limited to between 24–30 students, and is determined by clinic availability and requires specific admission criteria.

Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalency (HSE).

To secure a place on the Dental Assisting Program applicant list, prospective students should complete the application process outlined below.

Please note that you are not required to complete all application requirements prior to applying to the program, and have until Aug. 1, 2025, to fulfill all application requirements. Students are required to provide proof of high school completion or equivalency, and documentation, such as an unofficial transcript, showing completion of courses used for points toward admission to the dental assisting program.

1. Apply to the College
   All applicants must have a student ID number (NSHE ID) which is assigned when a student applies to a college in the NSHE system. If you do not already have an ID number, you must complete the TMCC application for admission to the College.
2. Review Dental Assisting Program Information
   Prior to submitting your Program Application, please be sure you have read through and understand all the program information listed on our Frequently Asked Questions.
3. Submit the Dental Assisting Program Application
   Complete and submit the online Dental Assisting Program Application.
4. Provide Proof of High School Completion/Equivalency
   If you did not attach this with your Program Application, scan the appropriate document and submit it to the TMCC Dental Assisting Program. Acceptable documentation is a diploma or transcript (official or unofficial) that lists graduation/diploma was earned, and the year it was earned.
   Note: If you are a high school senior and will not have an official diploma or transcripts until after the application deadline, please submit the unofficial transcripts or a letter on letterhead from a school official indicating you will be completing in June of the current year.

Dental Assisting Program Information Session

Dental Assisting Program Information Session will occur at least once per semester and will include program information and a tour of the dental facility (if the meeting is on campus). Attendance is not required to apply to the program, though important information is shared regarding the program, financial aid, and time commitment.

Note: Those who choose to attend an information session and apply by May 1, 2025, will earn one (1) point toward admission to the Dental Assisting Program.

To reserve your spot, please RSVP today!

Estimated Expenses and Program-Related Costs

All fees listed below are approximate and subject to change. Please visit TMCC's College Catalog for the most recent tuition and fees and degree information.

Selection Process

Selection to the Dental Assisting Program is based on the applicant's numerical position on the applicant list and completion of courses that have points toward admission.

Because the program is a first-come/first-served application process with points toward admission, you are encouraged to complete the Program Application as soon as possible to be placed on the applicant list. The placement on the list determines your ultimate placement, once all points are tallied and applied.

Students are selected by means of:

1. Submission of the completed Dental Assisting Program Application and review of all Dental Program information and FAQs.
2. Chronological placement on the applicant list.
3. The calculation of points towards admission. Points toward admission are applied and based on the original placement on the applicant list. Points are added and the applicant's position is adjusted up or down accordingly.
4. If you have taken courses at a college other than TMCC for points toward admission, please submit your transcripts to the TMCC Dental Assisting Program.

Note: Students who attend an information session and apply to the program by May 1, 2025, will earn one (1) point toward admission to the Dental Assisting Program.

After Selection: Required Documentation

If selected for admission, students will receive a letter requesting the following information, along with a physical examination form.

To maintain acceptance status in the Dental Assisting Program, applicants must submit copies of the following information to the TMCC Dental Assisting Academic Program Director by August 1.

1. A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider)
2. Two MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella)
3. Tetanus Diphtheria booster (must be within the last 10 years)
4. Hepatitis B vaccination series/or, documentation of the first vaccination prior to the first day of school, remainder to be completed prior to extramural placement; or signed immunization declination form.
5. Current 2-step, 2-stage TB skin test, or, if your test is positive, you must provide medical documentation/clearance you are not currently active with the disease.
6. Current health insurance (Fall Semester, and provide proof for each subsequent semester)
7. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (not currently required, will inform applicants if this changes)
8. Varicella immunization or immunity.
9. Physical exam that proves you are free from conditions that put others at risk.

Program Goals

• To provide superior student-centered instruction and educational experiences that will prepare the student to safely and effectively perform dental chairside, laboratory, radiographic and infection control procedures, materials manipulation, practice management operations, deliver patient education, and develop the skills to apply all facets of didactic information learned in the program to the clinical aspect of dentistry.
• To encourage the student to develop a commitment to self-evaluation, life-long learning, continued education and pride of profession, while preparing them to contribute to the oral health education and care of individuals from diverse educational socio-economic and/or cultural backgrounds.
• To prepare those motivated students who choose to take the Certified Dental Assisting Board exam, to pass the exam.
• To prepare students who are capable and motivated to work, to be employable in the field.
  • Employers will express satisfaction with student skills and competency.
  • Students will express satisfaction with knowledge gained in the Dental Assisting Program.

Program Outcomes

These outcomes apply to students completing the Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement and/or the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Assisting.

1. Students will perform basic chairside functions to facilitate completion of restorative and advanced operative procedures as allowed by the state dental act.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of radiation safety and proficiency in exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of infection and hazard control in the lab/workplace.
4. Students will perform basic office procedures necessary to assist in managing the dental practice.

Program Philosophy

• The dental assisting department believes that the program should provide a foundation consisting of a superior dental assisting curriculum providing students who are motivated and committed with the opportunity to develop skills in all aspects of dental assisting.
• It is the responsibility of the faculty to recognize the individuality of the student and to assist them in reaching their academic and career goals regardless of age, ethnicity or gender.
• The dental assisting faculty share a commitment to providing a comprehensive curriculum and learning experiences, which requires the department to employ a mechanism of assessment, review, revision, and community and alumni feedback to maintain curriculum excellence and relevance while ensuring access to and retention of qualified applicants.