Clinical Course Prerequisites:
Before entering the clinical portion of the dental assisting program, students are required to have
the following:
- Complete physical examination within three months of entering the program
- Hepatitis B vaccination series initiated prior to the first clinical semester
- Current certification in Healthcare Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or equivalent
- Recent tetanus immunization (within ten years)
- MMR Vaccine or Titer
- PPD within one year
- Varicella Zoster Vaccine or Titer
- COVID-19 Vaccine (University Dependent)
Orientation
Before entering the clinical portion of the dental assisting program, students are required to attend a mandatory pre-clinical on-campus student orientation. Students will be informed of the meeting date during their registration meeting prior to the preclinical semester. Any student who does not attend the mandatory orientation risks forfeiting their seat in the program.
Applicants considering dental assisting need to be aware that this program is academically rigorous and physically demanding, requiring long periods of time in a particular position, often standing or seated. Tasks require hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, fine motor dexterity and close focus vision.
Health Insurance
Students are required to have medical insurance coverage and are responsible for any costs incurred in the event of an exposure incident.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):
Students must obtain certification in healthcare-provider level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and maintain it throughout their preclinical and clinical semesters. Students are advised to consult with the Dental Health programs Clinical and Laboratory Coordinator prior to enrolling in a CPR course, as not all courses meet this requirement.
Background Checks:
Applicants to the Dental Assisting program should be aware that a criminal background check will be required prior to beginning clinical externships and as a condition of professional employment. Internship sites may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record. If denied clinical privileges, the student is at risk of not being able to obtain the number of clinical hours required for graduation. Students will be expected to provide clinical externship sites with a current background check at the request of the externship sites, with associated expenses the students’ responsibility. Students will be directed to complete the background check with the appropriate entity during the fall semester prior to externships.
