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
- Recent tetanus immunization (within ten years)
- MMR Vaccine or Titer
- Varicella Zoster Vaccine or Titer
- Current certification in Healthcare Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or equivalent
Orientation:
Before entering the clinical portion of the dental assisting program, students are required to attend a mandatory pre-clinical 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.
Remaining General Education Requirements (22 Credit Hours):
Written Communication:
Oral Communication:
Quantitative Literacy:
- Any approved course 3 CR*
Humanities and Fine Arts:
- Any approved course 3 CR*
Computer Literacy and Information Literacy:
- Any approved course 3 CR*
Natural Science:
Social Science:
*These General Education courses are waivable for students with prior bachelor’s degree
Non asterisked (*) linked courses are required for this program
Advising Notes:
The Commission on Dental Association of the American Dental Association accredits the Dental Assisting Program. This program emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for chairside dental assisting. It also prepares students with the skills needed to provide clinical support services and perform selected laboratory procedures, as well as basic
- business office procedures.
- Students in their final semester will be eligible to take the Certification Examination in General Chairside Assisting and Radiation Health and Safety administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Successful completion of the examination carries with it the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and qualifies the candidate for licensure in Dental Radiography from the Maine Board of Dental Examiners.
- A minimum grade of “C-” on first attempt is required in all courses applied to the degree; a grade of less than a “C-” will result in dismissal from the program.
- Students earning a cumulative UMA GPA of less than 2.50 will be dismissed or placed on academic probation for one semester. Refer to the current UMA catalog for probation guidelines.
- Students must complete PSY 100 , COM 101 , and BIO 100 prior to the start of preclinical coursework in semester two.
General Education:
It is the intention of the University of Maine at Augusta that every degree graduate will be prepared to function in our society as an effective and informed citizen. To this end, the faculty has designed a set of minimum expectations that students are expected to satisfy. The aspirations are defined by core skills, competencies, and abilities as well as knowledge based learning experiences that are the grounds for the General Education Requirements. To learn more, visit www.uma.edu/academics/general-education/
Return to: