Dental Assisting

Programs of Study

Dental Assisting Diploma*

*Denotes Title IV eligible program (PELL).

Contact Information

YVONNE JENKINS, RDH, CDA
Dental Assisting Program Director

Office: Rm 556 | Health Science Building
912.486.7700 | yjenkins@ogeecheetech.edu

Meet with Instructor

Additional Details

Meet the Faculty

Yvonne Jenkins, RDH, CDA
Dental Assisting Program Director

Yvonne Jenkins is the Dental Assisting Program Director and has been a full time instructor at OTC for over fourteen years. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) from the Medical College of Georgia and has over 30 years of experience in the dental field both in private practice and as an educator. She is a Certified Dental Assistant and a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Accreditation

The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312.440.4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

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Happenings

OTC Wins Best Instructor and Best Driving School for Third Consecutive Year

Dental Assisting program awards 14 pins to graduates

OTC Students and Staff Serve at Local Soup Kitchen

OTC Students Coordinate Service with Local Soup Kitchen

Licensure/Certification

Dental assistants who choose to become nationally certified may take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Students may sit for the national exam upon completion of the program.

Links

American Dental Association

Dental Assisting National Board

U.S. Department of Labor

Commission on Dental Accreditation

Other Information

What Do Dental Assistants Do?

Dental assistants are valuable members of the dental team who perform a variety of patient care, business office, and laboratory duties. They work alongside the dentist to help provide more efficient and comfortable treatment for the patient.

Tasks A Dental Assistant May Perform Include:

Assisting the dentist during treatment
Taking dental radiographs
Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
Taking impressions of patient's teeth
Laboratory procedures
Teaching patients good home care techniques such as brushing and flossing
Recording patient's medical histories
Scheduling and confirming appointments
Helping to keep the patient comfortable

Exposure Control Plan

Hazard Communication Plan

Program Admission

A minimum GPA of 2.0 and successful completion of ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010, COMP 1000, DENA 1080, ALHS 1011 and ALHS 1040 are required prior to taking any Dental Assisting program courses. This includes all previous attempts, including transfer credits. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be considered on a space available basis. The student must also have Healthcare Provider CPR certification prior to beginning program courses.

Program Goals

To provide students with a quality learning experience, that helps to create a strong and continuous enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
To develop a program that encourages students to obtain the highest level of competence in the dental assisting field and achieve program completion in a reasonable amount of time.
To prepare graduates to function as safe and competent employees in the field of dental assisting.
To foster employer participation, understanding, and confidence in the instructional process and the competence of Dental Assisting program graduates.
To provide graduates of the Dental Assisting program with sufficient knowledge of theoretical concepts and practicum work techniques in order to pass the certification exam.
To maintain ADA accreditation by achieving the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements” since 2002.
To employ knowledgeable, experienced faculty who can maintain an academic program focused on student-centered learning, and deliver effective instruction to students in all areas of dental assisting.
To assess program needs and ensure that all necessary supplies and equipment are purchased and utilized in a responsible manner.

Why Dental Assisting?

Are you interested in being a valuable member of a dental healthcare team? Students in the Dental Assisting program at Ogeechee Tech learn to work closely with dentists to help provide efficient and comfortable treatment for patients.

Top Careers

Dental Assistant
Oral Surgery Assistant
Orthodontic Assistant

Program Flyer

Diploma

In-Person
Online
Day Class

Program Purpose Statement

The mission of the Dental Assisting program is to provide educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the field of dental assisting.

Dental Assisting

Why Dental Assisting?

Top Careers

Dental Assistant

Oral Surgery Assistant

Orthodontic Assistant

Program Purpose Statement