Dental Assisting (CA)

Nature of Work

The Dental Assistant functions as a member of the dental healthcare team by routinely performing the following functions:

  • Performing laboratory procedures
  • Exposing & processing dental radiographs
  • Preparing dental materials
  • Assisting dentist with procedures

Most Dental Assistants are employed in private dental offices or managed care clinics.

Program Description

The CSN Certificate of Achievement Dental Assisting Program consists of three semesters with a Fall and Spring entry. All courses are taken in a prescribed sequence averaging 9 to 10 credits per semester.

Accreditation

The CSN 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.

Program Outcomes

  • Graduation rate: 84% (2-year cumulative, 2022-2023)
  • Employment rate: 100% of graduates who sought employment were employed within three months of graduation (2-year cumulative, 2022-2023)

Certification as a Dental Assistant

Graduates are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam. https://www.danb.org/

Dental Assisting (CA) Requirements

Note: Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions of Dental Assisting Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.

Admission Requirements

This is NOT a limited entry program; however, the following must be completed:

  • Students must be at least 18 years old and possess a High School diploma, GED, HiSet, or High School equivalent.
  • Students are eligible for the program after they have completed one of the following English Courses: ENG 100, 101, 107, 110, or 113. Students must pass with a “C” or higher.

To ensure that the student will be placed on the admissions list, students must meet with the Program Director and attend a Dental Assisting Orientation. Contact Logan-Ashley Kisner 702-651-5577, email: logan-ashley.kisner@csn.edu or Michelle Vargas 702-651-5851, email: michelle.vargas@csn.edu to make an appointment. Once student is placed on the first come/first served admissions list, they will be notified by email to register for classes.

Accepted Students

Students accepted into the program will be required to provide copies of the following:

  • By the First Semester:
    • High School Diploma, GED, HiSet, or High School equivalent
    • Health Insurance-need current proof each semester
    • Current CPR card (Healthcare Professional-Basic Life Support or American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR AED)
    • Hepatitis B vaccination (3 doses; #1, #2 (minimum 28 days after #1), #3 (minimum 8 weeks after #2). Note: #3 must be separated from #1 by at least 16 weeks.
    • MMR- 2 doses minimum of 28 days apart
    • Tetanus Diphtheria booster-within the last 10 years
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)- 2 doses minimum 28 days apart
    • 2 Step TB skin test
  • By the Second Semester:
    • A physical
    • An eye exam
    • A drug test
    • Health Insurance-need current proof each semester

Student's First Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Open Entry Program Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking an Open-Entry Health Science Certificate of Achievement or Completion.

Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact one of our Health Programs Advisement Offices.

  • Charleston Campus: (702) 651-5885, Building K Lobby
  • North Las Vegas Campus: (702) 651-4415, Main Building Room E204
  • Henderson Campus: (702) 651-3563, H Building Room 234

For all student inquiries, please contact:

Logan-Ashley Kisner
702-651-5577, Logan-Ashley.Kisner@csn.edu

Michelle Vargas, Program Director
702-651-5851, michelle.vargas@csn.edu