Dental Assisting

About

The Dental Assisting program prepares students to become members of the dental health care team. The course includes didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction. Students receive supervised experience performing procedures using study models, mannequins, and other simulated methods. Students receive three months of supervised experience in the clinical setting performing procedures on dental patients in a dental office. Upon completion of this program, students will earn a certificate in Dental Assisting. 

Class Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Overview

Information Detail
Time Commitment Full Time
Typical Program Length 8 Months
Clock Hours 864
Class Type Day
Credentials Certificate
Total Tuition/Fees $4,134.00
Textbook/Supplies Cost $2,174.47

Program Credentials

Option NameHoursCredentials
Dental Sterilization Technician432Certificate
Dental Assisting864Certificate

The Dental Assisting Program will be starting another cohort during the fall trimester on September 3rd 2024

Deadline for Fall 2024 07/19/2024

How to Apply

To complete admissions for the Dental Assisting program, applicants must submit all institutional general admissions requirements and Dental Assisting program specific requirements to be considered.

Admission to the Dental Assisting Program is highly competitive, and only a select number of students are enrolled each year.  To qualify, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements of the HESI Admissions Assessment Test. However, this does not guarantee admission. Our Dental Assisting Class will be selected from the highest scores on the HESI test.

General Admissions Requirements

Please submit to Student Services Office at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919

  • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – the website is www.fafsa.ed.gov  and our school code is 004025.
  • Complete the Application for Enrollment form online at www.tcatknoxville.edu and select APPLY NOW for the Fall trimester.
  • Submit the additional program requirements listed below. 

IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation both must obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org for more information.

Dental Assisting Program Admission Requirements

Please submit to Marcy Owen at 3435 Division Street, Knoxville TN 37919

  • Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class.

  • A copy of an official high school transcript or its equivalent, or a scanned copy of a standard high school diploma. 

  • Proof of below immunizations:

    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 series immunization (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time

    • Varicella: 2 series immunizations (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization to chickenpox within the last year’s time

    • Adult Hepatitis B: 3 series immunizations (3 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time OR proof of the series in progress

  • Take and pass the HESI Exam. Exam covers Math and Reading Comprehension and the cost is $40.00. Passing scores are 50 in math and 70 in reading exam.

  • Provide current CPR card certification from American Heart Association in BLS for Healthcare Providers which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking and AED.


According to CDC guidelines, you may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and infectious materials while in this program.

The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Tennessee State Board of Dentistry and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements.

Campus Locations

Main Campus
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919

Curriculum/Courses

First Trimester: 
DTA 0001 Worker Characteristic
DTA 1010 Professional Orientation
DTA 1020 Anatomy & Physiology
DTA 1030 Dental Anatomy
DTA 1040 Head & Neck
DTA 1050 Embryology & Histology
DTA 1060 Micro & Sterilization
DTA 1070 Pathology
DTA 1080 Oral Diagnosis
DTA 1090 Prevention & Nutrition
DTA 1100 Office Emergencies
DTA 1110 Pharmacology
DTA 1120 Operative I
DTA 1130 Psychology & Communication
Second Trimester: 
DTA 0002 Worker Characteristic
DTA 2010 Dental Materials I
DTA 2020 Dental Materials II
DTA 2030 Radiology I
DTA 2040 Radiology II
DTA 2050 Operative II
DTA 2060 Operative III
DTA 2070 Ethics & Jurisprudence
DTA 2080 Prosthodontics
Third Trimester: 
DTA 0003 Worker Characteristic
DTA 3010 Practice Management
DTA 3020 Clinical Externship
DTA 3030 Radiology III
DTA 3035 Dental Specialties

Instructors

Marcy Owen
865-546-5567

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