Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting program equips students with the skills needed to support dentists in providing patient care and to serve as essential members of the dental team. Students learn to perform chairside assistance as well as related administrative and laboratory tasks.

The curriculum includes courses in general education, biomedical and dental sciences, clinical sciences and hands-on clinical experience. Through a blend of lectures, lab work and real-world practice, students gain proficiency in areas such as infection and hazard control, dental radiography, dental materials, preventive care and clinical procedures.

Perry Health Sciences Admissions
919-747-0402
[email protected]

Follow these steps to get started:

• Apply to Wake Tech
• Complete the Dental Assisting information session
• Apply for financial aid and veterans benefits (if applicable)
• Once admitted, follow the steps to enroll on the New Student Checklist
• Submit the Dental Assisting program application to [email protected] by May 15.

The Dental Assisting program begins in the Fall semester only, and acceptance is based on a competitive process, not a waiting list. When there are more applicants meeting admission requirements than available seats, those applicants with the highest number of points will be selected.

Applicants will be awarded points for general education courses (ENG-111, COM-120, PSY-118 and BIO-106) that are part of the curriculum and have been completed. The number of points awarded is based on the applicant's grade and the credit hours of the course.

Once accepted into the Dental Assisting program, students are required to attend a mandatory departmental orientation and complete all clinical site requirements. Registration for DEN classes occurs after the mandatory department orientation.

Wake Tech’s Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring a high-quality education that meets national standards. Upon graduation, students are recognized as Dental Assistants II (DA II) by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.

As DA II, graduates are permitted under North Carolina dental law to perform expanded functions. Graduates are also eligible to challenge the General Chairside Exam, which can lead to national certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through the Dental Assisting National Board.