Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Dental Assisting program, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate basic dental assisting chairside skills
• Effectively apply oral and written communication skills
• Utilize a positive manner in the application of psychology to human behavior in the dental setting
• Achieve clinical competency in dental assisting skills
• Value their role as members of the dental team
• Regard quality patient care as a first priority
• Have a practical opportunity to assist dentists in public health, dental school, hospital and private practice settings
• Demonstrate maturity and self-direction while functioning effectively as an integral members of the dental health team

The Dental Assisting program uses the following measurements to gauge its effectiveness:

• Program completion rate
  Program completion rates are affected by attrition – students who voluntarily withdraw – and academic dismissal – students unsuccessful in courses. Recent classes also were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes shifted online in March 2020, and Wake Tech didn't resume full-time on-campus lectures and labs until the 2021-22 school year. As a result of the pandemic, the college wasn't able to fill its 2021 class.
  • Class of 2024: 32 students accepted, 27 graduated = 84%
  • Class of 2023: 32 students accepted, 25 graduated = 78%
  • Class of 2022: 32 students accepted, 22 graduated = 69%
  • Class of 2021: 28 students accepted, 21 graduated = 75%
  • Class of 2020: 32 students accepted, 29 graduated = 91%
     
• Employment rate
  The goal is for 100% of graduates to be employed within two months of program completion. Faculty actively assist students to secure employment even after they complete the program. Historically, approximately 50% to 70% of students are employed the day they meet program requirements.
  • Class of 2024: 26 of 27 graduates employed = 96%
  • Class of 2023: 22 of 25 graduates employed = 88%
    – One entered Dental Hygiene School in Fall 2023.
  • Class of 2022: 17 of 22 graduates employed = 77%
    – One entered North Carolina State University to pursue a four-year degree.
    – One entered Dental Hygiene School in Fall 2022.
    – One traveled abroad for two months post-graduation.
    – Two opted not to be employed in dental assisting even though multiple job opportunities were available.
  • Class of 2021: 21 of 21 graduates employed = 100%
  • Class of 2020: 27 of 29 graduates employed = 93%
    – Two opted not to be employed in dental assisting even though multiple job opportunities were available.
     
• National Board pass rate
  Students graduating from the Dental Assisting program are eligible to challenge the Dental Assisting National Board (Certified Dental Assistant) Examination to earn their CDA credential.
  • Class of 2024: 26 of 27 graduates passed the CDA exam = 96% (waiting for one student to challenge the exam)
  • Class of 2023: 25 of 25 graduates passed the CDA exam = 100%
  • Class of 2022: 21 of 22 graduates passed the CDA exam = 95%
  • Class of 2021: 20 of 21 graduates passed the CDA exam (one student did not challenge the exam) = 100%
  • Class of 2020: 28 of 29 graduates passed the CDA exam = 97%