Dec 05, 2025  
SFCC Catalog 2025-2026 
    
SFCC Catalog 2025-2026

Dental Health, A.A.S.


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CIP: 51.0601
School of Sciences, Health, Engineering and Math 505-428-1258

The A.A.S. degree provides the dental assisting major with additional career and educational opportunities in dental health. The program includes all of the course work required for the Certificate in Dental Assisting, which is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The objective of the A.A.S. degree is to enhance an individual’s employment opportunities in dental office management or in teaching dental assisting. Some dental institutions have developed upper-division programs that recognize the A.A.S. degree for transfer of credits.

NOTE: A.A.S. degrees are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in specific occupations; they are generally not intended to transfer to four-year institutions. For more information on transfer, refer to the Transfer of Credit  section of this catalog, or speak with an academic adviser.

Students can earn the following certificates included in this degree:

Students can earn the following certificate related to this degree:

Students can follow the Program Map(s) listed below to complete this program:

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Apply the essential and general chair-side skills required of a dental assistant including the methods for infection control. 
  • Demonstrate the skills required in performing state-approved advanced/expanded functions for dental assistants including dental radiography, fluoride, sealants, and coronal polishing.
  • Articulate the knowledge and skills pertaining to legal and ethical issues related to dentistry, including compassion, empathy, and sensitivity to patients of different cultural backgrounds.
  • Perform the skills required for management of a dental practice, including managing staff, record-keeping, inventory, payroll, billing, and quality assurance.  
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of public health education, including the prevalence and incidence of oral diseases.
  • Identify the higher education pathways for dental profession.

General Education Requirements: (19 Credits)


Related Requirements: (5 Credits)


Total 60 Credits


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