What is a dental assistant?

The dental assistant is the dentist’s "right arm." Duties performed by dental assistants are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office, requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. A dental assistant may expose and develop dental X-rays, prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment, show patients how to brush and floss, make impressions of patients’ teeth, schedule appointments, answer telephones, order supplies, and assist the dentist during a variety of procedures.

Where do dental assistants work?

Most dental assistants work in dental offices. Dental assistants also may work in public dentistry settings such as schools, clinics and hospitals, or with insurance companies processing dental claims.

What is the job outlook for dental assistants?

Since most dentists employ two or three dental assistants, employment opportunities are abundant. In the Trident area, the demand for qualified dental assistants far exceeds the supply. Many of our graduates begin their careers as Expanded Duty Dental Assistants with competitive salaries.

What are the educational requirements for dental assisting?

TTC’s Expanded Duty Dental Assisting diploma program combines academic study with hands-on experience. The program includes study in anatomy, dental materials, radiology, dental procedures, office management, dental emergencies, infection control, and the monitoring of nitrous oxide sedation.

Is certification required to be a dental assistant?

TTC’s  Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Exam and become a certified dental assistant. They  are also eligible to take the South Carolina State Board exam for certification of the monitoring of nitrous oxide sedation. Although not all states require certification, a college education and certification prepare the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant to advance in salary and responsibility.

How do I get started?

To enter TTC’s  Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program, call the College’s Admissions and Records office at (843) 574-6460 or visit the admissions page on our website for an application and information on the application process.

Acceptance into TTC’s Allied Health Sciences programs in on a first qualified first accepted basis.

What do dental hygienists do?

Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals who provide education, therapeutic and preventive services. Important members of the dental team the dental hygienists’ primary responsibility is the patient’s oral health – performing dental cleanings, X-rays and instruction in proper dental care.       

Where do dental hygienists work?

Dental hygienists usually are employed in general dental practices or in specialty practices such as pediatric dentistry or periodontics. Hygienists also may provide services for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and public health clinics.

What is the job outlook for dental hygienists?

Dental hygiene will continue to be one of the top 10 growth disciplines in the health care fields through the year 2010. Many dental offices employ more than one hygienist, so new opportunities are always available.

What are the educational requirements for dental hygiene?

Beginning a career in dental hygiene requires a minimum of two years of college. TTC’s Dental Hygiene associate degree program provides academic study including general education, basic and dental sciences, and professional dental hygiene courses. Students obtain hand-on clinical experience in the College’s state-of-the-art dental hygiene clinic.

Is a license required to be a dental hygienist?

Licensure is required for the dental hygienist to practice. After graduating from TTC’s program, you are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and individual State or Regional Board examinations for licensure.

How do I get started?

To enter TTC’s Dental Hygiene program, call the College’s Admissions and Records office at (843) 574-6460 or visit the admissions page on our website for an application and information on the application process.

Acceptance into TTC’s Allied Health Sciences programs is on a first qualified, first accepted basis.

TTC’s Dental Hygiene program meets the standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.