Information on the alignment requirements for the Dental Assistant Program
CIP Code: 51.0601
CIP Name: Dental Assisting/Assistant
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.
Approval Status
The Dental Assisting Alignment was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents on May 17, 2012. Colleges are granted one year from the approval date to implement the alignment.
State Business and Industry Committee recommendation
Business and industry feedback provided the following recommendations regarding Dental Assistants:
1. Eligible to sit for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
2. Completion of a Dental Assistant educational program.
Alignment Map
Click here (pdf)
Common Courses (16 credit hours)
Common Courses serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners. These courses shall have the same title, credit hour allocation, and competencies. Institutions may add additional competencies based on local demand. The sequencing of common courses is determined by the institution.
| Infection Control for Dental Practice | 2 credit hours (pdf) |
| Dental Radiology I | 3 credit hours (pdf) |
| Chairside Assisting I | 4 credit hours (pdf) |
| Dental Materials I | 4 credit hours (pdf) |
| Dental Practice Management | 3 credit hours (pdf) |
Support Courses (16 credit hours)
Institutions may utilize existing like courses which adhere to the agreed upon course lengths and competencies.
| Anatomy & Physiology | (up to) 5-8 credit hours |
| Dental Anatomy | (up to) 4 credit hours |
| CPR | 1 credit hour |
To learn where this program is available in Kansas, visit the Kansas Career Technical Education Program Search.