Dental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and the demand for skilled dental professionals continues to grow. For those interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, the Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech) dental program is an excellent choice. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Delaware Tech dental program, including its history, curriculum, admission requirements, and more.
About Delaware Tech Dental Program
Delaware Tech's dental program has been providing students with comprehensive training in dental hygiene and assisting for over 40 years. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the dental field. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and clinical practice, Delaware Tech's dental program is well-regarded in the industry.
Program Options
Delaware Tech offers several dental programs, including:
- Dental Hygiene: This program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and is designed to prepare students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and state-specific clinical licensure exams.
- Dental Assisting: This program leads to a Certificate of Proficiency and is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in dental assisting.
- Dental Laboratory Technology: This program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and is designed to prepare students for careers in dental laboratory technology.
Curriculum
The curriculum for Delaware Tech's dental programs is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in dental health. Coursework includes:
- Dental Hygiene:
- Oral anatomy and histology
- Dental hygiene theory and practice
- Radiology and imaging
- Pharmacology and pain management
- Community health and epidemiology
- Dental Assisting:
- Dental anatomy and terminology
- Chairside assisting and laboratory procedures
- Radiology and imaging
- Infection control and sterilization
- Patient communication and office management
- Dental Laboratory Technology:
- Dental anatomy and terminology
- Laboratory procedures and techniques
- Dental materials and equipment
- Restorative dentistry and prosthodontics
- Orthodontics and implantology
Admission Requirements
Admission to Delaware Tech's dental programs is competitive, and applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Dental Hygiene:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam
- Dental Assisting:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology and chemistry
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam
- Dental Laboratory Technology:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam
Clinical Experience
Delaware Tech's dental programs place a strong emphasis on clinical experience. Students participate in clinical rotations at various dental facilities, including private practices, community clinics, and hospitals. This hands-on experience provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Accreditation and Certification
Delaware Tech's dental programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduates of the dental hygiene program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and state-specific clinical licensure exams. Graduates of the dental assisting program are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Delaware Tech's dental programs are in high demand. Career opportunities include:
- Dental Hygiene:
- Clinical dental hygienist
- Public health dental hygienist
- Dental hygiene educator
- Research assistant
- Dental Assisting:
- Chairside dental assistant
- Laboratory dental assistant
- Dental office manager
- Dental sales representative
- Dental Laboratory Technology:
- Dental laboratory technician
- Dental laboratory manager
- Dental sales representative
- Research assistant
Gallery of Delaware Tech Dental Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for Delaware Tech's dental programs?
+Admission requirements vary by program, but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and TEAS exam scores.
Are Delaware Tech's dental programs accredited?
+Yes, Delaware Tech's dental programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
What career opportunities are available to graduates of Delaware Tech's dental programs?
+Graduates of Delaware Tech's dental programs are in high demand and can pursue careers as clinical dental hygienists, public health dental hygienists, dental hygiene educators, research assistants, and more.
In conclusion, Delaware Tech's dental program is a comprehensive and well-regarded program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the dental field. With a strong emphasis on clinical experience and hands-on learning, Delaware Tech's dental program is an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing a career in dentistry.