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Dental Assisting

Welcome to the Dental Assisting Program at Gulf Coast State College.

These Web pages provide an overview of the program and a survey of program highlights. Thank you for visiting our site. We look forward to serving your educational needs.

The Dental Assisting program is a limited access program. A selective admissions policy with specific selection criteria is utilized in order to select the most qualified applicants. The strength of the applicant pool varies year to year, with the best qualified applicants receiving first consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inquire about these specific admission and selection criteria and to ensure that all required documents are received on campus prior to the deadline.

Educational Requirements

The Dental Assisting Program at Gulf Coast State College provides the student with the educational background and clinical competencies necessary in the field of dental assisting. This certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

As a full-time student in the Dental Assisting Program, one can complete the program in as little as 10 months. Coursework is delivered through traditional classroom lectures, distance education, and clinical experiences both on campus and in local dental offices.

Dental Programs Transfer Policy

Applicants who are currently enrolled in another Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting Program and wish to investigate transferring to a GCSC Dental Program must: 1) meet all current admission requirements, 2) apply at least two months prior to the expected date of enrollment, 3) notify the Program Coordinator in writing, stating anticipated entry date and reason for transfer, 4) provide evidence of successful completion of previous core dental courses from an American Dental Association accredited program, and 5) provide a letter from the Program Chair stating that the student is in good academic and clinical standing and is eligible to return to the Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting program they wish to transfer from. Acceptance of any transfer student will be dependent upon available resources. 

Transferability of GCSC Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting courses to another institution will be dependent upon the acceptance of the receiving institution. 

Occupational Safety and Health Briefing:
The Dental Programs at Gulf Coast State College have an obligation to maintain standards of health care and professionalism that are ethically and legally correct and that are consistent with the public's expectations of the health professions. In accordance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan has been developed for the Dental Programs at Gulf Coast State College.  These guidelines are established and practiced by all dental health personnel (faculty, staff and students) while as an employee, volunteer or student with the Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene program. These specific guidelines and other Dental Program policies are available for review in the Dental Programs Manual.

Infectious Disease Notification:
Students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program are at risk for exposure to blood and body fluids, and the potential does exist for transmission of blood-borne and other infectious diseases during patient care activities. If you contract a blood borne infectious disease during your enrollment, appropriate health care experts will be consulted about your ability to continue to treat patients. Each applicant may view the Dental Assisting Program Policies on Bloodborne and Infectious Diseases upon request. The Dental Assisting faculty will discuss or answer any questions that an applicant may have concerning these policies.

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.