Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the program take?
- The Dental Assistant Education Program takes 12 months (3 semesters) and leads to a technical certificate.
- How much do Dental Assistants earn?
- Dental Assistants with national certification earned an average of $18 an hour, compared with $15.02 for those without certification, according to a 2008 salary study by the Dental Assisting National Board. The median salary in Tennessee was $17.75 an hour. Experienced Dental Assistants sometimes become office managers and make higher salaries.
- Do I need math?
- Applicants for the Dental Assistant program must pass a math competency test unless their ACT scores or transfer credits exempt them.
- What if I want a two-year degree?
- Students wishing to pursue the A.A.S. Health Science must take English Composition I, Humanities or Fine Arts, Natural Science, Social Science, and either Communications or Math plus another 13 hours of electives.
- Is admission automatic if I am interested?
- No. Admission is competitive. Only 24 students are admitted each year. Applicants must write an essay; watch a Dental Assistant at work, then complete an observation form; and answer questions in an interview. Those who have taken other academic courses at Vol State get special consideration.
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