Georgia Northwestern Technical College

The Dental Assisting Course at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to work as a dental assistant in various healthcare settings.

Course Content and Duration

The Dental Assisting Course at GNTC is a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of subjects essential for a career in dental assisting. The curriculum is carefully designed to include both theoretical and practical components, providing students with a well-rounded education in the field. The program includes courses in:

Oral Anatomy
Dental Radiology
Dental Materials
Dental Office Procedures
Infection Control
Chairside Assisting

In addition to these core subjects, students are trained in basic patient care, professional ethics, and communication skills necessary for interacting with patients and dental professionals. The program also includes a clinical externship, allowing students to gain real-world experience in a dental office setting. The course typically takes about 5 semesters to complete for full-time students.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Dental Assisting Course at GNTC, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

High School Diploma or GED: Applicants must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
Accuplacer Placement Test: Students may need to take the Accuplacer Placement Test to assess their competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Those with satisfactory scores or previous college coursework may be exempted from this requirement.
Background Check and Drug Screening: A criminal background check and drug screening are required for all students enrolling in the program.
Immunizations: Proof of specific immunizations, such as Hepatitis B, is necessary before starting the clinical externship.

Tuition and Costs

The cost of the Dental Assisting Course at GNTC includes tuition, fees, and other expenses related to books, uniforms, and clinical supplies. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs:

Expense Type	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees	$3,132	$5,532
Books and Supplies	$1,500	$1,500
Living Expenses (Off Campus – Food and Housing)	$11,046	$11,046
Other Expenses (Off Campus)	$6,187	$6,187
Total Expenses (Off Campus)	$21,865	$24,265
Other Expenses (Off Campus with Family)	$2,775	$2,775
Total Expenses (Off Campus with Family)	$7,407	$9,807

Financial aid options, including federal Pell Grants, HOPE Scholarship, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds, are available for eligible students to help offset the costs.

Career Opportunities

Upon completing the Dental Assisting Course at GNTC, graduates are well-prepared for various roles within dental practices, hospitals, public health agencies, and other healthcare settings. Career opportunities for dental assistants are expected to grow steadily over the next decade, offering a stable and rewarding career path. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Chairside Dental Assistant
Dental Office Manager
Dental Lab Technician
Public Health Dental Assistant

Many graduates find employment soon after completing the program, thanks to the hands-on training and clinical experience gained during their studies.

How to Enroll

To enroll in the Dental Assisting Course at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, follow these steps:

Complete the Online Application: Visit the GNTC website and complete the online application for admission.
Submit Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions attended.
Take the Placement Test: If required, take the Accuplacer Placement Test.
Meet with an Advisor: Schedule a meeting with a GNTC academic advisor to discuss your educational goals and develop a plan of study.
Register for Classes: Once accepted, register for your classes through the GNTC student portal.
Complete Orientation: Attend a mandatory orientation session to get acquainted with the program requirements and campus resources.