Faculty
Tammy Glover
Coordinator/Instructor,
Dental Assisting Program
(828) 448-3545
tglover@wpcc.edu
E Building
Careers in Dental Assisting
are in Great Demand
The dental assistant profession is hot. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it is projected that there will be 100,000 or more job openings over the period 2014-2024 and that job demand will continue to be much higher than average for the next several years.
You can become a Dental Assistant in just one year by successfully completing Western Piedmont Community College’s Dental Assisting program. Here, you will develop the skills to assist the dentist in the delivery of treatment, including working with patients and performing procedures in the dental laboratory.
WPCC offers a combination of classes, lab, and clinical training to prepare you for your career. You will study infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.
Graduates of the WPCC Dental Assisting program may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.
You should consult an advisor for information about course scheduling.
So where can I work?
If you graduate with a Diploma in Dental Assisting at WPCC, you will be prepared for jobs in with dentists and in dental labs,. Statistics from Dental Careers EDU suggest that the salary (median to high) range for dental assistants in the Unifour area is from $34,520 to $37,480 per year.
Learn More About Dental Assisting at WPCC
Our video provides more information about the program, meet our faculty and see our facilities.
The following must be completed
by February 1:
- WPCC application for admission.
- Complete WPCC admissions and testing procedures.
- Submit an official high school transcript showing your graduation date or an official copy of the High School Equivalency Diploma in a sealed envelope.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges you previously attended in a sealed envelope . You must score a “C” or better in each course in order to transfer credit.
- Credit for MAT 003.
- Complete all general education courses and other major required courses with a score of “C” or better.
It is your responsibility to verify that all required documentation has been received by WPCC prior to the February 1 deadline.
Program Admission Information
-
Notification of acceptance or rejection to the program will be made by April 1.
- Upon admission, you will receive a copy of the Dental Assisting Program Policies. These rules are in addition to regular College policies.
- Following admission, you must submit a completed medical appraisal.
- Following admission, you must be certified in Healthcare Adult and Infant CPR.
- Students are admitted to the program each Fall semester
Other Information
- You must submit a completed criminal background check and drug screen to the clinical facility for approval to participate in clinical training in the facility.
- Clinical facilities may require you to submit a physical and emotional health form.
If a clinical facility denies admission due to the results of the criminal background check or drug screen, you will not be able to complete the Dental Assisting program. You should refer to the Dental Assisting Program Policy Manual for additional information on policies and procedures.
What You Will Study
The Dental Assisting program at WPCC offers a Diploma, which can be completed in one year:

Diploma
WPCC’s diploma program has 48 hours of coursework to prepare you for a career as a dental assistant.
Nationally Accredited
WPCC’s Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is www.ada.org/en/coda.
How to File A Complaint with CODA
The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students. Complaints must be received by the Commission no later than September 7, 2018. Complaints must be signed. The Commission will remove signatures prior to forwarding the complaint to the Dental Assisting Program Coordinator. Only complaints relating to the Commission’s accreditation standards, the programs policies and procedures will be used in the Commission’s accreditation process.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 Ext. 4653.
Find Your Way at WPCC!