Faculty
S. Morgan Bunton, MBA-HM, BS, RDH, CDA
Dental Education Coordinator
Email: sbunton@wpcc.edu
Phone: 828.448.3545
Foothills Higher Education Center
Dental Education
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.
Exhibit C-1 Third Party Comments
The Commission on Dental Accreditation Seeks Third Party Comments Regarding Accreditation Site Visit
Site Visit Date: October 21-22, 2026
Western Piedmont Community College
Dental Hygiene Program: Comments must pertain only to the standards relative to the Dental Hygiene program or policies and procedures used in the accreditation process. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting The Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or 1-800-621-8099 x4653.
Deadline for comment submission is August 22, 2026.
Nationally Accredited
WPCC’s Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements, teach out through May 31, 2026. 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.
The Application Process
The following must be completed by October 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 previously attended colleges in a sealed envelope. Students must score a “C” or better in each course in order to transfer credit. Courses from other community colleges will be transferred in on a case by case basis.
- Credit for MAT 003.
- Meet eligibility to take ENG 111.
It is the student’s responsibility to verify that all required documentation has been received prior to the deadline.
Program Admission Information
- Students will be ranked and accepted on a points system.
- Notification of acceptance or rejection will be made by December 1.
- Upon admission, students will receive a copy of the Dental Assisting Program Policies. These rules are in addition to regular College policies.
- Following admission, each student must submit a completed medical appraisal.
- Following admission, each student must be certified in Healthcare Adult and Infant CPR.
- Students are admitted to the program each Spring 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 studnets 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.
See information regarding transferability under the Associagte in Applied Science Degree Introductions 82.
Programs of Study
Diploma
WPCC’s diploma program has 48 hours of coursework to prepare you for a career as a dental assistant.
Admissions
Let’s get started! Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.