Fayetteville Technical Community College recently announced the acceptance of 36 students into its highly successful Dental Assisting program for the 2024 – 2025 academic school year.
Dental assistants play a vital role in helping dentists improve the health and well-being of patients. Some dental assistants focus on conducting in-depth examinations of new patients. Others work with orthodontists to give patients million-dollar smiles. Increasing numbers of dental assistants work in cosmetic dentistry, helping with dental restorations and bleaching. Dental assistants also have the option to continue their education by completing a bachelor’s degree, which makes them eligible to teach dental techniques to the next generation of dental assistants.
The Dental Assisting program at FTCC is a one-year, three-semester program that begins in the fall and concludes at the end of the summer each academic year. Coursework includes classes in topics such as clinical procedures, dental materials, dealing with infections, preventative dentistry, and radiography. The program recently added training in new technologies including digital impressions and 3D printing of models.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which is the national accrediting body for Dental Assisting programs. CODA accreditation is respected across the United States and in many foreign countries, which makes a career in FTCC Dental Assisting a great career choice for anyone including those whose plans might include career destinations outside of North Carolina.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in dental assisting are expected to grow by 7% annually from 2022 – 2032, making it one of the nation’s fast-growing fields for employment. New dental assisting professionals can expect to earn $18 to $23 per hour in starting wages with excellent opportunities for advancement as experience is gained.
Are you worried about the cost of attending college? If so, we have great news. FTCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region. Many students are eligible to receive financial assistance to attend college and receive generous financial aid packages, and many students are able to complete their education at little to no cost to them.
The program is highly competitive. Successful program candidates typically complete all pre-requisites and gain competitive points for work and community experiences prior to applying for acceptance into the program. Once approved for a health-related curriculum at FTCC, students will be provided with information regarding books, uniforms, supplies, and equipment, as well as additional program requirements.
Are you ready to learn more about pursuing a professional career in Dental Assisting at Fayetteville Technical Community College? If so, please visit faytechcc.edu and search “Dental Assisting” for additional program information related to entry requirements, course work, cost of attendance, and more.
Contact the Dental Assisting Department Chair, Sandra Walker, at walkers@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8574.