Explore these tabs to learn more about UMA’s Dental Assisting Program.
Admission Requirements
The Dental Assisting Program is a demanding and highly competitive program. Therefore, admission decisions are based solely on students who are admission eligible whose academic history reflects an ongoing pattern of success. Higher grades than the minimum required (with strong grades achieved particularly in the science coursework) are given greatest admission consideration.
- A high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
- Passed all courses indicated by placement tests in math, reading, and writing with a grade of “C” or better.
- A high school Bio 100 or Bio 110 course with a grade C or better.
- Successful completion of high school or college mathmatics course
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution.
- Grades of “C-” or better in courses applied toward degree credit.
- It is solely the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the completed application and related materials (such as high school transcripts, test scores, any transcripts of grades beyond high school, recommendations, etc.) are received by the Office of Admissions. Early application is encouraged because class size in limited.
Email the UMA Office of Admissions in Bangor for more information or call at 207-262-7812.
New Student Information
Immunization Requirements
Students in the Dental Health Programs are likely to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens (infectious diseases) in their pre-clinical and clinical courses. The Programs teach and utilize the Center for Disease Control Infection Control Guidelines.
Immunizations required for the Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, and Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program include:
- Hepatitis B Vaccine Series with Titre indicating immunity
- Varicella vaccine, history of the disease, or titre showing immunity
- Tetanus with the past 10 years
- Flu vaccine each year enrolled in the clinical coursework
- Tuburculin Skin Test on an annual basis
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) series or titre indicating immunity
CPR Certification
Students must hold current certification in either the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider. Failure to comply with any of the above will exclude the student from participating in preclinical and clinical courses.
Background Checks
Applicants to the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs should be aware that a criminal background check may be required while enrolled in the program or as a condition of professional employment. Internship sites may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record. If denied clinical privileges, the student is at risk of not being able to obtain the number of clinical hours required for graduation. Students will be expected to provide clinical internship sites with a current background check at the request of the interning site(s), with associated expenses the students’ responsibility.
UMA Degrees are flexible. Here’s a sample of how you could complete your Dental Assisting degree.
Courses are subject to change. View the official UMA Catalog here.
Dental Assisting Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Dental Assisting Program should be able to:
- follow all state rules, laws and regulations pertaining to the scope of practice of dental assistants when carrying out key dental assisting functions such as, but not limited to: taking impressions, pouring up and trimming study casts, placing and removing matrix bands, orthodontic functions, and collecting patient data such as dietary analysis;
- evaluate, interpret and synthesize both patient histories (medical, dental, etc.), as well as current dental research for patient education regarding oral health and diseases, including preventive and maintenance measures;
- educate and promote oral health and its relationship to systemic health to patients and the public;
- collect, maintain and organize data according to state and federal laws, including: patient records, radiographic images, intraoral photography, etc., in electronic databases as well as paper records;
- understand and utilize proper state, federal and professional procedures and protocols for both patient and workplace safety including proper infection control procedures, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, Bloodborne Pathogens Standards, Hazard Communications, and all other standards and procedures set forth by OSHA, the CDC and other bodies;
- understand, be sensitive to, and modify treatment as necessary in order to accommodate the disabilities, ethnic, or cultural needs of the patient;
- demonstrate the breadth and depth of knowledge in the basic and social sciences, written and oral communications, college mathematics, dental sciences and clinical practice in order to be a productive contributor in a variety of settings such as: private offices, public health, or government installations;
- demonstrate ethics, professionalism, community engagement, and professional development;
- demonstrate critical thinking skills that allow the dental assistant to function in the orderly, neat and sequential manner required for chairside, 4-handed, dental assisting.