The dental assistant is an important member of the dental health team; their duties are varied, interesting, and challenging. Major responsibilities include assisting chairside with the dentist during patient treatment, management of infection control measures, preparing dental radiographs and performing laboratory procedures. Additional responsibilities may include; making appointments, keeping records and supervising general office procedures. Under the direct supervision of the dentist, the assistant may also carry out specific phases of patient treatment.
Our yearlong program includes lectures, demonstrations, and rotations within the dental school and private dental offices where students engage in a broad range of clinical experiences which include:
- Comprehensive Care
- Orthodontics
- Oral Surgery
- Periodontics
- Sparks Center
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Graduate Prosthodontics
- Radiology
- Kirklin Clinic
- Hospital Dentistry
Housed within Alabama’s dental school, the UAB’s Dental Assisting Program helps position graduates for careers in oral healthcare. Upon completion of the program requirements, graduates receive a certificate of completion issued by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.
A successful career in dental assisting is dependent upon a good academic foundation, strong clinical skills, a high level of professionalism, and dedication to providing exceptional patient care.
The Dental Assisting Program at the UAB School of Dentistry is designed to provide students with unique clinical experiences and the educational background essential to be proficient in the delivery of dental health care. While rotating through a variety of clinics within the UAB School of Dentistry, dental assisting students have the opportunity to assist with a wide range of patient procedures. During their studies, students will experience an extensive number of clinical hours and patient treatment. Dental assisting instructors and dental faculty provide lectures and clinical supervision for the assisting students.
- DAT 1110 – Introduction to Dental Assisting
- DAT 1111- Pre-Clinical Procedures 1
- DAT 1112- Basic Sciences for Dental Assisting
- DAT 1114- Anatomy and Physiology for Dental Assisting
- DAT 1115- Dental Materials
- DAT 1118 – Applied Psychology in Dentistry
- DAT 1211- Clinical Practice I
- DAT 1213- Dental Radiology
- DAT 1214- Dental Health Education
- DAT 1216- Pre-Clinical Procedures II
- DAT 1218- Communications
- DAT 1311- Clinical Practice II
- DAT 1312- Clinical Applied Infection Control and OSHA Standards
- DAT 1313- Dental Assisting Seminar
- DAT 1318- Dental Office Procedures
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Is this an Associate’s Degree program?
The Dental Assisting Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is a certificate program fully approved by the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. All graduating students will receive a certificate of completion.
Students who graduate and wish to become Certified Dental Assistants, must meet the certification requirements established by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB).
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Will I receive certification at the end of this program?
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certification of completion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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How long is the program?
The program is an academic 1-year program (3 Semesters), structured around clinical experiences and academic courses.
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How much is the program?
Tuition is $2133.00 per term. Non-resident tuition is $4769.00 per term.
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Will I receive clinical experience?
Students will experience an extensive number of clinical and lab hours, while assisting in patient care during their training.
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How does this program differ from other programs?
The UAB School of Dentistry, Dental Assisting Program is unique, in that it is designed to offer the students a strong academic foundation, combined with clinical hours to become a highly skilled Dental Assistant. Students will work in a variety of settings while assisting with direct patient care. UAB School of Dentistry is the leading oral health care provider in the state of Alabama. This creates a learning environment in which students have the greatest opportunity to aid in treating diverse and complex patient care needs.
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Can I take a tour before applying?
All potential students are advised to take a tour and attend an information session prior to their acceptance to the program. If you wish to schedule an appointment please feel free to contact Susie Talley, Office Service Specialist III at (205) 934-5234.
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What if I need to miss class?
Minimal absences are advised, as this program is intense and relies heavily on building the students clinical skills in a real-life setting.
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Do you help students with job placement?
The UAB School of Dentistry, Dental Assisting Program works with students to build a resume, participate in mock interviews, and establish a high level of professionalism. We do not provide students with job placement or direct employment services.
| Tuition |
$2133/term ($156.07 each semester hour of coursework) |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition |
$4769/term ($348.95 each semester hour of coursework) |
| Student Service Fee | Included in tuition |
| Building Fee | Included in tuition |
| Recreation Center Fee | Included in tuition |
| Technology Fee | Included in tuition |
| Student Dental Health | $39/term |
| Clinic Fee | $95/term |
| Printed Material Fee | $35/term |
| Uniforms | $200/year* |
| Textbooks | $500/year* |
| Health Insurance (if needed) | $1,966/year |
*Please note: Tuition and fees are in effect at this time, but are subject to change at any time by the Board of Trustees. Uniform fees may vary based on the number of uniforms purchased.
Individuals who are interested in applying to the program can request an information/application packet by contacting the UAB Dental Assisting Program at:
Phone: (205) 934-5234
Fax: (205) 934-3057
Complete Application
Completed application should be mailed, faxed or emailed with a current photograph to:
Dental Assisting Program
UAB School of Dentistry
SDB 122 Box 55
1919 7th Avenue South
Birmingham AL 35294-0007
Submit Transcripts and Test Scores
Submit the following documents by mail, email or fax:
- Official transcripts from high school
- Official transcript from all attended colleges
- An official ACT document or a UAB Administered Residual ACT Exam with a preferred score of 16 or higher - Request score be sent to UAB Dental Assisting Program, School Code 0613
Application Review
Completed applications will be reviewed throughout the year. Students who are accepted to the program will receive a letter of acceptance. After receiving the acceptance letter students have two weeks to confirm their place in the program. Once the class is filled, applicants will be placed on an alternate list for the upcoming class.