HCC Ybor Campus HCC SouthShore Campus HCC Plant City Campus HCC District Administrative Offices HCC Dale Mabry Campus HCC Brandon Campus
 

Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Q: What are the requirements for starting the Dental Assisting Program?
 
A: You must be enrolled at HCC or apply at HCC and meet the entrance requirements outlined in the most current catalog. You must complete the Post Secondary Readiness Test (PERT) or have the equivalent college course work (English 1101 and College Algebra) and test out of REA0007, ENC0015, and MAT0018



Q: What are the entrance requirements?
 
A: Complete highschool or GED program
Posses the ability to complete the technical standards of Dental Assisting
Provide proof of immunizations
Posses the ability to complete CPR
Complete  the Post Secondary Readiness Test (PERT) or have the equivalent college course work (English 1101 and College Algebra) and test out of REA0007, ENC0015, and MAT0018



Q: How many contact hours is the program and how long will it take to complete?
 
A: The program is 1230 contact hours
If you attend the program full-time you can complete the program in 12 months.



Q: What is the schedule for the Dental Assistng Program?
 
A:

Each semester's classes are 9:00am to 4:00pm

DAY PROGRAM (3 semesters): Monday - Thursday

NIGHT PROGRAM (4 semesters): Monday - Thursday 5:00pm to 9:00pm




Q: Do any of the Dental Assisting courses transfer to Dental Hygeine?
 
A: According to the State of Florida's articulation agreement, all course that have DES prefix will transfer to a Dental Hygene Program if they offer that course and if the Dental Hygiene Program Manager approves.



Q: Do I need CPR training before entering the Dental Assisting Program?
 
A: No. You will be offered CPR in the HSC 0003 course.



Q: What type of employment oppurtunities are available for Dental Assistants?
 
A: Dental offices do offer different working situations.
You can work in a private practice dental office.
You can work for a general dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, endodontist, periodontist, pediatric dentist, prosthodentist or a public health clinic, VA Clinic and Correctional Fascility
There are also oppurtunities in sales and education if you complete a Bachelor's Degree.



Q: What are the exact costs of the Dental Assisting Program?
 
A: The exact cost of the program is hard to determine due to changes in tuition, books and supplies. You can expect an estimate of the costs to be $3,000 for tuition, $500 for books, $100 for uniforms and $50 for supplies. Upon completion of the program you will need approximately $325 for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam and $20 graduation fee.



Q: I am a Dental Assistant in another state. What do I need to do to work in Florida?
 
A: If you have not graduated from an American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation Program, you will need to complete an expanded function course, radiology course and orthodontic expanded functions (if needed).



Q: How much can I expect to be paid as a graduate of the HCC Dental Assisting Program?
 
A: All salaries are dependent upon your experience and the practice in which you are employed.



Q: I still have questions. Who can I call to get more answers?
 
A:

Connie Reed, Dental Assisting Program Manager:

PHONE: 813.253.7279 EMAIL: creed17@hccfl.edu
 

Health Science Admissions- 813.253.7231

Millie Flores, Admissions Specialist

EMAIL: mflores@hccfl.edu
 

HCC admissions and Counseling- 813.253.7202
Dental Assisting Lab- 813.253.7000 x5659