Overview
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers a diploma in Dental Assisting. It offers exciting career opportunities and is among the fastest-growing professions for today's career search. The dental field is a very rewarding job that allows you to become a part of Allied Health Care and serve in an area that helps people with dental health which is a part of your total health.
The A-B Tech Asheville Campus is located in the beautiful WNC Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. You will not only be able to get the education you need, but you can also enjoy the culture of our area with many restaurants, shopping, outdoor adventures, or just simply settle in quietly while you are here.
It is our hope that you will find the answers needed to help you make good decisions about your education and career.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The Dental Assisting program has been granted the Accreditation Status of Approval Without Reporting Requirements by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. This status is awarded to an educational program indicating that the program achieves or exceeds the basic requirements for accreditation.
A copy of the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Accreditation Standards and CODA Policies and Procedures, including those for complaints, may be obtained online at File a Complaint Against CODA or a CODA-Accredited Education Program; in writing at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611; or by calling (800) 232-6108.
NC Dental Board
A-B Tech Admissions Programs Technical Standards - Dental Assisting
Con Ed Dental Radiology Class
CE Dental Radiography and TBD for the times.
For More Information, call (828) 398-7878.
Programs
| Title | Credential | Credit Hours | Link to program details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting Diploma | Diploma | 46 | |
Good to Know
Brooke Hensley, CDA, BSBA
Program Director, Dental Assisting
- Phone: (828) 329-6312
- Email: brookechensley@abtech.edu
Lauren Brown, CDA, BS
Dental Assisting Instructor
- Phone: (828) 398-7267
- Email: laurenebrown@abtech.edu
Megan Redding, MA
Allied Dental Office Manager/Clinical Coordinator
- Phone: (828) 398-7255
- Email: megannredding@abtech.edu
Dr. Kendall Bernier, DMD
Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Clinical Dentist
- Email: kendallmbernier@abtech.edu
- Dr. Jeremy Ledford
- Aubrianne Guy, CDA
- Xenia Romiski, CDA
- Rosalyn Wasserman, PT, DPT- MAHEC
- Dr. Grant Dasher
- David Sherlin, CDA
- Dr. Mark Knollman
- Dr. Madison Crumley
- Sara Peek, CDA
- Michael Clark, RDH
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.
2024 Median Pay:
$47,300 per year
$22.74 per hour
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The philosophy of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Dental Assisting Program is to provide an educational environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, professionalism, self-discipline, and self-confidence while preparing students to become competent members of the dental healthcare team. Through classroom, laboratory, clinical, and community-based learning experiences, students develop the knowledge, technical skills, and ethical responsibilities necessary to provide safe, evidence-based, patient-centered preventive and restorative dental care.
The program values experiential learning and encourages students to engage in community service, health promotion, and interprofessional collaborative learning experiences that strengthen communication, teamwork, and an appreciation for the role of all healthcare professionals. As part of the curriculum, students participate in collaborative educational activities with other Allied Health programs, including the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, to enhance their understanding of oral microbiology and the relationship between oral and overall health.
Students are encouraged to recognize the importance of lifelong learning by actively supporting the dental assisting profession, participating in community outreach activities, pursuing continuing education, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical patient care in the interest of both the dental assisting profession and the public it serves.
