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Expanded-Duty Dental Assisting

Diploma in Applied Science

Overview

The Diploma in Applied Science with a Major in Expanded-Duty Dental Assisting prepares the student to work closely with the dentist as a chair-side assistant, office manager and laboratory assistant providing preventative and restorative care.

Students applying for any of the Health Science Programs must go through a separate application process after being admitted to the college. There are additional requirements in order to qualify for admission to each of these programs. The competitive admissions criteria are updated annually and students should review the current information for changes in the admissions process.

Information packets detailing the application process for each competitive admissions program are available on the ATC website.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities and therefore will need reliable transportation to get to these locations. Students may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens or infectious diseases when in the clinical setting and are required to follow written infection control protocol. Students may obtain a copy of policies associated with bloodborne pathogens and infectious disease by contacting the EDDA program director.

Download Academic Map

EDDA Information and Application

Accreditation

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Clinicals

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities and therefore will need reliable transportation to get to these locations. Students may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens or infectious diseases when in the clinical setting and are required to follow written infection control protocol. Students may obtain a copy of policies associated with bloodborne pathogens and infectious disease by contacting the EDDA program director.

Documents

Dental Assisting Documents

Where can I go from here?

Career Paths
Estimated Salary

Expanded-Duty Dental Assisting Program FAQs

Career options listed are not comprehensive and just examples of careers related to the programs. Average salary range source: JobsEQ®, Spring 2026 Disclaimer: Graduates in this field can pursue careers with competitive earning potential. Salary figures presented are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual earnings and employment outcomes may vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, location, and individual performance. Aiken Technical College does not guarantee salary or employment.

“Expanded duty” means you are trained to perform more advanced clinical tasks beyond basic chairside assisting. This can include procedures such as taking impressions or assisting with restorative work, depending on regulations. These additional skills make you more valuable to employers and can lead to higher earning potential.

Yes. This program includes clinical training where you’ll work directly with patients in real or simulated dental settings. This experience is essential for building confidence and preparing for day-to-day responsibilities in a dental office.

It can be both. Some graduates build long-term careers in dental assisting, while others use it as a pathway into dental hygiene or other healthcare roles.

Still have questions?

Reach out to our program contact.

staff fallback

Angela R Odom

Health Sciences

Instructor, Dental Assisting

D-202

+1 803-508-7328

Get help paying for classes.

Find out what kind of aid is available to help cover the cost of dental assistant classes at Aiken Technical College.