Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, North Carolina

The Dental Assistant program at Cape Fear Community College equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as integral members of a dental healthcare team. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in chairside assisting, encompassing a wide range of essential duties such as preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during procedures, sterilizing instruments, and taking dental radiographs. Students gain hands-on experience in a simulated dental clinic, mastering techniques in infection control, dental materials, and office administration. The curriculum typically spans one to two years, culminating in an associate’s degree or diploma. Upon successful completion, graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as dental assistants in private dental offices, specialty clinics, public health settings, or dental laboratories. The program often emphasizes preparation for national certification exams like the DANB, significantly boosting graduates’ employability and career advancement potential. Furthermore, many Dental Assistant programs, like the one at Cape Fear Community College, integrate externship opportunities to allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world dental environments, fostering invaluable professional connections.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Cape Fear Community College on the NCES website.

* Cohort Year represents the year for which students began their studies and applies to Graduation and Transfer Out Rates.
** Net Price is Average Net Price for 2022-2023 generated for full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, net price is generated for the institution’s largest program.
NA (Not applicable) – Graduation rate, transfer-out rate and the net price are not applicable to institutions that do not have full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students in the applicable cohort year or the financial aid year.