College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 1 of 12
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
INFORMATION AND
APPLICATION PACKET
College of Central Florida Dental Assisting programs are limited access.
A limited-access program is one in which both program admission and course registration are restricted to a
certain number of students meeting predetermined criteria. Limited access status is justified when student
demand exceeds available resources or accreditation requirements (i.e., student/faculty ratios, instructional
facilities and equipment, clinical sites) or the nature of the program calls for specific admission requirements.
Limited access programs have admissions processes and criteria beyond general college admissions. While any
student meeting the minimum criteria is encouraged to apply, not all applicants may be accepted.
Admission criteria for the Dental Assisting program follow and are explained in more detail inside this packet.
• High school diploma/GED
• Admission to the College of Central Florida
• Application to the Dental Assisting program
• Minimum score of 18 on the Wonderlic exam
• Observation verification and corresponding paper
• Pre-application advising documentation
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 2 of 12
Dear Applicant:
A very exciting career in dental assisting is available at the College of Central Florida. Students learn best
through a variety of methods. The Dental Assisting program is of unique nature and involves various ways of
studying. It is designed to learn through classroom lectures, skills lab hours, clinical rotations at our Hampton
Center as well as clinical rotations in the dental communities of Marion, Citrus and Levy counties.
The enclosed application and information packet will explain the application process to CF and the Dental
Assisting program. I encourage you to attend a FREE Dental Assisting information session. To confirm dates
about information sessions, please visit our website at www.CF.edu/Dental. There is never a better time
than TODAY to begin a new and exciting career in the field of dentistry.
If you are interested in this program please contact one of us below so that we may assist you with scheduling
and any academic advising needs. We look forward to working with you in the planning of your future as a
health professional.
Jennifer Luffman, BAS, CDA
Program Manager, Dental Assisting
Associate Professor, Dental Assisting
352-854-2322, ext. 1702
luffmanj@cf.edu
Jerelyn S. Zacke, M.A., RDH, CDA
Program Manager, Dental Hygiene
Professor, Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene
352-854-2322, ext. 1730
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 3 of 12
Dental Assisting
College of Central Florida
The Dental Assisting program is designed to train individuals to become professionals in a dental health
environment. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National
Board. 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-
26787. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/100.aspx.
The philosophy of the program is such that it stimulates student’s learning in communication, decision-
making, problem-solving, independent thinking as well as knowledge needed for performing dental assisting
tasks in the office. The program is designed for the dedicated and motivated students who will graduate with
qualifications to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board and ultimately become professional members of
a dental team. The program is a full-time, three-semester daytime program. Students need to be flexible,
mature and responsible.
GOALS:
• To provide knowledge and skills for the students so they can effectively work in all areas of dentistry
• To prepare the student for certification in advanced functions
• To prepare the student to successfully pass the Dental Assisting National Board
• To meet the job-market requirements for the community
• To provide additional counseling and coursework for those students who wish to continue their
education.
In this packet you will find the following information:
• Admission criteria and other points of interest for admission to the College of Central Florida and
the Dental Assisting program
• Admission criteria and process used to admit students into this limited access program
• Approximate cost for the program
• Curriculum for the program
• Application to the program
• Applicant’s checklist.
All Health Sciences programs are restricted to applicants who have met specific requirements. Data provided is informational only
and not intended to be contractual in nature. Information is subject to change without notice.
NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO FILE COMPLAINTS: In accord with the U.S. Department of
Education’s Criteria and Procedures for Recognition of Accrediting Agencies, the commission requires
accredited programs to notify students of an opportunity to file complaints with the commission. A copy of
the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the commission's policy and procedure for submission of
complaints may be obtained by contacting the commission at 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-2678
or by calling 1-800-621-8099, ext. 4653.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 4 of 12
ADMISSION CRITERIA
THERE ARE NO PREREQUISITE COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM.
Application Deadline: June 13, 2024
To be considered for the program the student must complete the following:
1. Application to the College of Central Florida
Applications for admission to CF are submitted online at www.CF.edu/apply. Choose Applied
Technology Diploma, Dental Assisting (5510). Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges
attended and an official high school transcript. Admission to the college will not be completed until all
transcripts are received.
Note: If you are a past CF student who has not been enrolled for a year or more, please complete the
readmit application; there is no charge for readmit, but new documentation may be required.
2. Academic Advisement
Applicants must meet with a Health Sciences academic advisor prior to submitting the program
application. At the time of the pre-application meeting with the advisor, the student will be given a copy
of the Dental Assisting Checklist signed by the advisor and an unofficial copy of his or her transcripts.
These documents need to be submitted with the program application.
3. Application to the Dental Assisting Program
Submit the Dental Assisting program application (last page of this packet) with all appropriate
attachments to Jeanine Cady at cadyj@cf.edu. Applicants must have an all-college GPA of a 2.0 or higher
to apply to the program. Students must schedule an appointment to complete this step.
THIS IS A LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAM. ACCEPTANCE TO THE COLLEGE DOES NOT
INDICATE ACCEPTANCE TO THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM.
4. Information Session (required)
Students must attend a FREE information session on the Dental Assisting program. These sessions are
offered most months. For confirmation of session dates, times and location, please click here or visit our
website at www.CF.edu/Dental.
5. Testing
Wonderlic: All students applying must complete the Wonderlic test and obtain a minimum score of 18 or
above. Exam cost is $15 per attempt. PrepStep offers practice exams and study guides. For PrepStep
registration, please contact 352-854-2322, ext. 1345 or [email protected]. If a student chooses to retake an
exam, the final test scores will be utilized for the application process. For validation purposes, the exam
must be taken at the CF Testing Center. No calculators may be used during the exams. Copies of the
most recent exam taken must be attached to the application.
Registration for all exams at the Testing Center is now required.
Registration can be done at https://onetesting.net/campus/ocala-testing.
Students who have taken and passed either BSC 1080 Basic Anatomy and Physiology or BSC 2085
Human Anatomy and Physiology I within the past seven (7) years are exempt from the Wonderlic
test. If a student is planning on applying for the A.S. Dental Hygiene program in the future, BSC 2085
is recommended.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 5 of 12
6. Dental Assisting Observation
To obtain a better understanding of the role of a Dental Assistant, students are required to complete
eight (8) hours of observation of a Dental Assistant. The student may contact any dental office to
schedule this observation. Please allow plenty of time for scheduling as you are a guest in the dental
office.
If you are unable to schedule an observation on your own, please contact the Dental Assisting office at
7. Written Paper on Observation
This paper must be at least one page, typed using a 12-point font with 1-inch margins. The paper must
answer the following questions:
• What are your expectations of the dental assisting profession?
• Why are you applying to the Dental Assisting program?
• Summarize your observation experience including procedures and the role of the DA during
the procedures.
• Bloodborne pathogens knowledge is required for dental assistants. Please explain why this is
important.
8. Observation Verification Form
Students who complete eight (8) hours of chairside observation must have the verification form completed
by the dental office staff. The form is located at the end of this information packet.
INDIVIDUALS WITH A CRIMINAL HISTORY MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION
TO HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 6 of 12
Approximate Program Cost for Dental Assisting at CF
Application Process
CF Application Fee $30.00
Wonderlic 15.00
After Admission and Prior to Start of Program
These costs are not covered by financial aid and are due the first week of classes.
Health Certificate 150.00
CPR (book and class) 55.00
Uniforms 200.00
Criminal Background Check 55.00
Student Background Check 40.00
Drug Screening 29.00
Clinical Compliance Tracker 38.00
Total Costs Due Before Class Start 567.00
First Semester
Approximate Tuition 1,693.80
Lab Fees 654.91
Textbooks 643.15
Total Semester Tuition and Fees: 2,991.86
Second Semester
Approximate Tuition 1,919.64
Lab Fees 480.00
Textbooks 213.95
Total Semester Tuition and Fees: 2,613.59
Third Semester
Approximate Tuition 2,032.56
Lab Fees 315.00
Textbooks 353.90
Total Semester Tuition and Fees: 2,701.46
End of Program
Graduation Pin 50.00
Florida Resident Non Florida Resident
Tuition: $ 5,646.00 $ 21,910.00
Approximate Expenses: $ 3,322.91 $ 3,322.91
$ 8,968.91 $ 25,232.91
Approximate Tuition Florida Resident Non-Resident
Cost per College Credit $ 112.92 $ 438.20
(50 college credits) Total Matriculation: $ 5,646.00 $ 21,910.00
Fees do not include supplies. Please note all the above are estimated costs and are subject to change.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 7 of 12
Applied Technology Diploma
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
No. OF CREDITS
SEMESTER I Fall
DES 1020
DES 1022
DES 1030
DEA 1805L
DEA 1806L
BSC 1080 or
BSC 2085*
DES 1800
DES 1806L
DES 1600
SEMESTER II Spring
DES 1200
DES 1200L
DES 1100
DES 1100L
DES 1029
DEA 1135
DES 1840
DEA 1855L
DEA 1151
SEMESTER III
Summer
DES 2832C
DEA 2033
DES 1051
DEA 1856
DEA 1856L
DES 1502
Head/Neck Anatomy
Dental Anatomy
Histology/Embryology
Dental Clinic Seminar
Clinic Practice I
Basic Anatomy and Physiology or
Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
Introduction to Clinical Procedures
Introduction to Clinical Procedures Lab
Dental Office Emergencies
Semester Credit Hours
Dental Radiology
Dental Radiology Lab
Dental Materials
Dental Materials Lab
Dental Specialties
Dental Microbiology
Preventive Dentistry
Clinic Practice II
Dental Psychology and Communication
Semester Credit Hours
Expanded Functions with Lab
Oral Pathology
Dental Pharmacology
Clinic III Seminar
Clinic Practice III
Dental Office Management
Semester Credit Hours
2
2
1
1
2
3
3
1
1
15 credits
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
6
1
17 credits
2
2
2
2
7
2
18 credits
*BSC 2085 is recommend if students plan to enter the A.S. Dental Hygiene program in the future. This
course and BSC 1080 can also be taken prior to entering the Dental Assisting program.
Credit Hours and Class Hours
Each semester students in the dental program will complete academic credit for theory (classroom) and credit
for clinical laboratory (skills lab and clinical). Theory credit is one 50-minute hour per week per
credit. Clinical laboratory is three 60-minute hours per one credit per week. This is based on the fall/spring
semesters. For those timeframes that vary from the spring/fall semesters, the total number of hours required
for the standard semester will be calculated and that total will be divided by the fewer number of weeks to
determine the number of hours of theory and clinical laboratory per week. Thus, students will receive a
consistent number of hours of instruction per credit for credits earned.
Students should plan on being in class/lab/clinic:
FALL – minimum of 20 clock hours per week
SPRING – minimum of 23 clock hours per week
SUMMER – minimum of 32 clock hours per week
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 8 of 12
APPLICANT CHECKLIST
Submit online application to the College of Central Florida. Check with the Office of Admissions at
CF to be sure your program code is 5510 for Dental Assisting.
Submit all OFFICIAL transcripts from high school and colleges to the Admissions Office at CF.
Your program application packet should include:
Dental Assisting program application.
Academic Advising documentation.
Copy of unofficial transcripts.
Attached copy of your Wonderlic score or exemption proof (copy of unofficial transcripts)
Written paper on observations. Make sure the essay follows all guidelines on the admission
process page.
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO SUBMIT YOUR PROGRAM APPLICATION,
KEEP COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE FOR YOUR FILES.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 9 of 12
ITEMS TO BE COMPLETED IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED
This is only informational; more detailed information will be included in your acceptance packet.
• Return the Acknowledgement of Acceptance form to the Hampton Center by the date indicated in
acceptance letter indicating if you accept or decline your seat in the program.
• Attached original (pink) receipt with the raised seal from your Criminal Background Check.
o INDIVIDUALS WITH A CRIMINAL HISTORY MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR
ADMISSION TO HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS.
• Complete all health forms (including physical, health history and immunizations).
• Complete a Drug Screening and Student History Background Check. At any time in the program, if a
student is exhibiting questionable behavior indicating drug or alcohol abuse, a substance screening
may be required.
• Retain a copy of a current CPR card (CPR card options will be provided in your acceptance letter).
• Documentation of completion of a four-hour bloodborne pathogen course.
• Attend the mandatory new student orientation session on the date specified in your acceptance letter.
Failure to follow the above steps may result in the loss of your seat in the Dental Assisting program.
The information in this document is informational only and not intended to be contractual in nature and is subject to change.
Dental Assisting Sponsor Program
The Dental Assisting program is currently working on a future sponsored student program. The details of this
program will be available Spring 2024.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 10 of 12
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
APPLICATION
CF ID No.:
Legal Name:
Last
First
Middle (complete)
Jr., etc.
Mailing Address:
Street/PO Box
City
State
Zip Code
County
Year you would like to begin the program?
August
Telephone:
Home (include area code)
Cell (include area code)
Work (include area code)
Email:
Wonderlic Test Score:
Name of high school or GED:
Name of colleges or universities attended:
Please list any professional license or certifications:
I hereby certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
understand that any misinterpretation or falsification of information is cause of denial of admission or expulsion from
the college. I understand that illegal use, possession and/or misuse of any mind-altering substances are reasons for
immediate dismissal from any programs in the Health Sciences Division. I understand that any arrests revealed on a
criminal background check could be reason for denial of application or immediate dismissal from any program in the
Health Sciences Division. I understand that I will be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids that could contain infectious
diseases; however, I will follow all recommended guidelines for prevention of disease transmission.
Signature of Applicant
Date: MM/DD/YY
To schedule an appointment to submit your program application, please contact Jeanine Cady
or 352-854-2322, ext. 1714.
For Office Use Only
Date Submitted:
Received by:
MM/DD/YY
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 11 of 12
Dental Assisting Points Sheet
Deadline for Application is June 13, 2024.
Academic Courses Completed (Official transcript must be sent to CF Admissions Office)
Points Earned (A=3 pts., B = 2 pts., C = 1 pt.)
ENC1101 ____ SLS Class ____
HSC2531 ____ Math (College Level) ____
BSC2085/L ____ BSC2086/L ____
BSC1080 ____ (Points earned on the first attempt of any BSC course only)
Points: _________
Overall Grade Point Average (Official transcript must be sent to CF Admissions Office)
4.0: 5 points
3.5–3.99: 4 points
3.0–3.49: 3 points
2.5–2.99: 2 points
2.0–2.49 1 point Points: _________
Points for Degrees/Certificates Earned:
Master’s Degree: 6 points
Bachelor’s Degree: 6 points
A.A. Degree: 3 points
A.S. Degree: 3 points
Certificate: 1 point Points: _________
Current Health Care License - 2 points Points: _________
Wonderlic* – Score 20+ - 5 points Points: _________
Current CPR Card - 3 points Points: _________
Marion, Citrus or Levy County Resident – 1 point Points: _________
Military Experience with Honorable Discharge – 5 points Points: _________
Total Application Points: __________________
*Required application item; Points earned if score is higher than minimum requirements
This calculation sheet is informational only. The point sheet will be completed at the time students submit their program
application.
College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity, veteran status or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3,
AA-HS-DA1MKPR PR www.CF.edu 352-873-5800 Revised 10/24/2023 Page 12 of 12
Dental Office Observation Form
Student Name: _______________________________________________________
Name of Office/Dentist: _______________________________________________________
Contact Name at Office: _______________________________________________________
Office Phone Number: _______________________________________________________
Date of Observation: _______________________________________________________
Hours of Observation: _______________________________________________________
Evaluation of the Student
(circle your response)
The student appears to be professionally dressed: 1 3 5
The student functioned in a professional behavior: 1 3 5
The student was prompt with the agreed-upon time: 1 3 5
The student appeared interested in the profession: 1 3 5
Additional Comments:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature Print Name Date
