• About
• Directory
• Give to CCCC
• Locations
• Calendar
• A-Z Index

Dental Programs

Central Carolina Community College's Dental Programs provide top-quality training for careers as a dental hygienist or dental assistant. These are well-paying careers for those who enjoy working closely with patients, helping them achieve and maintain good oral health.

The programs are accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates are prepared to sit national and state accreditation exams and clinicals to receive their licenses to practice.

Students train on state-of-the-art dental equipment. The Dental Programs have all-digital patient records, 12 patient chairs, panoramic and regular x-ray machines, and a hands-free sterilization area. A dentist and other dental professionals teach all the courses and oversee all lab work.

Advanced students work with a variety of populations, both at the program center at the W.B. Wicker Business Campus, in Sanford, and in area dental practices. At the program site, they provide basic oral health care for under-served populations and other community members. As part of their training, they serve internships in the community with area dentists. This provides the opportunity to apply their training and become familiar with the different types of dental practices.

Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene in only two years. Earning a Diploma in Dental Assisting takes less than one year. Note: these are two separate programs, not two levels of the same program.

In North Carolina, a dental hygienist cleans teeth, applies fluoride treatments or sealants, and takes radiographs. Hygienists also educate patients on proper oral health care and nutrition.

Dental assistants work with instruments and materials to assist the dentist during treatment procedures. An assistant may also prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment, take radiographs, or perform office-related functions.

The Dental Assisting diploma and Dental Hygiene degree programs use a selective admissions process. Prospective students must complete prerequisites and must achieve a minimum score on the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET) prior to enrollment. Call (919) 718-7526 for specific admission requirements and to schedule an information session.