Certificate in Dental Assisting
(37 Credits)

Information for Current and Future Students

Complete the following before applying to the Dental Assisting Program:

  1. Enroll as a University of New Mexico-Gallup student.
  2. Receive a Banner ID and UNM email address.
  3. If you have attended other colleges/universities, request that your transcripts be sent to UNM-G for processing of transfer credits. A copy of these transcripts is required as part of your Dental Assisting application.
  4. Please visit the Financial Aid office to learn about opportunities for financial support.
  5. Please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
  6. Next, schedule an appointment with the Dental Assisting Program director, Neysa Cox.
  7. It is your responsibility to check your email regularly. You will be notified of the date, time, and what courses to register for in the program, after your completed dental program application is received and reviewed by the Dental Program.
  8. NOTE: Individuals who have been convicted of a felony may not be eligible for licensure in the healthcare field. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the licensing board of the state where he/she plans to seek licensure to verify eligibility for licensure prior to making an application to the program.
  9. RISK STATEMENT: All individuals interested in pursuing a career in Dental Healthcare should be aware that the dental field does have some risk of occupational hazards. The nature of the occupation could involve contact with infectious diseases (such as bloodborne pathogens), including AIDS, COVID-19, and Hepatitis. All students admitted to the program will receive proper instruction in standard precautions and the use of personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of blood and body fluid exposures.

Items to be submitted with the Dental Assisting Application:

  1. Unofficial transcripts from High School, GED, and/or colleges/universities.
  2. Copy of ACCUPLACER/ SAT/ ACT/ AP scores for English and math. To take the ACCUPLACER, please see your advisor.
  3. Copy of current CPR-BLS certificate if available.
  4. Copy of current vaccination record (including- Hepatitis B, COVID vaccination proof or declination form).
  5. Proof of TB Testing.

First Semester - Fall
Total Credit Hours: 16

HCHS 111Medical Terminology3 credit hours
HCDA 101Introduction to Dental Assisting2 lecture, 1 lab credits
HCDA 120Pre-Clinical Dental
Assisting
2 lecture, 1 lab credits
HCDA 140Preventive Dentistry4 credit hours (3 lecture, 1 lab)
HCDA 115Dental Science2 lecture credits
HLED 1115American Heart Association
CPR
1 lecture credit

Second Semester - Spring
Total Credit Hours: 14

HCDA 130Dental Radiology4 credit hours (3 lecture, 1 lab)
HCDA 125Dental Specialties2 lecture, 1 lab credits
HCDA 164Seminar in Dental Assisting Topics2 lecture credits
HCDA 170Dental materials2 lecture, 1 lab credits
HCDA 160Oral Pathology2 lecture credits

Third Semester - Summer
Total Credit Hours: 7

HCDA 145Clinical Dental Assisting I3 credit hours
HCDA 155Clinical Dental Assisting II4cr hours

For Advisement: Contact the Advisement Center at 505-863-7706

Course transferability: Medical Terminology and BLS CPR are requirements in other health career programs and may transfer to those programs.