This document provides information about the requirements and curriculum for HGTC's Expanded Duty Dental Assisting diploma program. The 3 semester program begins each fall and includes general education courses as well as dental assisting core courses. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.25, meet placement test score requirements, complete a required online information session, and obtain 15 observation hours in a private dental office. Accepted students must also pay deposits, undergo background/drug checks, get immunized, and obtain CPR certification. Expenses including tuition, fees, immunizations, CPR training, and background/drug checks are the student's responsibility.

1. Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
Diploma
3 semester program
Admission is based on a First Qualified basis.
A new class begins every Fall semester on the Grand
Strand Campus.
Completing this STEPS Session and submitting the
required checklist afterward acts as your application.
When HGTC sees that you have completed all
requirements for admission you will be placed on the
waiting list to begin the next available Fall semester.

2. To be eligible for the EDDA program you must:
 Apply to and be accepted at HGTC, which includes
paying the $30 application fee, submitting official
high school and college transcripts and submitting the
“Additional Admission/Placement Requirements
Affidavit.”( The Affidavit is viewable on the next
slide and may be printed from the “Forms” box on
the Libguides page.)
 Have a Cumulative GPA of 2.25.
 Meet the required placement test scores or complete
the prereq courses to be eligible to take ENG 155 and
MAT 155.
Test Scores Required
Compass: Reading -85, Writing – 78 Pre-algebra - 35
SAT: Reading – 480, Math- 370
ACT: Reading-19,English-19,Math-16
English Progression/dependent on test scores: ENG 032- ENG 100- ENG 155
Math Progression/dependent on test scores: MAT 032- MAT 155

3.  Complete the online Expanded Duty Dental
Assisting “Department Information Session”
(http://libguides.hgtc.edu/healthscience) .
Once the Dental Assisting Department
receives verification of completing the online
Information Session, documentation forms for
the required 15 hours of observations will be
e-mailed to the student.
 Complete 15 hours of observations in a
private dental office.
 May not have more than two unsuccessful
attempts in your Dental Assisting
prerequisite/core courses.

4. If you have not already done so read and sign the “Additional Admission/Placement
Requirements Affidavit”- informing you of the required background check, drug
screening and health physical- and submit it along with your application. It is
viewable here and available in the “Forms” box on your Libguides page.

5. Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Core Courses
Required Cumulative GPA of 2.25 with grades of C or higher
Prerequisite Courses
There are no required prerequisites other than meeting
the placement scores for the Gen Ed courses.
Core Courses
CPT 101– Introduction to Computers
ENG 155*– Communications (may sub ENG 101)
PSY 103 – Human Relations (may sub PSY 201)
MAT 155**– Contemporary Mathematics
*English Progression/dependent on test scores: ENG 032 - ENG 100 - ENG 155
**Math Progression/dependent on test scores: MAT 032 - MAT 155

6. Information Session with the Department Chair
This is an online session which the Dental faculty created
to tell you about classes, clinicals, fees, jobs, and many
things you need to know about working in the field of
Dental Assisting - a great time to have your questions
answered.
You may access the online Information Session by going to
the top right corner of the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
Tab of the Libguides page,
http://libguides.hgtc.edu/healthscience.
Information and instructions on completing the required
15 hours of observations in a private dental office are
included in the information session.
Viewing the online Information Session is a requirement
that must be completed before you will be eligible for
admission into the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
program.

7. These requirements must be completed AFTER being accepted
into the program. The college will provide you with the
instructions about when to complete these requirements in your
notification of initial acceptance into the program. Please plan
ahead to cover the costs of these items. Failure to complete
these requirements within the designated time frame will
prohibit your progression into the program.
• Submit $500.00 deposit to reserve your seat. This is an out of pocket expense
– not covered by financial aid.
• Pass Certified Background Check and Drug Screening – cost to you is $106.00.
The return of an unfavorable CBS and/or UDS may result in student being
removed from desired program. Clinical sites/facilities determine applicant’s
eligibility to participate in clinical studies based on their policies. If you
complete the background check before being instructed to do so you will have
to redo it and pay the $106 again.
• Complete a Health Physical and submit proof of required immunizations.
(Physical cost is your responsibility so plan ahead financially.)
• Show proof of current Health Care Providers CPR. You may take a class through
HGTC’s Workforce Development Department. Register at
www.hgtc.edu/jobtraining. This course costs $69 and in addition will require
the purchase of a book and mask.

8. Other expenses for which you are responsible may include, but are not limited to, the items
listed here. Costs are approximate and may vary slightly.

10. Expanded Duty Dental Assisting is a 3 semester Diploma beginning each
Fall semester (August) on the Grand Strand Campus. Classes and clinicals
associated with this program are during the day. Once accepted you will
attend year round, including summer. Please plan ahead financially as
you may not receive financial aid for the summer.
Of course, if you have already completed the core courses such as PSY 103,
ENG 155, etc. you do not have to retake them in the program.

11. Thank you for completing the Power
Point STEPS session.
Please view the checklist
underneath the STEPS session on
the Libguides page and submit it to
receive credit for the required
session.
You will need your H number
(Student ID number) to submit the
checklist.