As an expanded-duty dental assisting student, you'll develop skills to receive and prepare a patient for treatment, prepare dental instrument setups, and assist a licensed dentist in treating patients. As an office manager, the dental assistant is a liaison between the dentist and patients. Students work in a simulated dental office on campus in the first and second semesters to gain clinical skills. Clinical experience is gained in the third semester by rotations in local dental offices.
Professional opportunities include chairside dental assistant, receptionist, oral surgery assistant, orthodontic assistant, pediatric dental assistant, endodontist assistant, periodontist assistant, and office manager.
How do I complete this program?
EDDA Application Process and FAQ
School of Allied Health Information Sessions
(Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Expanded Duty Dental, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Care Technician, Radiologic Technology, & Surgical Technology)
Attending an information session prior to applying is not required but strongly encouraged. Feel free to bring a parent, friend, spouse, or anyone who may be interested in any of our Allied Health programs.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10am Room 129 in the Health Sciences Bldg. (Dental Only)
Beginning July 17, 2026 through December 18, 2026 joint program information sessions will be held every other Friday from 9am – 10am (July 17, 31; Aug. 14, 28; Sept. 11, 25; Oct. 9, 23; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 4)
These sessions will be held in Room 102 of the Health Sciences Building located at 850 Brisack Rd. Spartanburg, SC on the Giles Campus of SCC.
Notice of Completion Form for fall 2026 semester acceptance due by by June 12th, 2026, and December 11th, 2026, for Spring 2027 acceptance.
Certification and Accreditation
Graduates are required to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB), a national certification exam to become certified dental assistants. The Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program is accredited without reporting by:
American Dental Association
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 440-4653
www.ada.org
Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
Kim Best, BS, CDA, RDA | Department Chair
Phone: (864)592-4872