Dental Assisting Selection Criteria & Application Process
The Dental Assisting program at EFSC has two program options:
OPTION A: Daytime Program
The Daytime Program annual application deadline is April 8, and classes begin in May. This is a 14-month program.
OPTION B: Evening/Outreach Program (Online and Evening Labs)
The Outreach Program annual application deadline is July 8, and the program starts in August. This is a 16-month program. Students complete coursework online and are required to attend face-to-face lab classes two nights per week. During the third and fourth semesters, students must also attend at least two clinical days per week during the Monday-Friday work week. The curriculum may be completed while working in a dental office or at other employment.
To apply for either option, first review the Selection Criteria below that incorporates a point system. Next, complete all steps in the Application Process.
Selection Criteria
For both Dental Assisting program options, the Selection Committee is guided by the point system outlined below. However, final decisions will be the responsibility of the Selection Committee. The applicant is responsible for providing the documentation necessary to support the point system.
Each course is worth a maximum of 3 points for a total of 9 possible points. An "A" is worth 3 points. A "B" is worth 2 points. A "C" is worth 1 point.
College Credit Courses
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Survey of Anatomy & Physiology
OR - Anatomy & Physiology I AND Anatomy & Physiology II (both include lab)
Important Update: As of January, 4, 2024, BONUS points will no longer be awarded for extra classes which are not part of the Dental Assisting required curriculum.
Unless exempt, applicants must take their developmental education courses in all areas – math, reading, and writing – before applying. See a health science advisor for more information.
In order for the college grade point average to be used, at least 12 credit hours of college course work must be completed. If the applicant has not completed 12 college credits, the points awarded for GPA will be based on the applicant's high school GPA or GED® scores. Applicants should have at least a 2.0 to apply. Points will be awarded as follows:
| CC GPA | Points | HS GPA / GED® | Points |
| 3.5 - 4.0 | 6 | 3.5 - 4.0 300 - 375 |
3 |
| 3.0 - 3.4 | 4 | 3.0 - 3.4 275 - 299 |
2 |
| 2.5 - 2.9 | 2 | 2.5 - 2.9 260 - 274 |
1 |
| 2.0 - 2.4 | 0 | 2.0 - 2.4 250 - 259 |
0 |
Bonus points for relevant work/education may be earned in only one of the following areas.
| Experience | Points |
| Graduate of an Associate Degree Program - A.S. or A.A. (or higher) | 5 |
| OR | |
| Graduate of a Health Sciences Program - Two semesters or more in length | 4 |
| OR | |
| One year of FULL-TIME work in a dental office as a dental assistant | 3 |
| OR | |
| Graduate of Viera High School's Dental Aide Program | 2 |
| OR | |
| Graduate of a Health Sciences Program - One semester or less in length | 1 |
| OR |
|
| One year of FULL-TIME work in a dental office (no direct patient care) |
1 |
Submit a one-page, typed essay on the following topic: "What is the Dental Assistant's role as part of the Dental team?" Essay will qualify for one point.
Application Process
In order to be considered for the Dental Assisting program, students must follow the steps detailed below and submit all required items by the application deadline.
See a Health Sciences Advisor to go over admissions criteria, deadlines, testing requirements, and set up a course plan for completing prerequisite classes.
Students with myEFSC access should schedule Health Sciences Advising using the link in the Student Services Appointments section of myEFSC. Future Students with no EFSC login, use the guest appointment button.
Students must be current students at Eastern Florida State College before they can apply to the Dental Assisting program. Please Note: If a deadline has passed, contact a health sciences advisor to see if seats may be available for a late application.
NEW STUDENTS: For students new to EFSC, complete the EFSC online application for admission prior to the Dental Assisting ATD program application deadline. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee that must be paid before the application can be processed.
Please note that application processing can take up to 14 days due to the current volume of applications. Check your email frequently for your acceptance letter.
In addition, new EFSC students need to
- Submit official High School Transcripts (or GED® scores) to General Admissions.
- Submit official transcripts from any and all colleges attended prior to EFSC (if applicable)
- Provide FL Residency documentation, complete the New Student Orientation, and finalize any other EFSC General Admissions requirements.
RETURNING STUDENTS: Returning/readmit students who have not completed a course in the past year must also re-apply online. There is no application fee for a readmit application. Readmit Students need to
- Submit official transcripts from any and all colleges attended since their last enrollment at EFSC (if applicable).
- Provide FL Residency documentation, and complete any other EFSC General Admissions requirements.
CURRENT STUDENTS: Current Students may move on to the next step.
Complete the online Health Sciences Application for Dental Assisting. A $25 payment can be paid online or at a campus student accounts office by the application deadline. This fee is non-refundable.
An UNOFFICIAL copy of every college transcript is required with the Health Science application. Unofficial EFSC transcripts can be accessed from myGPS or at www.floridashines.org.
The following application materials must be submitted to Health Science Advising in Cocoa, Building 11, room 228 or to healthscience@easternflorida.edu by the application deadline:
1. Applicants must submit an unofficial EFSC transcript, and transcripts from any other college(s) previously attended. If you have taken less than 12 college credits, you must submit a high school transcript as well.
2. Applicants must submit proof of Work Experience Form, if applicable.
3. Applicants must submit a typed, one page essay on the following topic: "What is the Dental Assistant's role as part of the Dental team?"
4. Applicants must review and sign the Performance Standards form.
5. CPR card
Eastern Florida State College is dedicated to providing a nondiscriminatory environment which promotes equal access, equal educational opportunity, and equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, national origin, color, ethnicity, genetic information, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status, veteran status, ancestry, or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.
EFSC recognizes the rights of students and applicants with disabilities, including those with hepatitis B, under the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.