The Dental Assisting certificate program at Tunxis Community College in Farmington is accepting applications for the fall 2018 semester. The application deadline is April 15.

The 10-month credit program offers preparation in chairside assisting and related office and laboratory procedures including manipulation of dental materials, infection control, and evaluation of patient medical and dental history, assessment data, and four-handed dentistry. Coursework, clinic, laboratory, and community activities are coordinated so that students become proficient in general dentistry chairside performance.

Tunxis students complete over 300 hours of clinical chairside experience during their spring semester at UConn School of Medicine, and at state hospitals, community health centers and private dental offices. They take all three sections of the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB) during the program and graduate as Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow over 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, with average yearly incomes of $43,000 according to the CT Department of Labor.

Students who are interested in applying should complete a Dental Assistant program application at tunxis.edu/da-app. Attendance at an information session is required. Information sessions will be held Feb. 22, 1 p.m.; March 28, 5 p.m.; and April 11, 1 p.m. To reserve a seat online, visit tunxis.edu/dainfo.

For information on how to apply and register, contact the Admissions Office at 860.773.1490. Financial aid and payment plans are available for those students who qualify.

Tunxis Community College offers over 60 associate degrees and certificates that prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees and transition into the workforce with such programs as dental hygiene, accelerated business; computer information systems; early childhood education; energy management, engineering; criminal justice; pathway to teaching careers; and technology. Tunxis is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177. Visit the Tunxis website at tunxis.edu.