Fayetteville Technical Community College recently announced the acceptance of 36 students into their highly successful dental assisting program for the 2025 – 2026 school year.
In case you didn’t realize, dental assistants play a vital role in helping dentists improve the health and well-being of their patients. Some dental assistants focus on conducting in-depth examinations of new patients. Others work with orthodontists to give patients million-dollar smiles. Increasing numbers of dental assistants work in cosmetic dentistry, helping with dental restorations and bleaching. Dental assistants also have the option to continue their education, complete a bachelor's degree, and teach dental techniques to the next generation of dental assistants.
The dental assisting program at FTCC is a one-year, three-semester program that begins in the fall and concludes at the end of the summer each school year. Coursework includes classes in topics such as clinical procedures, dental materials, dealing with infections, preventative dentistry, and radiography. The program recently added training in new technologies, including digital impressions and 3D printing of models.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which is the accrediting body for dental assisting programs across the country. Since CODA accreditation is respected across the United States and in many foreign nations, the FTCC dental assisting program is a great career choice for anyone who plans to stay in North Carolina or possibly leave the state and travel to other areas of the country.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assisting jobs are expected to grow by 7% annually from 2022 – 2032, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields. New dental assistants can expect to earn $18 to $23 per hour with excellent opportunities for advancement and increasing wages as they gain experience.
Are you worried that you can’t afford college? If so, we have great news. FTCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region. Most students receive generous financial aid packages, and many students are able to complete their education at no cost to them.
The program began accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort starting Nov. 1. Applications are open until Jan. 30, 2026.
FTCC is working to expand program options, currently in discussions to create a dental certificate program for advanced high school students, which will allow them to get a jump start on their careers. FTCC is also exploring a bridge program that will allow dental assistants to become dental hygienists. Please check the program’s website for more information as it becomes available. https://www.faytechcc.edu/academics/healthcare-programs/dental-hygiene/
Students may also reach out to healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu for help in responding to questions about Dental Assisting or other health programs of study.
For more information, please contact the FTCC Dental Assisting Department Chair, Sandra Walker, at walkers@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8574.