Dental Assisting Program
Educational Goals
The Dental Assisting Program supports CCRI’s mission by preparing students for professional certification, immediate employment, and lifelong learning through strong academic and clinical training. We meet Rhode Island’s workforce needs by educating competent, ethical and professional dental assistants ready for diverse clinical settings, while using measurable outcomes to ensure continuous improvement
- Goal #1: Prepare students for professional careers as Dental Assisting National Board, Certified Dental Assistants (DANB CDA®), in accordance with the program competencies, DANB’s Code of Professional Ethics and Rhode Island State Law and Rules and Regulations.
- Goal #2: Provide the public and the dental community with competent, caring dental assistants, prepared to assist with and perform expanded functions and comprehensive care in a variety of clinical settings and to be active members of the dental health team.
- Goal #3: Educate and train students with the academic knowledge and skill competence, to successfully complete the DANB Certified Dental Assistant Examination and to become lifelong learners in the dental field.
* The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Dental Accreditation Commission
Faculty & Staff
| Name | Campus | Office | |
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| Kerri H. Friel Program Director Professor |
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| Audra Lavoie Assistant Professor |
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| Sarah Luther Assistant Professor |
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| Janice Schmitz Associate Professor |
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| Aubrie Viera Assistant Professor |
| Name | Campus | Office | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lori DiGregorio Adjunct Faculty |
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| Sergio Gomez Adjunct Faculty |
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| Mia Pfefferle Adjunct Faculty |
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| Name | Campus | Office | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joanna Popolla Coordinator |
401-333-7330 |
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| Karen Souza Department Secretary |
401-333-7438 |
From the Catalog
- Program of Study, Admission Requirements and Program Requirements
- Health Sciences General Policies
- Course Descriptions
- Available Courses -
online versions - Student Handbook
Helpful Links
Reach Out
Contact Dental HealthThe Dental Health Department at CCRI seeks to prepare students as dental professionals who have the skills required to be competent members of the dental care profession.