DATS Entrance Requirements

Dental Assistant Training Schools is designed for any student, whether you're just out of high school, you're considering a career change, or you're reentering the workforce. Admission at DATS is open to any qualified applicant. No qualified person may be excluded from enrollment based on age, race, gender, disability, or national origin.

What is required to apply to DATS?

To apply to the DATS program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Pay (or make school-approved arrangements to pay) tuition in full
  • Complete an enrollment agreement

How do I apply to DATS?

We encourage you to submit your application to DATS online. We also accept applications by fax and during our open house presentations.

 

Re-Enrollment & Leave of Absence

If extenuating circumstances should cause you to have to suspend training at DATS, you may request re-admission from the school for a future date. So long as you make satisfactory arrangements with the school, no additional tuition will be charged. You must complete all training within twelve months of your original start date. DATS does not offer provisions for late enrollment.

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Transfer or Granting of Credit

Licensed private career schools like DATS offer courses measured in clock hours, not credit hours. We issue certificates of completion or school diplomas to students who meet clock hour requirements. If you are looking to transfer credit from completing the DATS program to another institution of higher education, the granting of that credit is entirely up to the discretion of your new institution.

The DATS program is unique. Because no life experience, previous education, or training apply to our programs, our students may not transfer in any previous education or training to apply to DATS training programs.
  • What If I Miss a Class?

      We realize that emergencies occur. Should you miss a class, you must arrange a time with the teacher or school director to make up the missed class. If you are absent three times consecutively without notifying the school, you will be considered dropped. DATS will contact you in writing and formally advise you of this status.

  • How to Make Up a Class

      If you miss a class, you may make it up in three ways:

      1. A 2-page written summary of the course material you missed.
      2. Clinical shadowing in a dental office that is separate from any required externship hours.
      3. Private tutoring by an instructor.

      Typically, there is no charge for makeup work, but there may be a fee for any private tutoring.

  • What If I'm Late to Class?

      Late arrival to a class, or early departure from a class beyond 30 minutes will be treated as an absence. If you miss a class, you should work with your instructor to find a way to make up the missed class.

Student Progress Report

If you receive a grade of less than 75%, you will be notified. You should speak with your instructor or school director to determine ways to raise your grade. If you are not able to raise your GPA to above 75% after the next quiz, you will be requested to withdraw and return at another time. You will be refunded according to the published refund policy.

Attendance Policies

Class Attendance

Students are to attend all listed hours of program instruction. Because DATS is an accelerated, 11-week program, it's important that you attend every lecture and lab portion of this course. Each instructor maintains an attendance roster which is kept at the school at all times.

Attendance is taken after the first 30 minutes of class. An attendance rate of less than 85% (12 missed hours) will cause dismissal from the program. Student attendance records are evaluated bi-weekly.

Student Progress Evaluation

Students are given two quizzes prior to the midterm exam, which is given around the 8th class. After each quiz is graded, you will be advised by your instructor of your progress. You may be given a written "Student Progress Report," a copy of which will be placed in your permanent student file.
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DATS Records

Your student records, grades, and attendance are maintained by the school and are available upon request. We take your privacy seriously. All of your records are maintained with the same security and confidence as patients' dental records. Digital records are backed up regularly, and a set of records will be maintained by the corporate office for as long as the school exists.

No records will be made available to employers, prospective employers, or other schools unless a written request is made.

Grading

A minimum average grade of 75% is required to complete the program.

Your final GPA is calculated as follows:

  • 1/3 = Average combined scores of the three general quizzes
  • 1/3 = Score of midterm exam
  • 1/3 = Score of general final exam

Your lab work is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Radiology is graded separately and will carry its own grade.

Graduation Requirements

You will receive a diploma upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements. To graduate, you must:

  • Receive a minimum passing grade average of 75%
  • Achieve a passing grade on all lab work
  • Attend all clock hours of the program (with no more than 12 hours missed and made up)
  • Have no outstanding balances owed to the school
  • Complete the required externship hours
  • Achieve a passing grade on the extern evaluation
Externship

If you don't receive a passing grade on your externship, you may request a 30-day extension for the opportunity to repeat the extern hours. The school must receive this request from you prior to the last scheduled class. If you fail any part of the externship again, you will be ineligible to graduate.

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