The Dental Assisting / Dental Hygiene Integrated Program is a joint Community College / Kentucky TECH program which prepares graduates to function as dental auxiliaries. The Dental Assisting / Dental Hygiene Integrated Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting agency of the American Dental Association.

The Dental Assisting component of the Integrated Program prepares the student to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health team and to perform chairside assisting and related office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist. The curriculum includes content areas in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, radiography, and clinical experience. A diploma in Dental Assisting is awarded by Central Kentucky Technical College upon completion of the Dental Assisting component of the Integrated Program. Graduates are qualified to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

The Dental Hygiene component of the Integrated Program prepares the student to function as a dental hygienist on a dental auxiliary team under the supervision of a dentist. The curriculum includes content areas in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, radiography, periodontology, and dental hygiene clinical experience. The program provides comprehensive educational experiences through lectures, clinical and related study in order that graduates may apply scientific knowledge in the performance of dental hygiene procedures. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each Dental Hygiene and approved science course. The Degree of Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is awarded by Prestonsburg Community College upon completion of the Dental Hygiene component of the Integrated Program. Graduates are qualified to apply to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination. As the only licensed dental auxiliaries, dental hygienists may be employed in dental offices, clinics, dental schools, public health and government agencies.

Dental Assisting / Dental Hygiene coursework must be completed in sequence. Satisfactory completion of each course with at least a "C" is required for progression to the subsequent term. Only persons admitted to the Dental Assisting / Dental Hygiene Integrated Program may enroll in dental assisting / dental hygiene courses.

The tuition and fee schedule is listed in the PCC and CKTC schedule of classes each semester. In addition to tuition, dental assisting students and dental hygiene students who attend classes at satellite sites are responsible for transportation to CKTC and PCC, respectively, as necessary (usually twice a semester). Students are also responsible for transportation to local dental offices for clinical experiences, purchase of books, purchase of instrument kids (dental hygiene), liability insurance, uniforms, and other required items. All students admitted to the program are required to submit documentation of physical exam, immunizations, including Hepatitis B and results of recent TB testing. Health Care Provider CPR certification is required.

Students are admitted to the program in April of each year. It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that the following are on file in the PCC or CKTC Admissions Office no later than March 1 of each year.

Admission to each component of the program is accomplished through a selected admissions process. The selection committee determines academic eligibility and ranks the applicants in their chosen field of study. Once the class has been accepted, names of the other candidates are placed on an alternate list and are notified if vacancies occur. A candidate’s rank is confidential until such times as a vacancy occurs. Listed below are categories that may be used to rank students who meet or surpass the stated preferences.