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Dental Assistant CC
Health Sciences Department | C.C. Certificate of Completion | One year
Earn a Dental Assistant certificate at Clackamas Community College and prepare for an exciting health care career in an in-demand role.
Dental assistants are essential team members in the dental office. Working closely with the dentist, hygienist and administrative staff, dental assistants use their skills to deliver quality oral health care to diverse patient populations and to increase the efficiency of the office. Our dental lab is fully equipped to offer a valuable hands-on experience that prepares our students for real-world dental office technology, such as digital dental radiology.
This is a limited entry program. Contact Health Sciences at healthsciences@clackamas.edu for more information.
Dental Assistant CC
You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in exposing, processing and mounting dental radiographs
- Perform entry-level dental assisting skills
- Utilize dental material for specific procedures
- Assist with medical emergencies in the dental office
Careers
Career opportunities may include but are not limited to:
- managed care facilities
- private dental practices
- state and county clinics
- dental schools
- insurance industry
Job Market
Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.
Earning potential: $33,000-$42,000 annually
Programs that are 12-44 credits that acknowledge a specific skill proficiency to help students gain enhanced employment opportunities are considered state-approved Career Pathways. Certain certificates are eligible for federal financial aid, while others may only be eligible as a segment of an aid-eligible certificate or degree program (Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Students).
PROGRAM CODE: CC.DENTALASST
The Dental Assistant (DA) program is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the dental care setting. The goal of the program is to graduate students that have demonstrated competencies in clinical and administrative practices as well as demonstrated work ethics and professional values consistent with that of the American Dental Association (ADA).
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES
This limited entry program requires the applicant to meet the program requirements prior to being formally admitted into the program. The requirements are to be completed in a four-phase process, with specific timelines for each phase. Information regarding specific requirements and timelines are located at www.clackamas.edu/dental-assistant.
The applicant must follow and complete all steps to be invited to continue through each phase of the admission process, with the final phase resulting in the opportunity to be invited for admission.
DA students will participate in unpaid, supervised externships in the dental care setting.
Disclaimer: Clinical training is required in order to complete certain Health Sciences programs offered by Clackamas Community College (CCC). Although CCC does not restrict program entry based on age, some college partners, such as healthcare agencies, organizations and clinics, require students to be at least 18 years of age before they can participate in clinical training. Students who intend to enroll prior to reaching 18 years of age should consult with the appropriate Health Sciences program director or administrator to determine when clinical training begins for their program and to understand any limitations.
RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES
Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II)
- Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.
Communication (1 course- WR-101 Communication Skills: Occupational Writing or WR-121 English Composition)
- Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.
Human Relations (1 course- PSY-101 Human Relations)
- Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs and digital imaging;
- apply current concepts of occupational safety hazards, infection control and aseptic procedures to promote a safe work environment and prevent disease transmission;
- perform entry-level chairside dental assisting skills;
- demonstrate basic competencies in dental administrative practices;
- assist with medical emergencies in the dental office.
CAREERS
Career opportunities may include but are not limited to managed care facilities, private dental practices, state and county clinics, dental schools and the insurance industry.
Application packets with admission procedures and requirements are available online at www.clackamas.edu/dental-assistant.
For more information, contact healthsciences@clackamas.edu.
NOTES
Dental lab schedules (am/pm) are based on lottery. Information will be provided at orientation.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider (provider level CPR) and First Aid (AHA Heartsaver) certification are required during practicums. All DA students will be required to complete a criminal history background, provide proof of immunization, and students will be asked to take a drug test as arranged by the department.
Students must achieve a C or higher grade in all required courses prior to advancing to the next term.
Core curriculum is sequential and may not be taken out of order. Core curriculum is intended to be completed over three consecutive terms.
Dental Assistant Core Requirements
Complete the following Dental Assistant Core Requirements
- DA-101
- Dental Radiology I
- 2
- DA-101L
- Dental Radiology I Lab
- 1
- DA-102
- Dental Radiology II
- 2
- DA-102L
- Dental Radiology II Lab
- 1
- DA-104
- Clinical Procedures I
- 2
- DA-104L
- Clinical Procedures I Lab
- 1
- DA-105
- Clinical Procedures II
- 2
- DA-105L
- Clinical Procedures II Lab
- 1
- DA-106
- Clinical Procedures III
- 2
- DA-106L
- Clinical Procedures III Lab
- 1
- DA-107
- Dental Materials I
- 2
- DA-107L
- Dental Materials I Lab
- 1
- DA-108
- Dental Materials II
- 2
- DA-108L
- Dental Materials II Lab
- 1
- DA-110
- Clinical Practicum I
- 1
- DA-115
- Dental Science
- 2
- DA-120
- Clinical Practicum II
- 5
- DA-125
- Dental Infection Control
- 2
- DA-130
- Clinical Practicum III
- 8
- DA-135
- Pharmacology/Medical Emergencies
- 2
- DA-145
- Dental Office Procedures
- 2
Computation Related Instruction
Complete MTH-050 or MTH-065
- MTH-050
- Technical Mathematics I
- 4
- MTH-065
- Algebra II
- 4
Communication Related Instruction
Complete WR-101 or WR-121
- WR-101
- Communication Skills: Occupational Writing
- 3
- WR-121
- English Composition
- 4
Human Relations Related Instruction
Complete PSY-101
- PSY-101
- Human Relations
- 3