Health Sciences Department | C.C. Certificate of Completion | One year

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.

Gainful Employment

Learn more about the cost of education.

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).

• Career Pathways Roadmap for Dental Assistant

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.