Health Sciences Department | 3 CC - Certificate of Completion | 1 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

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.

The Dental Assistant program uses a cohort model of delivering quality instruction and support. This means students start the program together, learn together and graduate together. The Dental Assisting program starts in the fall with students completing a one-year certificate in spring (total of 53-54 credits). The program consists of three terms of full-time study.

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.

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 competences in the clinical and administrate practices as well as demonstrated work ethic and professional values consistent with that of the American Dental Association (ADA).

The Dental Assisting program follows the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Authority (OAR 409-030-0100 to 409-030-025). In order to obtain a clinical practicum or clinical experience, students must meet the following standards and requirements set forth by the state.

Note: If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, please contact the program director for additional information. Deadlines and due dates for completing OHA requirements may vary by program.

Criminal background check

Criminal background check must be completed prior to clinical placement and no more than three months before entering the program.

Drug screen

Drug screen must be completed prior to clinical placement and no more than three months before entering the program.

TB skin test (two step) or chest x-ray

 There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Two-step TB skin test or
• Quantiferon Gold blood test or
• If the results are positive, a clear Chest X-Ray (with lab report) is required

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)

 There must be documentation the following:

• Tdap/Td booster within the past 10 years

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

 There must be documentation of oneof the following:

• Two vaccinations or
• Positive antibody titer (lab report required) or
• Medically documented history of disease

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)

 There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Two vaccinations or
• Positive antibody titers for all three components (lab reports required)

Hepatitis B

 There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Three vaccinations or
• Positive antibody titer (lab report required)

COVID-19 (OAR 333-019-010)

• Two vaccinations Pfizer or
• Two vaccinations Moderna or
• One vaccination Johnson & Johnson

Flu Vaccine

 (Recommended by OHA and required by some employers)

• Seasonal flu vaccine  

BLS/CPR certification (must be provider-level and valid through the end date of the course) 

Certification must be through the American Heart Association

Don't let cost become a barrier! Clackamas Community College offers numerous scholarships and grants.

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Financial Aid

The estimated cost of the Dental Assistant Program includes tuition, books, and additional fees associated with credentialing.

Upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting Program, students will be eligible to for the Dental Certification by the Oregon Board of Dentistry.

The cost of these exams is not included in the program tuition and fees:

• Certification: Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certification by the Oregon Board of Dentistry
• Cost: 
  • Second term, Winter
    • $270 Infection Control Exam (ICE)
    • $270 Radiology Exam (RHS)
    • $50 Radiology Proficiency Exam and Certificate
  • Third term, Spring
    • $300 EFDA Exam and Certificate

It is recommended to meet with a Health Science advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer pre-requisite program requirements.

Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, Academic Advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131

Phil Reid, Academic Advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623

The Dental Assisting program (DA) requires students complete the following academic pre-requisite requirements.

Prerequisite or placement tests:

• WR-121 English Composition or WR 101 Occupational Writing
• MTH 50 Technical Mathematics or MTH 65 Algebra II or higher

Submit your unofficial transcripts or Clackamas Community College (PASS) placement test scores to: Allied_Health_Admissions@clackamas.edu

To be successful in the Dental Assistant program and become employable, the student must be able to perform essential functions expected of the DA (see list below). Please contact the DA program regarding questions or concerns about these requirements.

Students must have the physical, intellectual and emotional abilities to provide safe patient care; visual acuity, hearing, speech, manual dexterity, physical strength and endurance must be maintained as well. The practice of dental assisting requires the following functional abilities with or without reasonable accommodations: 

Visual acuity (clearness of vision)

With or without corrective lenses sufficient to assess patients and their own environments.

Detect changes in skin color or condition; collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in patient care; detect a fire in a patient area and initiate emergency action; reading and following instructions pertaining to dental materials; ability to perform oral procedures involving fine detail, including the use of indirect field of vision.

Hearing ability

With or without hearing aids to hear a patient’s call for help, to auscultate a patient’s vital signs and their own environment.

Detect sounds related to bodily functions using a stethoscope; detect audible alarms within the frequency and volume ranges of sounds generated by mechanical systems that monitor bodily functions; hear clearly during telephone conversations; effectively hear to communicate with patients and other healthcare team members.

Olfactory ability (smells)

Detect smoke from burning materials; detect odors from hazardous material spills.

Tactile ability (sense of touch)

Read and record patient vital signs; detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing devices used in patient care; perform intra-oral patient care procedures; detect anatomical abnormalities.

Strength and Mobility

Ability to lift 25lbs; prolonged time sitting and/or standing on feet (8-12 hours); repetitive bending and twisting.

Ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write in English

Able to question the patient about their condition; accurately relay information about the patient both verbally and in written communication to others.

Fine motor skills (ability to make movements using the small muscles in your hands or wrists)

Demonstrate eye/hand coordination; safely dispose of needles in sharps containers; manipulate small equipment and small dental instruments; manipulate dental materials; handle and pass dental instruments; place and move instruments in oral cavity.

Emotional stability to function effectively under stress

Ability to adapt to changing situations and to follow through on assigned patient care responsibilities.

Cognitive ability (reasoning and/or thinking)

Ability to collect, analyze and apply information.

Ability to make clinical judgments and manage decisions that promote positive patient outcomes.

ADA Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 (ADA) mandates that reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with disabilities. Any student who may need an accommodation for a disability should make an appointment with the Program Director and the Disability Resource Center.

The Dental Assistant application requires prospective students to answer two essay questions. The applications are “de-identified” prior to reviewing and scoring the essays to reduce bias. It is recommended students meet with one of the Health Sciences Academic Advisor prior to completing your application. A dental assistant job shadow is recommended, but not required. 

Essay 1: (250 words or less) What are your goals for completing the Dental Assistant (DA) program?

Note: We are asking this question because we want to train students who are motivated to become dental assistants and ready to invest the time and effort required to be successful in the DA program.

Essay 2: (250 words or less) Describe in detail a work or training experience in which you used problem solving or critical thinking skills. What did you learn?

Note: We are asking this question because students in the DA program need to use critical thinking skills to be successful.