Dental Assistant, Certificate
Program Code: CC.DENTALASST
This is a limited-entry program. 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).
For more information, contact healthsciences@clackamas.edu.
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 Workplace Writing or WR-121Z Composition I
- 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.
Program Requirements and Prerequisites
Information regarding specific requirements and timelines are located at the Dental Assistant Program Website.
DA students will participate in unpaid, supervised externships in the dental care setting.
Accepted students will be required to complete a criminal background check, provide proof of immunization, complete a drug screen, and submit proof of current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider (provider level CPR) certification. Information regarding these requirements will be provided at the program orientation.
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.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DA-101 | Dental Radiology I | 2.00 |
| DA-101L | Dental Radiology I Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-104 | Clinical Procedures I | 2.00 |
| DA-104L | Clinical Procedures I Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-107 | Dental Materials I | 2.00 |
| DA-107L | Dental Materials I Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-110 | Clinical Practicum I | 1.00 |
| DA-115 | Dental Science | 2.00 |
| DA-125 | Dental Infection Control | 2.00 |
| WR-101 or WR-121Z | Workplace Writing or Composition I | 4.00 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Second Term | ||
| DA-102 | Dental Radiology II | 2.00 |
| DA-102L | Dental Radiology II Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-105 | Clinical Procedures II | 2.00 |
| DA-105L | Clinical Procedures II Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-108 | Dental Materials II | 2.00 |
| DA-108L | Dental Materials II Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-120 | Clinical Practicum II | 5.00 |
| PSY-101 | Human Relations | 3.00 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Term | ||
| DA-106 | Clinical Procedures III | 2.00 |
| DA-106L | Clinical Procedures III Lab | 1.00 |
| DA-130 | Clinical Practicum III | 8.00 |
| DA-135 | Pharmacology/Medical Emergencies | 2.00 |
| DA-145 | Dental Office Procedures | 2.00 |
| MTH-050 or MTH-065 | Technical Mathematics I or Algebra II | 4.00 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Total Credits | 54 | |
Dental lab schedules (am/pm) are based on lottery. Information will be provided at orientation.
All courses must be passed with a C or better.
Core curriculum is sequential and may not be taken out of order. Core curriculum is intended to be completed over three consecutive terms.