Program Code: CC.DENTALASST
This program accepts 24 students per cohort. Students must complete an online program application. Detailed information and application can be found on the program webpage.
This program prepares students for entry-level employment in dental care settings while ensuring competency in technical, ethical, and communication skills necessary for professional success. Students will demonstrate work ethics and professional values consistent with that of the American Dental Association (ADA).
During the program, students will complete the following credentialing exams: Infection Control Exam (ICE), Radiology Health and Safety Exam (RHS), and the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA).
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;
- list the signs, symptoms and response steps of medical emergencies in the dental office.
Information regarding specific requirements, prerequisites, application, and timelines are located on the Dental Assistant Program Website.
The Dental Assistant (DA) Program requires students to complete an online application form located on the Dental Assistant Program Website. Accepted students are required to attend a mandatory orientation prior to starting.
Students will participate in unpaid, supervised externships in the dental care setting.
Accepted students in all health sciences programs with a clinical component must meet Oregon Health Authority Rules for Students in Clinical Settings. These include:
- Screenings - Criminal Background Check, Drug Screen, Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test
- Immunizations - Tdap, Varicella, MMR, Hep B, Covid-19 (recommended), flu (recommended)
- Certifications - BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association
- HP-100 Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR, First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens satisfies this requirement
Information regarding these requirements will be provided at the program orientation. More information about the OHA rules can be found here.
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.
Plan of Study Grid | Fall Term |
|---|
| 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
| Workplace Writing
or Composition I | 4.00 |
| | Credits | 18 |
| Winter 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 |
| Spring 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
| 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.
Career opportunities include:
- managed care facilities
- private dental practice
- state and county clinics
- dental schools
- insurance industry
