Dental Assistant, Certificate

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).

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

This limited entry program requires the applicant to meet the program requirements prior to being formally admitted into the program. Information regarding specific requirements and timelines are located at www.clackamas.edu/dental-assistant.

DA students will participate in unpaid, supervised externships in the dental care setting.

Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider (provider level CPR) and First Aid (AHA Heartsaver) certification are required during practicums. All 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.

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
First Term		Credits
DA-101	Dental Radiology I	2
DA-101L	Dental Radiology I Lab	1
DA-104	Clinical Procedures I	2
DA-104L	Clinical Procedures I Lab	1
DA-107	Dental Materials I	2
DA-107L	Dental Materials I Lab	1
DA-110	Clinical Practicum I	1
DA-115	Dental Science	2
DA-125	Dental Infection Control	2
WR-101 or WR-121Z	Workplace Writing or Composition I	4
	Credits	18
Second Term
DA-102	Dental Radiology II	2
DA-102L	Dental Radiology II Lab	1
DA-105	Clinical Procedures II	2
DA-105L	Clinical Procedures II Lab	1
DA-108	Dental Materials II	2
DA-108L	Dental Materials II Lab	1
DA-120	Clinical Practicum II	5
PSY-101	Human Relations	3
	Credits	17
Third Term
DA-106	Clinical Procedures III	2
DA-106L	Clinical Procedures III Lab	1
DA-130	Clinical Practicum III	8
DA-135	Pharmacology/Medical Emergencies	2
DA-145	Dental Office Procedures	2
MTH-050 or MTH-065	Technical Mathematics I or Algebra II	4
	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.