The Certificate of Completion Dental Assisting is a three-term certificate that prepares students to meet the requirements to become a dental assistant with expanded functions (EFDA). Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams: National Entry-Level Dental Assisting (NELDA) exam, the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and the Infection Control Exam (ICE). The curriculum is based on general dentistry. Students are trained in four-handed chairside assisting techniques to work with general dentists during all phases of examination and treatment. Students also gain experience in the administrative aspects of dentistry such as scheduling, patient communication, charting and billing. Curriculum is derived from identified learning outcomes relevant to the discipline. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health program.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.
Student entering this program must obtain certification through the American Heart Association in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as per the Oregon Health Authority requirements (Chapter 409, Division 30 https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayChapterRules.action?selectedChapter=34). Additionally, specific immunizations, drug screening, and background checks are required.
For more information contact the administrative assistant in Sumner Hall, Rm 4, 541-888-7443, or the director at 541-888-7298. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health programs.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Dental Assisting can be found online.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 52 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. All courses must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Dental Assisting is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH60 | Algebra I (or placement in higher math course) | 4 |
| WR90R | Academic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course) | 4 |
| HE252 | First Aid & CPR Professional Rescue (or have equivalent certification) | 3 |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| AH111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| DEN101 | Dental Assisting I 1,3 | 4 |
| DEN102 | Infection Control | 2 |
| DEN103 | Introduction to Dental Assisting Seminar | 1 |
| DEN114 | Dental Admin & Legal and Ethical | 4 |
| WR115 | Introduction to Expository Writing 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Winter | ||
| DEN104 | Dental & Medical Emergency Mngmt | 2 |
| DEN105 | Dental Materials | 2 |
| DEN107 | Practicum in Dental Assisting I 1 | 4 |
| DEN110 | Dental Radiology | 4 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I (or higher) | 4 |
| DEN280 | CWE: Dental Assisting | 2 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| DEN109 | Dental Assisting II 1 | 4 |
| DEN111 | Practicum in Dental Assisting II | 4 |
| DEN112 | Chairside Assisting | 2 |
| DEN113 | Expanded Functions Dental Assistant | 2 |
| DEN280 | CWE: Dental Assisting 1 | 2 |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
| 1 | This course has Oregon Health Authority requirements, (Chapter 409, Division 30 https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayChapterRules.action?selectedChapter=34) such as immunizations, drug screen, criminal background check, American Heart Association CPR/BLS card, OSHA/HIPAA trainings, program policies, etc. Students must meet the Oregon Health Authority requirement before they can register for DEN101, DEN107, DEN111, and DEN280. |
| 2 | WR121, WR122, WR123 English Composition, or WR227 Report Writing; WR121H,WR122H, or WR123H English Composition with honors, may be substituted for WR115 Introduction to Expository Writing. |
| 3 | Students are require to obtain an American Heart Association BLS CPR/First Aid certification or equivalent before students can to register for DEN 101. For more information, contact the Administrative Assistant, Sumner Hall, room 4, 541-888-7443, or at jstalcup@socc.edu. Information about the Dental Assisting Program (https://www.socc.edu/allied-health) may also be obtained online. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of dental instruments and terminology.
- Demonstrate general chairside skills.
- Demonstrate radiographic proficiency.
- Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical issues in dentistry.
- Demonstrate proficiency in infection control techniques.
- Demonstrate occupational safety skills.
- Demonstrate patient education and management skills.
- Demonstrate administrative office skills.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills.