Dental Assisting, Certificate of Completion
Program Note
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.
Note: Program is not nationally accredited by a healthcare accrediting body. Check with individual states for specific licensure or scope of practice requirements.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process. Program requires instructor consent to register.
Students 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, go to myLakerLink at https://mylakerlink.socc.edu/ICS/Admissions/Program_Specific_Forms.jnz.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 47 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. Twelve (12) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion 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).
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.
Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process. Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| AH111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| DEN101 | Dental Assisting I 1 | 4 |
| DEN102 | Infection Control | 2 |
| DEN103 | Introduction to Practicum | 1 |
| DEN114 | Dental Admin & Legal and Ethical | 4 |
| WR115 | Fundamentals of Report Writing 2 | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Winter | ||
| DEN104 | Dental & Medical Emergency Management | 2 |
| DEN105 | Dental Materials | 2 |
| DEN107 | Practicum in Dental Assisting I | 4 |
| DEN110 | Dental Radiology | 4 |
| MTH65 | Beginning Algebra 3 | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations 4 | 3 |
| DEN109 | Dental Assisting II | 2 |
| DEN111 | Practicum in Dental Assisting II | 4 |
| DEN112 | Chairside Assisting | 2 |
| DEN113 | Expanded Functions Dental Assistant | 2 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
- 1
This course has Oregon Health Authority requirements, such as immunizations, clean drug screen, criminal background check, American Heart Association CPR/BLS card, OSHA/HIPAA trainings, program policies, etc. Students must meet the Oregon Health Authority requirements during their enrollment in DEN101.
- 2
- 3
MTH95 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH65.
- 4
Any PSY or SOC course above a 100-level or BA120 may be substituted.