Dental Assisting, Certificate of Completion
Program Note
This program is on pause for the 2023-2024 academic year and will resume taking students in the 2024-2025 academic year.
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.
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.
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 go to myLakerLink at https://mylakerlink.socc.edu/ICS/Admissions/Program_Specific_Forms.jnz.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 53 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. One course 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 Dental Assisting Seminar | 1 |
| DEN114 | Dental Admin & Legal and Ethical | 4 |
| WR115 | Fundamentals of Report Writing 2 | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Winter | ||
| DEN104 | Dental & Medical Emergency Mngmt | 2 |
| DEN105 | Dental Materials | 2 |
| DEN107 | Practicum in Dental Assisting I | 4 |
| DEN110 | Dental Radiology | 4 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I 3 | 4 |
| DEN280 | CWE: Dental Assisting | 2 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| DEN109 | Dental Assisting II | 4 |
| DEN111 | Practicum in Dental Assisting II | 4 |
| DEN112 | Chairside Assisting | 2 |
| DEN113 | Expanded Functions Dental Assistant | 2 |
| DEN280 | CWE: Dental Assisting | 2 |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 53 | |
- 1
This course has Oregon Health Authority requirements, 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 requirements during their enrollment in DEN101.
- 2
WR121 or WR121Z, WR122 or WR122Z, WR123, WR227 or WR227Z may be substituted for WR115.
- 3
MTH65 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH60.