pcc.edu/programs/dental-assisting
Career and Program Description
The dental assistant is a member of the dental team, working with and assisting the dentist and hygienist during clinical procedures. Traditional duties and responsibilities include: exposing and developing dental radiographs, mixing dental materials, organizing and preparing treatment rooms, passing dental instruments and materials to the dentist, taking impressions, preparing, placing and removing rubber dams, placing topical anesthetic, fluoride and desensitizing agents, sterilizing instruments, disinfecting dental equipment, comforting patients during dental appointments and educating patients on various dental procedures. Graduates are also prepared to perform the following expanded duties: polish teeth and restorations, fabricate and cement temporary crowns, remove cement, place temporary restorations, place and remove matrix retainers, place sealants, perform temporary denture relines, place retraction cord and various orthodontic duties.
Computer skills are an important asset to a dental assistant. Students should be familiar with basic computer key boarding skills. Dental computer programs are learned in the office procedures courses.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
One-Year Certificate
Dental Assisting
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Academic Prerequisites
- High school diploma or college transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA, or GED.
- Completion of the following courses or their equivalents, with a "C" or better, is required to be considered for application to the Dental Assisting Program.
- WR 115 or IRW 115 or higher level writing course (Placement into WR 121Z can substitute for the WR 115 and IRW 115 course).
- MP 111 must be completed prior to enrolling in any Dental Assisting courses.
- A College Success Course of 2 or more credits or completion of any other college course with 2 or more credits (in addition to MP 111) with a grade of "C" or better.
- Pass/No Pass grades are not acceptable in prerequisites.
- The Dental Assisting program is a limited entry program with restricted enrollment. For details, please see Apply to Dental Assisting.
Academic Requirements
- None
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- 12 hours of shadowing in a dental office or clinic facility that is documented by dentist's signature with the dentist's business card attached.
- Applicants should have all program prerequisite courses and job shadowing experiences completed by the end of winter term. Courses planned for spring term will not be considered for the current year's application process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update their information by providing final grades of courses which are in progress at the time of application.
- All students are required to be immunized against Hepatitis B as well as evidence of immunity to measles, tetanus immunization and current tuberculin skin test (TST). Test must be within previous 12 months. Positive TST will require evidence of normal chest x-ray (supply upon acceptance).
- A valid (current) Healthcare Provider CPR that includes Adult, Child, Infant and AED is required.
Non-Academic Requirements
- Criminal Background Check
- All PCC students enrolled in a health care or child care program, including Dental Assisting, with requirements for practical experience of field training must pass a Criminal History Check (CHC) and a drug screen as a condition of their acceptance into a medical or other facility for training.
- Students who do not pass the CHC and drug screen are not eligible to complete training at affiliated practicum sites, to sit for licensure or certification exams; or be hired for some professional positions. If you believe that your past history may interfere with your ability to complete the program of study or to obtaining licensure, or certification in your chosen field, you should contact the appropriate state board or program director.
- The Dental Assisting Certificate prepares the student for job entry with State and National certification in dental radiology, basic dental assisting and expanded function dental assisting.
- Students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program perform exposure prone procedures and are required to wear safety glasses, gloves, face masks and protective clothing during all laboratory and clinic activities that produce airborne particulate matter, or expose students to patients during dental procedures. An exposure prone procedure is one in which there is an increased opportunity for the exchange of blood borne pathogens between the patient and the dental health care provider because of the kind of procedure being performed.
- Safety policies, procedures and protocols are taught and followed according to OSHA regulations and CDC Standards to provide a safe learning and patient care environment. The program policies on blood borne pathogens and infectious disease are available to applicants upon request. Upon acceptance to the program, extensive training in this area will occur.
- Applicants who have an infectious disease or who are carriers of an infectious disease should seek counsel from their physician and the program director prior to application. The college follows CDC suggested work restrictions for health-care personnel infected with or exposed to major infectious diseases in health care settings, from the CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings–2003 available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm, Table 1, attached to and incorporated by this reference to this policy.
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All aspects of the Dental Assisting Program are continually assessed to provide on-going excellence and continuing improvement, and are subject to change.
Dental Assisting One-Year Certificate
Minimum 45 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.
Dental Assisting Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DA 109 | Public Health and Community-Based Learning | 1 |
| DA 110 | Introductory Concepts in Dental Procedures § | 2.5 |
| DA 111 | Introductory Concepts in Dental Procedures (Lab) § | 2 |
| DA 112 | Dental Specialties | 1 |
| DA 113 | Intermediate Concepts in Dental Procedures (Lab) § | 1.5 |
| DA 114 | Public Health and Community-Based Learning II | 1 |
| DA 117 | Infection Control | 1 |
| DA 120 | Dental Radiology I § | 3 |
| DA 121 | Dental Radiology I (Lab) § | 2 |
| DA 122 | Dental Radiology II | 1 |
| DA 123 | Dental Radiology II (Lab) § | 1.5 |
| DA 130 | Dental Materials I | 1 |
| DA 131 | Dental Materials I (Lab) § | 2 |
| DA 132 | Dental Materials II § | 1 |
| DA 133 | Dental Materials II (Lab) § | 1.5 |
| DA 140A | Dental Sciences I | 1.5 |
| DA 142 | Dental Sciences II | 1.5 |
| DA 150 | Dental Practice Management § | 1 |
| DA 152 | Career Preparedness Capstone § | 1 |
| DA 161 | Patient Management: Pharmacology and Medical Emergencies | 1 |
| DA 162 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Dentistry | 1 |
| DA 170 | Dental Assisting Practicum I § | 2 |
| DA 171 | Practicum Seminar I | 1 |
| DA 172 | Dental Assisting Practicum II § | 8 |
| DA 173 | Practicum Seminar II | 1 |
| DA 181 | Expanded Functions § | 1 |
| DA 182 | Expanded Functions (Lab) § | 1 |
| Dental Assisting Electives | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- §
Course cannot be substituted for another course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MP 111 | Medical Terminology | |
| WR 115 | Introduction to College Composition |
DA 109. Public Health and Community-Based Learning. 1 Credit.
Introduces a community-based learning project. Covers working in small groups to plan, create and present an oral health based project to meet the oral health needs of a chosen demographic. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.
DA 110. Introductory Concepts in Dental Procedures. 2.5 Credits.
Introduces the theory behind the clinical aspects of dental assisting duties and responsibilities. Includes four-handed dentistry concepts, restorative procedures, nutrition, and oral health care for the dental patient. Covers proper protocol regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the patient record. Corequisites: DA 111 and DA 117. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 111. Introductory Concepts in Dental Procedures (Lab). 2 Credits.
Introduces clinical training and practical experience in four-handed dentistry. Includes dental assisting duties and responsibilities. Introduces clinical safety, privacy policies, patient records, restorative procedures, isolation procedures, dental records, disinfection, and sterilization. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program. Corequisite: DA 110, DA 117.
DA 112. Dental Specialties. 1 Credit.
Covers intermediate concepts of the clinical aspect of dental assisting duties and responsibilities. Introduces dental specialties and the dental assistant's role in the areas of periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, implants, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Prerequisites: DA 110, and acceptance in the Dental Assisting program. Corequisite: DA 113.
DA 113. Intermediate Concepts in Dental Procedures (Lab). 1.5 Credit.
Covers intermediate clinical training and practical experience in general dentistry and dental assisting duties and responsibilities. Introduces dental specialties such as periodontics, oral surgery, and periodontal surgery. Provides an opportunity to gain chairside dental assisting experiences through the PCC Dental Clinic. Introduces the intraoral camera, isolite system, and independent charting of existing restorations and conditions from radiographs and clinical evaluation. Continues experience in electronic records and dental software. Corequisites: DA 112. Prerequisites: DA 111, and acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 114. Public Health and Community-Based Learning II. 1 Credit.
Covers the clinical application of equipment, maintenance and best practices in a dental office. Visits to public health organizations and/or guest speakers reinforces the community-based learning project. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting Program.
DA 117. Infection Control. 1 Credit.
Covers the essential elements and implementation of infection control and occupational safety in a dental healthcare setting: Includes microbiology, infection control, occupational safety, disease transmission, standard/universal precautions, personal protection, sterilization and disinfection principles, instrument processing, CDC guidelines, OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard, hazard communication, dental unit water lines, and medical waste disposal. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program. Corequisites: DA 110 - Introductory Concepts in Dental Procedures DA 111 - Introductory Concepts in Dental Procedures (Lab).
DA 120. Dental Radiology I. 3 Credits.
Introduces the uses of digital images in dentistry. Includes the history of radiation discovery, biological effects of X-ray in tissues, and safety principles. Includes identification of normal anatomy, and interpretation and identification of pathology seen on an intraoral dental image. Corequisite: DA 121. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 121. Dental Radiology I (Lab). 2 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to practice radiographic techniques on manikins, correlating activities to the DA 120 lecture. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program. Corequisite: DA 120.
DA 122. Dental Radiology II. 1 Credit.
Continues the examination of the philosophy and principles of dental radiography with review and preparation for national and state certification examinations. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program, and DA 120. Corequisites: DA 123.
DA 123. Dental Radiology II (Lab). 1.5 Credit.
Continues exploring the practice of radiographic techniques on manikins and clinic patients under direct supervision. Corequisites: DA 122. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting Program, and DA 121.
DA 130. Dental Materials I. 1 Credit.
Introduces dental materials and laboratory equipment used in the dental office. Covers the physical and chemical properties, manipulation, and uses of gypsum products, restorative materials, and impressions materials. Includes waxes, the etching and bonding process, acrylic dental polymers, dental liners, varnishes, desensitizers, bases, and an overview of crown and bridge preparation procedures. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program. Corequisite: DA 131.
DA 131. Dental Materials I (Lab). 2 Credits.
Provides laboratory experience and skill development in dental assisting materials and laboratory equipment. Covers the proper handling of dental materials including gypsum products, restorative materials, impression materials, dental cements, dental bases, and provisional crown fabrication during manipulation and application. Includes an introduction to CAD/CAM technology in dentistry. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program. Corequisites: DA 130.
DA 132. Dental Materials II. 1 Credit.
Covers intermediate concepts of dental materials, including various dental specialties, soft denture relines, suture removal, endodontic materials, and periodontal dressings. Includes materials, process, and construction of fixed and removable prosthesis. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting Program, and DA 130. Corequisite: DA 133.
DA 133. Dental Materials II (Lab). 1.5 Credit.
Covers intermediate laboratory skill development in dental assisting materials and laboratory equipment. Includes the processes and materials used during the construction of fixed and removable prosthesis. Introduces dental materials used in various dental specialties. Includes an introduction to soft denture relines, suture removal, endodontic materials, and periodontal dressings. Corequisite: DA 132. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting Program, and DA 131.
DA 140A. Dental Sciences I. 1.5 Credit.
Covers basic principles of oral anatomy and the study of tooth form and function. Introduces dental numbering systems, and some conditions manifested in the mouth (oral pathology). Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 142. Dental Sciences II. 1.5 Credit.
Covers a specialized study of the structures in the head and neck with an emphasis on the oral cavity, anesthesia, and a review of diseases that manifest in the oral cavity. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program, and DA 140A.
DA 150. Dental Practice Management. 1 Credit.
Provides an overview of procedures associated with reception desk responsibilities and dental office management. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 152. Career Preparedness Capstone. 1 Credit.
Covers oral and written communication, resume creation, job interview readiness along with job search techniques related to dentistry. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 161. Patient Management: Pharmacology and Medical Emergencies. 1 Credit.
Provides an overview of pharmacology and responding to medical emergencies within a dental clinic. Covers drug classifications, administration, therapeutic uses, as well as contraindications, interactions, and adverse reactions. Discusses how to identify and react to medical emergencies within a dental setting. Reviews how to respond to patients with special needs and those with underlying medical conditions, including appropriate accommodations, and oral healthcare adaptations. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting program.
DA 162. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Dentistry. 1 Credit.
Explores the legal and ethical dimensions of the dental profession, and professional standards and responsibilities as established by dental professions. Discusses legal framework governing dental practice, including laws and regulations specific to patient privacy, informed consent, record-keeping, and professional liability. Examines ethical principles and codes of conduct, fostering ethical decision-making and promoting professionalism in patient care. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.
DA 170. Dental Assisting Practicum I. 2 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to gain chairside dental assisting experiences through clinical rotations at a dental practicum location; OHSU School of Dentistry and/or other participating offices. Corequisites: DA 171. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.
DA 171. Practicum Seminar I. 1 Credit.
Provides opportunities to discuss and debrief about the practical experiences encountered while attending initial externship sites. Explores ethical problem solving and appropriate resolutions using real life examples. Corequisites: DA 170. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.
DA 172. Dental Assisting Practicum II. 8 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to gain chairside dental assisting experiences through clinical rotations at participating externship offices.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program. Corequisites: DA 173.
DA 173. Practicum Seminar II. 1 Credit.
Provides opportunity to discuss and debrief experiences encountered while attending final externship sites. Explores ethical problem solving and appropriate resolutions using real-life examples. Corequisites: DA 172. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Dental Assisting Program.
DA 181. Expanded Functions. 1 Credit.
Introduces concepts for Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) certification as allowed by the Oregon Dental Practice Act, and Expanded Functions Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA). Focuses on the rationale and procedures for coronal polishing, amalgam and composite finishing/polishing, fluoride application, retraction cord placement, pit and fissure sealant placement, and orthodontic specialty procedures. Corequisites: DA 182. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.
DA 182. Expanded Functions (Lab). 1 Credit.
Covers clinical training and practical experience in Expanded Function Dental Assisting (EFDA) and Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA) duties as allowed by the Oregon Dental Practice Act. Focuses on expanded function procedures such as coronal polishing, amalgam and composite finishing/polishing, fluoride application, retraction cord placement, pit and fissure sealant placement, and orthodontic specialty procedures. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program. Corequisites: DA 181.