Program Description

This one-year certificate program prepares graduates for employment in the dental setting with emphasis on current concepts of clinical chairside assisting. A dental assistant may serve as a clinical chairside assistant, receptionist, office manager or laboratory technician.

For entry into Dental Assisting program, orientation seminar is required. Seminar will include information about the program, and paperwork that will need to be completed prior to attending classes. Questions and concerns will also be discussed.

Program Outcomes

UCC’s Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation, in association with the US Department of Education and the Dental Assisting National Board. The one-year certificate program is designed to prepare graduates for an exciting career in the dental profession. The program prepares the assistant for licensing exams including the Radiation Health and Safety Exam and the Certified Dental Assistant exam. After completion of the program and upon receipt of the Radiology Proficiency Certificate students will be eligible to receive their EFDA and EFODA certifications.

Students who successfully complete the Dental Assisting certificate will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of chairside skills during comprehensive patient care and treatment
2. Apply infection control procedures
3. Recognize and respond to medical emergencies in the dental setting
4. Practice appropriate communication skills with patients and establish professional working relationships in a team-centered dental office environment
5. Demonstrate safe working habits with the knowledge in Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standards
6. Demonstrate ethical conduct, moral attitudes and principles essential for maintaining trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient
7. Be prepared to take state and national licensure exams

Program Course Requirements

This program has three co-requisite courses: Math 60 or higher, Writing 115 or higher and Psychology 101. It is highly recommended that these courses are completed before starting the program, but they can also be taken during or after the program. All courses must be completed with a C grade or higher to complete the requirements for the Dental Assisting program. 

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
First Term		Credits
DA 103	Dentistry Law and Ethics	1
DA 107	Dental Health Education I	1
DA 108	Dental Health Education II	1
DA 110	Health Sciences	3
DA 192	Dental Materials I	3
DA 195	Chairside Procedures I	4
DA 210	Dental Radiology I	4
	Credits	17
Second Term
DA 111	Dental Terminology	2
DA 115	Dental Anatomy	3
DA 139	Med Emergencies in Dental Ofc	2
DA 196	Chairside Procedures II	4
DA 198	Dental Materials II	2
DA 211	Dental Radiology II	3
DA 280	CWE: Dental Assisting	1
	Credits	17
Third Term
DA 102	Adv Clinical Experiences	4
DA 135	Oral Pathology	2
DA 190	Dental Office Procedures	3
DA 280	CWE: Dental Assisting	9
	Credits	18
	Total Minimum Credits	52

Advising Notes

• Co-requisites: PSY 101, MTH 060 or higher and WR 115 must be completed prior to receiving the certificate, applying for EFDA, EFODA and/or registering for the CDA exam. 

Program Entrance Requirements

Program admission occurs once a year in fall term. The application process begins in January of each calendar year.

Drug Screening

All dental students must successfully pass a drug screening test at the time of admission into the Dental Program and are subject to random drug screening throughout the program. Failure to submit to a random drug screen or having a positive drug screen will result in sanctions per the UCC Student Code of Conduct (721.3). The cost is not covered by the student fees.

Background Check

All accepted dental assisting students will be required to undergo a background check prior to entering the program. Individuals with a criminal record may not be allowed into a healthcare facility as a student. Information pertaining to background checks and disqualifying crimes can be found online through The Department of Human Services (DHS) website oregon.gov/dhs/business-services/chc/Pages/index.aspx.

The program is required to deny admission or continuation in the Dental Assisting program to any student whose background poses a threat to an individual, the college, or the dental professional, or the community.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all courses on this advising guide with a grade of C or better to continue in and complete the program, receive their certificates, and meet the educational requirements to apply to take the national licensure exams through DANB (Dental Assisting National Board).

Program and Course Fees

Packet information will be turned in prior to starting classes. This includes:

1. Vaccination records, including updates
2. Background history check
3. Drug screening
4. Current HealthOcc CPR with AED

The cost to student is not included in program fees.