The purpose of this program is to prepare graduates for employment in the dental field with emphasis on current concepts and hands-on skills for clinical chairside assisting. Included classes also offer some cross-training and pathways to dental receptionist-bookkeeper.
Cost
Estimated Cost for Core Program: $ 15,226
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Resident Tuition: $ 6,960
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Technology Fees: $ 672
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General Student Fees: $ 450
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Online Course Fee: $ 100
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Books / Course Materials: $ 600 (Some courses use Open Educational Resources (OER), which are free or low-cost materials)
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Program Specific Fees: $ 2,267 (certifications-licensure-exams, health insurance, application fee, background check, drug/alcohol screening, physical exams and immunizations)
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Other Cost / Expenses: $ 2,513 (instruments/tools, uniforms and shoes)
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Differential Fees: $ 1,664
Estimated Cost for Prerequisites: $ 3,405
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Resident Tuition: $ 2,755
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Technology Fees: $ 350
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General Student Fees: $ 300
Costs provided are estimates only, and may differ depending on course type and/or modality. Learn more and view current tuition and fee information.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this program will be able to:
PLO 1 - Write/edit multiple types of professional communications
PLO 2 - Accurately expose, develop and mount diagnostic radiographs using multiple systems
PLO 3 - Compute mixing amounts and calculate formulas utilized in dental procedures
PLO 4 - Apply knowledge and skills required for business office procedures
PLO 5 - Access information via dental journals and web sites
PLO 6 - Identify classifications of anatomical structures and Systematically collect diagnostic data
PLO 7 - Maintain a professional working environment
PLO 8 - Provide an aseptic environment and prevent disease transmission
PLO 9 - Apply principles of ethical reasoning, decision making and professional responsibility
PLO 10 - Apply interpersonal communication and collaborative skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups, health care providers, dental professionals and community groups
PLO 11 - Perform or assist with a variety of clinical treatments used in all areas of dentistry
Admission Information
Contact the Health Professions Division or view the application information on our website. Dental Assisting is a concentrated program that requires good reading and study skills. Dexterity for manipulation of small items and good eyesight are also required. This program and profession include possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases. Training is included to minimize risk to students and patients.
Program Requirements
All courses must be completed with a letter grade of C or better. P/NP is not accepted.
Prerequisites Prior to Applying
| WR 115 | Introduction to College Composition | 4 |
| MTH 052 | Math for Health and Physical Sciences | 4 |
WR: See Footnote 1.
MTH: See Footnote 2.
Complete one of the following sequences:
1. Dental Health Sciences - 1 course: (recommended)
2. Human Body Systems - 2 courses:
3. Anatomy & Physiology - 2 courses:
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4 |
Recommended Prerequisites
The following courses are recommended, but not required for program entry.
Program Core Courses
| DA 102 | Advanced Clinical Experiences | 3 |
| DA 103 | Dentistry Law and Ethics | 2 |
| DA 105 | Infection Control | 2 |
| DA 107 | Dental Health Education 1 | 1 |
| DA 108 | Dental Health Education 2 | 2 |
| DA 115 | Dental Anatomy | 3 |
| DA 192 | Dental Materials | 3 |
| DA 193 | Dental Materials 2 | 3 |
| DA 194 | Dental Office Procedures | 2 |
| DA 195 | Chairside Procedures 1 | 5 |
| DA 196 | Chairside Procedures 2 | 7 |
| DA 206 | Co-op Ed: Dental Assisting Seminar | 1 |
| DA 210 | Dental Radiology 1 | 4 |
| DA 211 | Dental Radiology 2 | 3 |
| DA 280 | Co-op Ed: Dental Assisting | 1-12 |
DA 280: complete a minimum of 7 credits
Note - completing all DA courses fulfills the Human Relations degree requirement
Footnotes
1 – Any writing above WR 115 is also accepted. A prior bachelor's degree (verified by a transcript from a U.S.-accredited institution) or higher, may be used to meet the Writing requirement
2 – MTH 098 or any math (MTH/STAT) above MTH 052 is also accepted
Notes
- All DA courses must be passed with a class average of 75% or higher to remain in the program. (Courses with both a didactic and laboratory/clinical component must have a minimum grade of 75% in BOTH components to qualify as passing.)
- For DA courses, students must be accepted and enrolled in the Dental Assisting program: The employed dental assistant may be eligible to register for any DA course offered if space permits AND the working assistant meets state credentialing qualifications by contacting the Program Coordinator, Leslie Greer 541-463-5638
- Although prerequisite courses are not required to apply, their grades are used for application points and will make the application more competitive. Recommended pre-requisites can also accrue application points.
Licensing and Certification
Upon graduation and successful completion of the board exams, students will qualify for the following: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - National credential; Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)- Oregon credential; Expanded Function Orthodontic Assistant (EFODA) - Oregon credential; Oregon Radiological Proficiency - Oregon X-ray license; additional certificates to place pit and fissure sealants (Oregon), place denture soft relines (Oregon), place gingival retraction cord (Oregon).
Accreditation
Accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting board recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education. The Commission may be contacted at 800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653 or 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. This accreditation allows for credentialing via Pathway I through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Sample Term Planner
Dental Assisting Sample Term Planner
*Subject to change. Connect with an academic advisor to create an individualized academic planner.