Dental Assisting
Reception Desk (Scheduling for appointments): (360)604-1057
Please click here for information about our Community Dental Clinic.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Dental Assisting class is a one-year program, with the option of second year advanced class, established to provide students, both male and female, with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required by the dental profession to work in a dental environment.
The program will teach students the skills necessary to become a registered dental assistant, hygiene assistant, dental sterilization technician, lab technician, and/or front office receptionist. Over 50% of the instruction in this program is devoted to hands-on experience in the on-site dental clinic. The remaining portion of the instruction will be devoted to building professionalism skills, traditional chairside dental assisting duties, dental x-rays, dental materials, terminology, safety issues, and career development. Students completing the dental program will have entry level skills in dental assisting and will be encouraged to further their training at a post-secondary institution or dental environment.
STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAMS WILL LEARN:
- Chairside Dental Assisting Skills
- Dental Anatomy and Terminology
- Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
- Dental Radiology
- Dental Sterilization and Disinfection Procedures
- On-site Clinical Experience as well as Off-site Community Internship
- Professionalism Skills
- Three high school credits per year
- Competency Certificate
- Entry level clinical and reception skills
- Preparation for next level of education/training
Preparation for DANB Radiology and Infection Control Examinations
(second year)
Columbia Basin College Credits
Healthcare Provider CPR
Bloodborne Pathogens (HIV/AIDS)
HIPAA
Hazard Communications
PREQUISITES:
Ability to read, write and speak English
Enjoy working with people
Good communication
ORGANIZATIONS:
Optional student membership in ADAA (American Dental Assistant Association).
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
- Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental Sterilization Technician
- Lab Technician
- Front Office/Receptionist
- Dental Hygiene Assistant