Dental Assisting

Class Video

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 two-year program, with the option of only taking one year (basic level/entry level dental assistant). The program is established to provide students, both men and women, with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required by the dental profession to work in a dental environment. 

The dental program will teach students the skills necessary to become a registered dental assistant, hygiene assistant, dental sterilization technician, entry level 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.

The second year of the program will take the basic skills learned in the first year and learn more in depth specialty procedures, and will prepare for taking two parts of the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (Infection Control and Radiation Health and Safety).

Pathway:

Program of Study

STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAMS WILL LEARN:

• Professionalism Skills
• Leadership opportunities
• Chairside dental assisting skills
• Front office reception skills
• Dental laboratory techniques
• Dental sterilization and disinfection procedures
• Dental materials
• Dental anatomy and terminology
• Preventive dentistry and nutrition
• Documentation and charting
• Dental radiology

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

• 3 High School credits
• Certificate of Completion each year
• Entry level / advanced clinical and reception skills
• Preparation for next level of education/training
• Successful completion of the program, with a grade of 85% or higher, may result in college credit
• Professional connections and associations
• Volunteer opportunities
• Preparation for DANB Radiology and Infection Control Examinations
• Career experience (job shadow, internship, and on-site clinic)

CERTIFICATIONS/CREDITS:

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:

Dental Assisting I

• Reading and writing proficiency at 10th grade level
• Excellent high school attendance record
• Must provide proof of immunization records including Hepatitis, MMR, TB, and an updated Tetanus

Dental Assisting II

• Must pass 1st year program with a B grade or better to qualify for 2nd year; limited space available
• Must have own transportation to training site

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Health, biology, chemistry, speech/communication, and English classes
• Successful completion of reading and writing HSPE

Note:
Upon acceptance into the program, student and parent/guardian must participate in the Orientation/Interview at the Skills Center.

ORGANIZATIONS:

ADAA (American Dental Assistant Association) student membership, strongly recommended (approximately $35)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Registered Dental Assistant
• Dental Sterilization Technician
• Lab Technician
• Front Office/Receptionist
• Dental Hygiene Assistant