Dental Assisting

Spring 2018

Start

Fall

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website

View the program website

Program Description

Dental Assisting is a one year Allied Health profession specifically concerned with preparing the student for employment as a chairside dental assistant to the dentist and other auxiliaries. In addition to the certificate an additional year is available for the AAS degree.

The primary role of the dental assistant includes several modalities which include:
 
Chairside area: review and record medical and dental histories and any other data required; prepare treatment rooms and patients for treatment; chart and document patients information; assist the dentist and other auxiliaries in general and specialty treatment of patients; Instruct patients in oral hygiene techniques and various dental procedures; prepare various dental materials; sterilize and disinfect dental instruments and equipment. Perform a variety expanded functions that are legal in the state of Washington. (see Department of Health WAC 246-817-520); Expose, process and mount various types of traditional and digital radiographs becoming proficient in the various types of equipment which require a highly skilled operator to obtain the imaging information and other data required.

Reception area: appoint patients for treatments, maintain a patient recall system, file and maintain patient and office records, complete patient insurance forms and make financial arrangements with patients; order and maintain dental supplies and equipment. 

This program is accredited by the American Dental Association (http://www.ada.org/en/coda/accreditation) American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone (800) 621.8099 or (312) 440.4653.

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam immediately following graduation. Students in this program are required to complete three separate clinical internships. 
 

Course of Study

We strongly recommend students seek advising from the Dental Assisting Department prior to applying to the program in person or by phone. All questions should be brought to the advising appointment.

Program Director:   Mrs. Pat Norman
Email:   pat.norman@scc.spokane.edu
Phone:   509-533-7301

Admission packets due June 15

Send documentation to:
 
Spokane Community College
Dental Assisting Department
1810 North Greene Street
Spokane, WA 99217
MS: 2090  Attn: Mrs. Pat Norman

Interviews will be conducted the first part of August. You will be notified prior if you have been chosen for the interview process.

Admission Requirements: After entering the Dental Assisting program, students are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade in each class before proceeding to the next quarter.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Perform basic chairside assisting techniques in general and specialty practices.
  2. Identify and utilize instruments, equipment, medications, and dental operatory maintaining the asepsis chain.
  3. Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs.
  4. Comprehend dental terminology, record patient medical and dental history, and chart pertinent patient information.
  5. Gain understanding of dental materials, prepare and utilize appropriately.
  6. Identify and apply the concepts of dental ethics in relationships to the patient, dentist, and other auxiliaries of the dental team.
  7. Schedule patients for various treatments, maintain a recall system, order and maintain supplies, complete patient insurance forms, make financial arrangements, and utilize basic dental software.
  8. Perform dental assisting expanded functions allowed in the state of Washington.