go.chemeketa.edu/dental

The Dental Assisting program offers technical training to people who want to work in dental offices and clinics. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678. The telephone number is 312.440.2500. The website is ada.org. The program includes instruction in assisting dentists in private offices or dental health clinics plus clinical and field trip experiences. Typical duties of dental assistants include preparing patients for treatment, mixing dental materials, taking impressions, sterilization and infection control, exposing and processing radiographic images, assisting with clinical procedures, expanded functions, and inventory control. Laboratory duties include pouring study models of teeth and fabrication of custom trays, temporary crowns, and small appliances. As office manager, a dental assistant acts as a receptionist, schedules appointments, keeps accounts and records, prepares statements and insurance billings, and is responsible for the general appearance of an office.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Dental Assisting certificate should be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

1. Perform basic and expanded chairside functions to facilitate the completion of restorative and advanced operative procedures.
2. Manipulate dental materials to support chairside and laboratory procedures.
3. Perform basic office procedures necessary to assist in managing a dental practice.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographic images.
5. Practice professional behaviors as applied to the workplace environment.
6. Manage asepsis, infection control, and hazard control protocol to promote a safe work environment.

If you have questions about the requirements, contact the Health Sciences Department at 503.399.5058 or email healthsciences@chemeketa.edu.

Getting Started

For admission to this program, an application is required. This is a separate step from the testing and assessment steps. Applications are available on the Chemeketa website (chemeketa.edu).

To enroll, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Once accepted into the program, students are required to submit a copy of their current CPR card and immunizations prior to fall registration. You must also pass a criminal background check and a drug test. Successful completion of the Dental Assisting program requires that you earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses. As a graduate, you are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examinations, including infection control, general chairside, and radiation health and safety.

​You may earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing the 64 credit hours listed below with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.