Associate of Applied Science Degree: 90 credits
Enrollment Point: Summer or Fall Quarter
The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a division of the American Dental Association. Students prepare for employment as Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). CDA’s will work in dental offices performing such tasks as four-handed dentistry, bookkeeping, x-rays, and expanded functions. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, small and large group discussions, and practicum.
Class typically meets Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Specific course hours will be provided upon entry to program. On clinic days, class meets from 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The hours during internship vary depending on the intern site.
A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon successful completion of all program course requirements (two [2] attempts per course only). To earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree, students must complete the certificate program and meet the general education course requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Engage students in the activities that support the knowledge and skills development necessary to perform assisting, laboratory, radiology and expanded functions skills as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act.
- Apply knowledge, skills and training in human relations, communications, basic principles of ethics, jurisprudence, preventive dentistry, and nutritional counseling in a dental practice.
- Demonstrate skills and attitudes that contribute to safe working conditions in the dental office, including environmental issues and all aspects of infection control as they relate to dentistry.
- Prepare students to achieve certification by successfully completing the Dental Assistant National Board Exams.
- Apply critical thinking skills to problem solve in a team environment, to provide professional patient care.
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