Dec 10, 2024  
College Catalog 2022-2023 
    
College Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dental Assistant Certificate


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Certificate of Completion: 80 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: 

  • Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform chairside assisting, including clinical, laboratory, radiology and expanded functions procedures as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act.
  • Demonstrate clear communication by following written and verbal directives and delivering clear, accurate instructions and/or critical patient education.
  • Demonstrate accountability of practice with adherence to ethical and legal standards of the dental profession.
  • 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.
  • Achieve certification by successfully completing the Dental Assistant National Board Exams.

Program Requirements


Below is the course sequence for students who enter in Summer Quarter. The course sequence for other entry points may vary. 

GPA Requirements


  • Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
  • Minimum grade for each DENT course: 2.7
  • Minimum grade for all other courses: 2.0

*Note: Clinical & Field-Based Experience courses require a Satisfactory (S) grade.

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