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May 19, 2025
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College Catalog 2025-2026
Dental Assistant Certificate
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 Return to: Career Training Programs
Certificate of Completion: 60 credits
Academic Plan: DEADAC45
Enrollment Point: Fall or Winter Quarter
Students prepare for employment as Registered Dental Assistants (RDA). RDA’s will work in dental offices performing such tasks as four-handed dentistry, bookkeeping/record keeping, exposing radiographs, obtaining
digital scans and performing expanded functions. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, small and large group discussions, and practicum.
Class typically meets Monday through Friday from 8:00am-2:30pm either online or on campus. Specific course hours will be provided upon entry to program. On clinic days, class meets on campus from 7:00am-3:00pm.
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 NELDA certification by successfully completing the Dental Assistant National Board Exam.
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Program Requirements
Below is the course sequence for students who enter in Fall Quarter. The course sequence for other entry points may vary. To be admitted to the Dental Assistant Program, a prospective student must meet the following requirements: Upon invitation and acceptance to the Dental Assistant Program, students must provide confirmation of an account established with CastleBranch.com and pass a nationwide criminal background check (Crimes Against Persons list). After invitation to the program, students must meet vaccination and program specific health requirements in compliance with the Center for Disease Control Healthcare Provider immunization guidelines, including the submission of original lab results, x-ray reports and immunization records, which must be dated and signed by their healthcare provider. Immunization Timeline Table *Vaccinations must be current while on campus for pre-clinical & clinical activities and externships (all 4 quarters) Student Evaluation
17 courses are required for a Certificate of Completion and a minimum of 80% is required in each course (with the exception of internship/externship courses, which require a Credit (CR) grade in order to continue, DENT 161 Mathematics and COL 101 which requires a minimum of 70%. Students are evaluated: -
On work habits which are displayed in participation, punctuality, cooperation, attitude, and enthusiasm. The student’s clinical phase is graded according to the contract between the clinical site and RTC, the instructors’ observations and the student’s evaluation of his/her performance. Students receive a decimal grade (as defined below) for each unit of study. Students with a grade below an 80% on any exam are counseled and re-tested. There will be no more than two attempts on any given material. The objectives must be met to the satisfaction of both the instructor and student and the minimum 80% must be achieved on the re-take. GPA Requirements
*Note: Clinical & Field-Based Experience courses require a Credit (CR) grade |
Return to: Career Training Programs
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