Dental Assisting

Two dental assistants working on a patient

Degrees/Certificates Offered

Locations Offered

Contact Us

Pat Norman, Program Director

Pat.Norman@scc.spokane.edu

509-533-7301

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Additional Application Requirements

Program start: Fall (competitive entry)
Pre-requisites: No, English and Interpersonal Communication can be taken prior to or while in the program.
Program length: 3 quarters
Number of students each start: 36
Contact: Mrs. Pat Norman 509-533-7301
Applications deadline: September 2^nd
Admission Interviews: September 9^th
Please note: It is strongly recommended that students seek advising from Dental Assisting Department prior to applying

About

If you enjoy working with people—and you want to help give them healthy smiles—a career as a dental assistant could be a good fit for you.

In this accredited program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to care for patients as an important part of the dental team. You’ll learn to assist dentists with charting, instruments, X-rays, patient education, office management, patient records and other duties essential to a successful dental practice. Your training will include hands-on practice and learning experiences in real dentist offices.

Job opportunities in the field are excellent. Whether you want to work in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery or orthodontics, wherever there are dentists, there is a need for qualified dental assistants.

Detailed Information

Accreditation/Certification

This program is accredited by the American Dental Association. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Career Opportunities

Since many dentists employ two or more dental assistants, employment opportunities in this field are excellent with an entry-level salary of $17-19 per hour. The profession offers many advantages, including:

Variety: Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.
Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions.
Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in which to work.
Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you've really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service.

Admission

Enrollment in the dental assisting program is limited to 36 students. The admissions process is competitive. No assurance is given that all applicants who complete the admissions process will be admitted into the program.

Admission Documentation Requirements

Copy of High School diploma or GED certificate
Completion of 4 hours volunteerism/observation in any healthcare setting (dental observation is preferred).
One professional letter of recommendation.

Admission packets due September 2^nd, 2022

Send Documentation to:
Spokane Community College
Dental Assisting Department
1810 North Greene Street
Spokane, WA 99217
MS: 2090 Attn: Mrs. Pat Norman
Office: building 9 Room 021 (to drop packets off/slide under office door)

Short interviews will be conducted September 9^th, 2022 for admittance into the dental assisting program. You will be contacted to schedule your interview.

Within a week after the admission interviews you will receive a letter from us letting you know if you have been accepted into the program. If you are not accepted, you may apply the next year. If you are accepted into the program we will be having a mandatory orientation/registration meeting.

A National Background Check is required with results that are acceptable for clinical sites prior to the first day of fall classes. New Student Orientation. You will be responsible for the cost of the initial background check. Once you are admitted to the program, expect the following:

A 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of clinical internship at your cost as required by selective clinical sites.

Courses

Courses Offered

DENT 109 — Chairside Related Theory Lab — 1.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory course teaches students to create, file, and store paper and computerized medical and dental records preserving HIPAA policies. Obtain vital signs and teaches oral hygiene instruction. Implementation of infection control standards is the primary focus such as, performing proper handwashing techniques, maintaining waterline protocol, disposing of biohazardous materials, while preparing solutions used in sterilization and disinfecting of dental units, equipment and instruments followed by proper sterilization and disinfection of equipment and instruments. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, & 118
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DENT 110 — Introduction to Dental Assisting Lab — 2.0 Credits

This hands-on-laboratory course allows the student to perform laboratory assignments such as: Identification, use and maintenance of dental equipment, instruments, and handpieces. Students will master basic chairside skills such as seating and dismissing patients, four-handed dentistry skills such as instrument transfer, maintaining the oral cavity, and preparing topical and local anesthetic. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, & 118.
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DENT 111 — Introduction to Dental Assisting — 3.0 Credits

This lecture course will introduce students to the overall dental office environment, including basic chairside assisting techniques such as preparation of the patient for dental procedures, sequence of procedures, anesthetics, equipment, instruments and the role of the dental assistant. Communication skills and techniques are heavily focused on as they relate to the inner office professionalism as well as between the provider and the patient. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 109, 110, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, & 118.
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DENT 112 — Chairside Related Theory — 3.0 Credits

This lecture course is an introduction to the role of the dental assistant as an integral member of the dental health team. Techniques and principles of preventive dentistry and microbiology as they relate to the aseptic techniques in the dental office are emphasized. Infection control, safety standards and hazardous waste management are addressed. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 110, 111, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, & 119
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DENT 114 — Introduction to Dental Radiology — 2.0 Credits

This lecture course is an introduction to the basic principles of radiography physics, protection and safety guideline. Techniques of modern intraoral dental radiographic exposures and how to correctly mount and identify a diagnostic acceptable radiograph using landmarks. Processing techniques including darkroom, automatic processor, and digital techniques. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT, 109, 110, 111, 112, 115, 116, 117, & 118
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DENT 115 — Introduction to Dental Radiology Lab — 1.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory course allows the student to perform laboratory assignments such as: While using aseptic technique and safety guidelines: identify, use and maintain dental radiology equipment and solutions. Instruction in use and maintenance of automatic processors. Prepare mannequin in proper position for intraoral radiographs. Practice mannequin film exposures, processing, mounting and evaluate radiographs in preparation for patient. Expose, process, mount and evaluate patient interproximal x-rays of diagnostic quality. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 116, 117, & 118.
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DENT 116 — Dental Restorative Techniques — 2.0 Credits

This lecture course is an introduction to physical properties, manipulation and uses of dental material commonly used in restorative dental procedures such as amalgam and composite restorations including cements, bases, cavity liners, varnish, etch and bonding solutions. This course will enable the student to understand the rationale for selection of material for use while maintaining safety guidelines. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 117, 118
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DENT 117 — Dental Restorative Techniques Lab — 1.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory course allows the student to perform laboratory assignments such as: Select, dispense and manipulate cements, bases, cavity liners, varnish, etch and bonding solutions obtaining a clinically useful product with minimum waste while maintaining aseptic technique. Prepare and handle final restoration materials such as amalgam and composite correctly following safety guidelines. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, & 118.
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DENT 118 — Dental Anatomy — 4.0 Credits

Students learn interrelationships of body structure and functions of all body systems, head and neck anatomy, oral embryology, histology, tooth morphology and dental charting.
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DENT 120 — Intermediate Chairside Assisting Lab — 1.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory course allows the student to perform laboratory assignments such as: Performing practice procedures and preparation of materials used in a variety of dental specialties such as a composite restoration procedure, endodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and pediatric dentistry. Build upon learned communication skills with patients by performing and teaching oral hygiene instruction, vital signs, intraoral/extraoral examinations and patient medical and dental charting. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 121, 122, 124, 125, 126 & 127
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DENT 121 — Intermediate Chairside Assisting — 5.0 Credits

This lecture course continues with the concepts learned in DENT 111 lecture courses while emphasizing the procedures and instruments of dental specialties such as endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral hygiene including patient records, vital signs, intraoral/extraoral examinations, and dental charting as well as step by step sequencing of a composite restoration procedure is discussed. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DENT 120, 122, 124, 125, 126, & 127
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DENT 122 — Chairside Related Theory — 4.0 Credits

This course offers instruction in nutrition and dietary counseling as part of dental treatments, applied pharmacology, dental pathology, and emergencies in a dental office. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, 127, & 129.
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DENT 124 — Advanced Dental Radiology — 1.0 Credits

This lecture course is a continuation of DENT 114 with the introduction of advanced dental radiology techniques such as digital radiographs in both adult and pediatric full mouth series, specialty radiographs including vertical bitewings, endodontic films, occlusal films, and panoramic techniques. In-depth knowledge of anatomical landmarks and dental anatomy pertaining to dental radiology. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 120, 121, 122, 125, 126, & 127.
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DENT 125 — Advanced Dental Radiology Lab — 1.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory class allows the student to perform laboratory assignments such as: Advanced radiographic exposures to include exposing and mounting a variety of intraoral/extraoral techniques including digital full mouth series on adult and child mannequins, endodontic, occlusal, vertical bitewings and panoramic exposures as well full-mouth radiographic series on adult patients. All radiographs must be obtained to a diagnostic quality. Complete appropriate forms used for consent of treatment and release of records following HIPAA policies. Use dental software to send radiographs electronically to referring dental offices. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 120, 121, 122, 124, 126, & 127
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DENT 126 — Dental Restorative Techniques — 2.0 Credits

This lecture course offers instruction in the physical properties, manipulation and appropriate instrumentation of dental materials used in fixed and removable prosthetic procedures. Subjects include a variety of materials used in dentistry including waxes, reversible and irreversible hydrocolloid, final impression materials and gypsum. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, & 127.
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DENT 127 — Dental Restorative Techniques Lab — 2.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory course allows the student to perform laboratory assignments such as: Perform and understand procedures related to fixed and removable prosthetics. Preparation, mixing, and using irreversible hydrocolloid to obtain an acceptable impression on typodonts and patients. Preparation, mixing and pour gypsum product into impressions to trim and polish a study model used for patient treatment plans. Obtain facebow records, digital impression/scan, bite registration, and final impression. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, & 128.
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DENT 129 — Chairside Clinical Experience — 2.0 Credits

This clinical course requires students to participate in a 2-3 week or 99 hours SUPERVISED and UNPAID clinical externship experience. This experience allows students to utilize the technical skills acquired throughout the program and apply them in a dental facility, working with dental auxiliaries, dentists and patients. Prerequisite: Successful completion of second quarter with 2.0 grade or better and satisfactory progress in DENT 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, & 127.
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DENT 131 — Advanced Chairside Assisting — 4.0 Credits

This lecture course continues with the concepts learned in DENT 111 & DENT 121 lecture courses while emphasizing the Washington State Department of Health Scope of Practice skills allowed. Topics of instruction include understanding the formation and classification of stains and deposits, sedation using nitrous oxide, preventative procedures such as coronal polish, fluoride treatments, and sealants and isolation techniques such as rubber dams, restorative procedures such as placement of cements, bases, and liners and postoperative procedures such as removing sutures. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the second quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 132, 136, 137, & 138.
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DENT 132 — Advanced Chairside Assisting Lab — 2.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory course allows students to perform the following assignments such as: On a mannequin and patient, students will perform isolation techniques using a dental dam, preventive procedures such as coronal polishes, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Identify, determine, and place matrices according to procedure in preparation for placement of cements, bases, and liners in a cavity prep. Place cements, bases and liners. Remove postoperative sutures. Prerequisite: Successful completion of second quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 131, 136, 137, & 138.
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DENT 136 — Dental Restorative Techniques — 1.0 Credits

This lecture course offers instruction in the physical properties, manipulation and appropriate instrumentations of dental materials used in advanced fixed and removable prosthetic procedures. Subjects include a variety of materials used in dentistry including thermoplastics and acrylics for the fabrication of whitening trays and mouthguards, custom trays and provisional temporaries. Indication, materials and technique for tissue deflection in preparation for final impressions. Clean and polish removable prosthesis. Prerequisites: Successful completion of second quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 130, 131, 137, & 138.
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DENT 137 — Dental Restorative Techniques Lab — 1.0 Credits

This hands-on laboratory class allows students to perform the following assignments such as: Select, prepare and use impression materials to obtain acceptable impressions on patients. Pour and trim impressions and fabricate whitening trays, mouth guards and custom trays. Fabricate a variety of matrices, use matrices to fabricate temporary crowns. Prepare, select and place retraction cord on a mannequin. Clean and polish removable appliances. Prerequisite: Successful completion of second quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 131, 132, 136, & 138
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DENT 138 — Office Management — 4.0 Credits

This lecture course offers instruction in nonclinical functions that dental auxiliaries are required to perform. Subjects included are interpersonal communication and professionalism within the office, office management, recall programs and insurance, appointment control, accounts receivable and payable, computer skills, practice management as well as ethics, jurisprudence and HIPAA. Emphasis is placed on employment skills such as cover letters, first impression, resumes, interviews and working interviews. Prerequisite: Successful completion of second quarter and concurrent enrollment in DENT 131, 132, 136, & 137.
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DENT 139 — Chairside Clinical Experience — 8.0 Credits

This clinical course requires students to participate in a 5-6 week or 231 hours SUPERVISED and UNPAID clinical externship experience. This experience allows students to utilize the technical skills acquired throughout the program and apply them in a dental facility, working with dentists and patients. It is expected that the student will increase in skill and knowledge throughout the clinical externship. Prerequisite: Successful completion of second quarter with 2.0 grade or better and satisfactory progress in DENT 131, 132, 136, 137, & 138.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes