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.
Admission
Enrollment in the dental assisting program is limited to 24 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 1st, 2023
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 8th, 2023 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.
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: 24
Contact: Mrs. Pat Norman 509-533-7301
Applications deadline: September 1st
Admission Interviews: September 8th
Please note: It is strongly recommended that students seek advising from Dental Assisting Department prior to applying
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).