Dental Assistant ADA Accredited Associate of Applied Technology Degree
Designed to prepare students for positions in the dental field, including both front-office and dental-assistant career tracks. Graduates of the program will have a foundation of knowledge of dental sciences, dental assisting skills, dental materials, dental laboratory procedures, radiography, infection control, and dental business office-management skills.
Students will develop an understanding of the role of the dental assistant and dental business office assistant within the dental care team. Graduates are qualified for entry level positions as expanded-duties dental assistants and coordinating assistants, as well as dental business office assistants within a dental office.
This program is accredited through the American Dental Association (ADA). The last Friday in each of the final three quarters of study, students will be required to take one of the three components of the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) Certification Examination. Completing the appropriate component of the exam is a prerequisite for continuing into the third and fourth quarters of study in the Dental Assistant program.
In addition, successful completion of the first component (Infection Control), completed at the end of the second quarter of study, is a prerequisite to entering the fourth quarter clinical experience. The second and third components of the exam are requirements for graduation from the program. Successfully completing these exams will result in the student receiving their national certification from DANB, entitling them to use the title of certified dental assistant.
Included in this program are academic courses in communication (English composition, speech), quantitative reasoning (math), and social sciences (psychology, sociology) that provide knowledge and abilities upon which technical skills are built and personal development is enhanced.
Students are strongly encouraged to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations. Quarterly-based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the Advising and Counseling Office.
Apply American Dental Association standards and state and federal law for conduct in a clinical setting. Students pursuing an AAT or AAS-T degree must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation. This includes courses that meet the requirements for diversity, computer literacy, and the capstone project.
Employability Requirements
To be employed as a dental assistant, you must apply for registration and become registered with the Washington Department of Licensing. You must also complete seven hours of AIDS/HIV education and hold a current and valid Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. If newly hired, you must obtain the required certification within 45 days of the date hired (WAC 246-817-720).
Program Length
This program is approximately five quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Fall and spring quarters.
Program Outcomes
• Plan for the dentist’s needs based on the procedure being performed.
• Summarize the test standards and information in order to pass the Dental Assistant National Board exam.
• Determine the location of landmarks and anatomy intraorally, extraorally, and on radiographs.
• Establish aseptic technique and apply maintenance of infection control throughout patient care according to OSHA regulations and CDC Standards.
• Assemble appropriate instruments, materials, and equipment for various dental procedures.
• Produce quality digital and film radiographs for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
• Plan daily routines, work assignments, and scheduled procedures with effective time management skills.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
In order to participate in the program, students must have current immunizations or laboratory verification of immune status. This includes, but is not limited to, Hepatitis B series, including a positive titer, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Tuberculosis Test, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Covid 19 and Varicella as required by contracts with clinical facilities and CDC recommendations. Students must have a current Basic Life Support (CPR) card for health care providers, a First Aid card, and a current dental examination form completed by their dentist.
To enter the program, a student must be eligible the first quarter to take MAT 094, college-level English, and psychology or another social science or humanities course.
In order to participate in the externship, students must have all general education requirements completed and receive a “No Record On File” report related to crimes against persons from the Washington State Patrol. Students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (per ADA standards).
Program Course List
| DAS 104 | General Studies | 3 |
| DAS 108 | Biomedical Sciences | 5 |
| DAS 112 | Dental Sciences I | 4 |
| DAS 114 | Dental Assisting Skills I | 4 |
| DAS 117 | Foundations of Clinical Dentistry | 2 |
| DAS 121 | Dental Sciences II | 2 |
| DAS 123 | Dental Assisting Skills II | 5 |
| DAS 127 | Dental Specialties I | 4 |
| DAS 131 | Principles of Radiography | 6 |
| DAS 133 | Certification Review I | 2 |
| DAS 207 | Dental Sciences III | 4 |
| DAS 209 | Dental Assisting Skills III | 5 |
| DAS 213 | Dental Specialties II | 5 |
| DAS 225 | Clinical Experience III | 6 |
| DAS 215 | Certification Review II | 2 |
| DAS 218 | Clinical Experience I | 2 |
| DAS 220CAP | Clinical Experience II | 6 |
| DAS 230 | Certification Review III | 2 |
| DBOA 103 | Dental Terminology & Procedures | 4 |
| DBOA 111 | Dental Charting, Scheduling and Recall Management | 5 |
| DBOA 119 | Dental Documents and Inventory Systems | 4 |
| DBOA 135 | Dentrix Advanced Training | 2 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| | Or | |
| | Public Speaking | 5 |
| | Any 100-Level Math Class | 5 |
| PSYC& 100DIV | General Psychology | 5 |
| COLL 102 | College Success for All | 3 |
| | Computer Literacy Requirement | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 105 |
Dental Assistant Computer Literacy Course Options: See list below
Computer Literacy Course Options