Dental Assisting

Program overview

  • Nine month certificate program, 3 terms (Fall, Winter, Spring)
  • Full-time, in-person 40+ hours per week
  • Up to 36 students accepted

Admissions process

  • This program admits up to 36 students each year on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Priority for the First 36 Students: The first 36 students who submit their applications with all the required prerequisite courses complete by the end of spring term and who meet the listed admissions requirements will be guaranteed a seat in the program.
  • Waitlist for Applications Submitted after the Initial 36: Any applications received after the initial 36 complete applications will be placed on a waitlist. The order in which they are received will determine their place on the waitlist.
  • Incomplete Applications: An application is deemed incomplete if an applicant has courses in- progress during Summer. If an application is incomplete, it will still be considered, but it will be placed lower on the waitlist. In-progress courses must be complete by the start of the Fall term.
  • Duplicate Applications: If a student submits multiple applications, the most recent application submitted will be considered the official application, and the most recent date and time will determine the student’s place in the queue.

Timeline

  • May 1: Dental Assisting application opens
  • June 18: End of Spring Term, Last day to complete prerequisite courses for application deadline
  • July 1: Dental Assisting application deadline
  • Mid-July: Applicants are informed of their admissions status through their PCC email only.
  • Late July/Early August: Applicants attend the first in-person mandatory orientation at the Vanport Building and will being the post-admission process
    • Applicants will be required submit proof of their healthcare provider CPR certification, criminal background check, ten-panel drug screening and immunizations (including the COVID-19 vaccination) prior to the start of the Fall term. See FAQs for details. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon successfully passing/clearing all of these requirements.
  • Late August/Mid-September: Second mandatory in-person orientation takes place at the Vanport Building
  • Fall term: program begins. The program runs three consecutive terms.

Specifics

  • Cost: $9,502.75
  • Has a separate online application
  • One-year certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • When all course requirements are complete with a C grade or higher, students are eligible to graduate with a Certificate in Dental Assisting from PCC and Oregon Certification in Expanded Functions. Students are also prepared for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB).
  • Admissions guide

Program goals and objectives

  1. Access and student success: The program will provide access to quality dental assisting education through evidence-based instruction and innovative technology that meet current industry standards. This approach is designed to prepare students for successful completion of national and state examinations required for certification and entry into the workforce.
  2. Economic development: The program will create partnerships that effectively link PCC’s dental assisting students with the local dental industry, enhancing practical application and preparation for employment upon graduation.
    Environmental sustainability: The program will support PCC’s mission of sustainability by offering quality education with the most up-to-date dental equipment and technology, thus maintaining the integrity of environmental ecosystems.
  3. Quality education: The program will deliver student-centered, evidence-based quality education through a variety of progressive and innovative platforms. This approach aims to develop both hard skills and soft skills, including critical thinking, self-management, and self-assessment.
  4. Diversity, equity, and inclusion: The program will promote an environment of cultural awareness and inclusiveness that acknowledges each individual’s worth and uniqueness, thereby stimulating economic growth and contributing to a more diverse workforce.
  5. Ethics and responsibility: The program will prepare dental assisting students to uphold ethical and responsible standards by adhering to the statutes, regulations, and guidelines provided by governing agencies.

Scope of practice of dental assistants

Students are trained to practice at the highest level within the scope of practice for dental assistants in Oregon. For detailed information on the scope of practice in Oregon, please visit: Oregon Board of Dentistry – Dental Assistants.