Dental Assisting

One-Year Certificate

Program Mission

The Dental Assisting program inspires confidence by combining relevant instruction with a learning environment that reflects the earning environment.

Program Description

This one-year certificate program prepares graduates for employment in the dental setting with emphasis on current concepts of clinical chairside assisting. A dental assistant may serve as a clinical chairside assistant, receptionist, office manager or laboratory technician.

For entry into Dental Assisting program, orientation seminar is required. Seminar will include information about the program, and paperwork that will need to be completed prior to attending classes. Questions and concerns will also be discussed.

Umpqua Community College’s Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). View or download this document for more about CODA.

Program Outcomes

UCC’s Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation, in association with the US Department of Education and the Dental Assisting National Board. The one year certificate program is designed to prepare graduates for an exciting career in the dental profession. The program prepares the assistant for licensing exams including the Radiation Health and Safety Exam and the Certified Dental Assistant exam. After

completion of the program and upon receipt of the Radiology Proficiency Certificate students will be eligible to receive their EFDA and EFODA certifications.

Students who successfully complete the Dental Assisting certificate will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of chairside skills during comprehensive patient care and treatment
• Apply infection control procedures
• Recognize and respond to medical emergencies in the dental setting
• Practice appropriate communication skills to establish professional working relationships in a team-centered dental office environment
• Demonstrate safe working habits with the knowledge in Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard
• Demonstrate ethical conduct, moral attitudes and principles essential for maintaining trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient.
• Be prepared to sit for the required state and national licensure exams.

Career Considerations

The Dental Assisting Program inspires confidence by combining relevant instruction with a learning environment that reflects the earning environment. This one-year certificate program prepares graduates for employment in the dental setting with an emphasis on current concepts of clinical chairside assisting. A dental assistant may be employed as a clinical chairside assistant, receptionist, office manager, dental sales representative, or laboratory technician. Watch the CTE Month video!

Ready to get started?

Step 1

Fill out our response form. This will alert us that you are interested in the Dental Assisting program.

Step 2

If you are new to UCC (you've never taken a class), apply to UCC. Otherwise, move to the next step.

Step 3

If you are a new student, attend New Student Orientation and take any needed placement tests.

Step 4 

Reach out to Tamara Loosli at 541-440-4710 about the separate Dental Assisting Application.

Step 5 

Sign up for the required prerequisite courses. These need to be completed before the fall term.

Prerequisite Courses

Step 6

Drug Screening and Background Check

All dental students must successfully pass a drug screening test at the time of admission into the Dental Program and are subject to random drug screening throughout the program. Failure to submit to a random drug screen or having a positive drug screen will result in sanctions per the UCC Student Code of Conduct (721.3). The cost is not covered by the student fees.

All accepted dental assisting students are required to undergo a background history check prior to entering the program. Individuals with a criminal record may not be allowed into a healthcare facility as a student. Information pertaining to background history checks and disqualifying crimes can be found online through The Department of Human Services (DHS) website. The program is required to deny admission or continuation in the Dental Assisting program to any student whose background poses a threat to an individual, the college, or the dental profession, or the community.

Program Publications

High School Students

Get a head start by becoming a dual credit student. Dual credit students attend UCC and high school at the same time! You can complete high school requirements, work on college prerequisites and earn credits towards a degree or certificate all at the same time.

Residents of WA, ID, NV, and CA

If you are from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or California, you pay Oregon resident tuition rates. That's a big discount! You might also be interested in what life is like around UCC. Find out.

Why UCC?

At UCC, you can earn a variety of certificates and degrees that can enhance your current career or place you in the workforce sooner. Plus, UCC offers:

• Expert faculty dedicated to teaching
• Personal attention and small class sizes
• Online classes

Contact

Prospective students should contact an Enrollment Advisor to get started and then see a program advisor (below) to develop a more focused educational plan.

Tamara Loosli - Contact
Associate Professor, Dental Assisting
Phone: 541-440-4710

Recent Classes