Southwestern Oregon Community College

The Dental Assistant program at Southwestern Oregon Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as dental assistants. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and includes classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences.

During the program, students learn about dental anatomy, pharmacology, radiography, infection control, chairside assisting, and dental practice management. They also gain hands-on experience by working with dental instruments, equipment, and materials. The program also emphasizes the importance of patient care, communication, and professionalism.

The Dental Assistant program at Southwestern Oregon Community College is a two-year program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. To be admitted, students must have a high school diploma or GED, meet placement requirements in reading, writing, and math, and complete prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and medical terminology.

After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs). CDAs are recognized as dental assistants who have passed a rigorous national certification exam and have met certain educational and experiential requirements.

Overall, the Dental Assistant program at Southwestern Oregon Community College provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the field of dental assisting.