Dental Assistant

2017-18 Graduation Guide [PDF]

Certificate of Completion
Major Code: 510601

Courses for this Certificate

About the Program

This four-term certificate program prepares students to meet the requirements to become dental
assistants with expanded functions (EFDA). Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility
to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board’s (DANB) certified dental assisting (CDA) exam.
The curriculum is based in general dentistry; students are trained in four-handed chair-side assisting
techniques to work with general dentists during all phases of patient examination and treatment.

Program students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins each year in summer term.
Students should apply early as the required mandatory orientation is scheduled several months prior
to the summer start. Note: Students may still be working on prerequisites to cohort acceptance classes
when applying.

Working dental assistants with six months of current, continuous, chair-side employment may
also enroll in classes without formal admittance into the program, and without joining a cohort.
Working dental assistants may attend most classes, but preference will be given to cohort students.
Working dental assistants can enhance their education and eligibility to sit for the Dental Assisting
National Board’s (DANB) certified dental assisting (CDA) exam by taking RCC dental classes.

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant
to the discipline. For a list of learning outcomes for this discipline or program, see
www.roguecc.edu/Programs/LearningOutcomes.

If students intend to transfer to Oregon Tech’s bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Management
after successfully passing the registry or licensure exam, transfer courses should be chosen from the
list of electives where possible. See an advisor for more information or visit
http://www.oit.edu/academics/degrees/dental-hygiene.

The U.S. Department of Education requires disclosure of specific information about career and
technical certificate programs to prospective students. Data includes Standard Occupational
Classification (SOC) codes, graduation rates, tuition and fees, typical costs for books and supplies,
job placement rates for students completing the programs, and median loan debt incurred by students
completing the programs. For more information visit www.roguecc.edu/GainfulEmployment.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to take a placement test to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading
and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within
their skill levels as determined by placement test scores. In addition, students may also be required
to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.

This is a limited-entry program. Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements
(MTH20, RD90, WR90) before the program application due date. All listed program prerequisites
must be satisfactorily completed before beginning the cohort.

Selection Process

All applications will be date stamped and reviewed in the order received. Applicants will be selected
by committee. The screening process includes a mandatory orientation and an interview. A criminal
background check and drug screening will be required for students once they are accepted into the
program. This is a competitive program and not all qualified applicants may be accepted.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college
policies and the program coordinator’s recommendation. In order to ensure coursework is current,
program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department
coordinator before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit will be accepted in
accordance with the current agreement.

Graduation Requirements

Students completing all courses in this program with a grade of “C” or better will receive their certificates. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade. Credits earned in this program can be applied to the Associate of General Studies degree.

For more information contact the Dental Assistant program coordinator:

Grants Pass or Medford: 541-245-7750
Toll free in Oregon: 800-411-6508, Ext. 7750
email: dental@roguecc.edu
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/alliedhealth/dental
TTY: Oregon Telecom Relay Service, 711
3345 Redwood Highway • Grants Pass, OR 97527