Revision Date:
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Healthcare Pathway
You understand the importance of health and peace of mind—whether you're tending to a patient, studying diseases, providing dietary counsel, or documenting important medical information, our Healthcare Pathway will set you on a course to making a difference every day.
This program has prerequisite requirements and a special application process. Learn more on the Dental Assisting Program Admissions page.
At the completion of the Dental Assisting Program, the successful student will be able to:
- Effectively, independently, and efficiently perform supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants in Washington State
- Maintain safe environments in the dental setting by following state and federal standards, professional and ethical standards, and using effective communication
- Measure, record, interpret, and report data in both clinical and office settings
- Engage in processes that support continual improvement
Program Costs
In addition to tuition & fees, other costs (approximate and subject to change) are:
- Non-refundable application fee $25
- Hepatitis B vaccination $250
- Tuberculosis clearance $100
- Malpractice insurance $17
- Name tag $15
- Printing $50
- Basic Life Support (CPR) training $100
- Textbooks and supplies $300
- Dental instruments and supplies $1,000
- Lab fee $200
- Typodont model $175
- National Board exam $524
- Uniforms and shoes $300
- Clinical uniform scrub fee $150
Uniform information will be provided during advising & registration for those accepted into the program.
Earning the Degree
An Associate in Applied Science Degree will be awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 90 credits in courses numbered 100 or above. All core and general education distribution requirements must be met, with any additional credits to be selected as electives. Courses coded DENT must be taken in succession. All DENT courses and general education requirements must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to continue in and complete the program.
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda
Quarter Plan
Search ScheduleStudents have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, ESL, High School+, and Basic Computer Skills.
Choose One:
ENGL090
5cr
Integrated Reading and Writing I
Introduces students to college-level reading and writing. Focuses on reading strategies, critical thinking, and writing unified paragraphs. ENGL 090 classes are combined with ENGL 095 classes, and students who demonstrate ENGL 095 proficiency may earn ENGL 095 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or an �S� in ABE 054, ABE 055, ESL 065, ESL 066, IE 065, or IE 066.
-OR-
ENGL095
5cr
Integrated Reading and Writing II
Prepares students for entry into college-level writing courses. Focuses on reading analytically, thinking critically, and writing coherent, well-supported texts. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.
Choose One:
MATH092
5cr
Mathematical Reasoning
Introduces operations with rational numbers, applications and problem solving skills, expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing linear relationships. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score on the Arithmetic Test or recommendation from the Basic Education for Adults department.
-OR-
ABE065
5cr
Contextualized Math II
Introduces operations with rational numbers, applications and problem solving skills, expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing linear relationships through direct instruction and contextualized application. Prepares students for high school completion, employment, or MATH& 107/MATH& 146 with concurrent MATH 096 enrollment. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or an 'S' in ABE 064 or a 'U, P, V, W' in ABE 065.
MED103
3cr
Medical Terminology I
Explores medical terminology by combining word roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Emphasizes definitions, pronunciation, spelling, and usage in a variety of health care professions. Prerequisite: None.
CCS101
3cr
Pathways to Success
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners.
Choose One:
ENGL098
5cr
Transitional English Composition
Introduces strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. English 098 classes are combined with English 101 classes, and students who demonstrate English 101 proficiency may earn ENGL& 101 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a 'C' or better in ENGL 095.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&101
5cr
English Composition I
Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
Choose One:
CMATH107
5cr
Clippers Math In Society
Gives students the opportunity to complete MATH& 107 in one quarter with prerequisite support as needed. Explores a variety of mathematical topics presenting mathematics as an art and as a tool for understanding the world around us. Designed for non-science majors. Specific topics may be drawn from geometry, number theory, set theory, and the history of mathematics. Students will earn credit for either MATH 095 or MATH& 107 at the conclusion of the course.
CLIPPERS courses combine the prerequisite courses with the college-level course and are taught with a focus on video-based instruction.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
-OR-
CMATH146
7cr
Clippers Introduction to Statistics
Gives students the opportunity to complete MATH& 146 in one quarter with prerequisite support, as needed. Covers basic probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will earn credit for either MATH 095 and MATH 096 or MATH 096 and MATH& 146 at the conclusion of the course.
CLIPPERS courses combine the prerequisite courses with the college-level course and are taught with a focus on video-based instruction. .
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One Communications (5cr)
Recommended:
CMST&101
5cr
Introduction to Communication
Focuses on understanding and developing basic intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, intercultural, and public speech communication skills. Examines how human communication processes are practiced and applied in a variety of personal and professional contexts. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST240
5cr
Intercultural Communication: Diversity
Introduces intercultural communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes when people enter new cultural context or interact with people who have different cultural identities.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&235
5cr
Technical Writing
Introduces technical writing skills necessary to communicate effectively in the workplace. Emphasizes written documents, successful teamwork strategies, and ethical considerations in workplace communication.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&210
5cr
Interpersonal Communication: Diversity
Focuses on understanding and developing interpersonal communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy one-on-one relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Examines how diverse communication styles can impact relationships. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&220
5cr
Public Speaking
Introduces oral communication theory and public speaking/listening practice as applied to a variety of settings and audiences. Students will learn to verbally inform and persuade an audience using a variety of speech types. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&230
5cr
Small Group Communication: Diversity
Introduces small group communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes used when people enter diverse organizational contexts or interact in professional and everyday life small groups. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
DENT101
2cr
Orientation to Dentistry
Introduces basic terminology, anatomy, types of dental procedures, and roles related to the operations of dentistry. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT110
5cr
Dental Infection and Hazard Control
Covers infection and hazard control in the dental setting.
Fees: $40.00 Dental Hygiene Course Fee
Choose One Human Relations (5cr)
Recommended:
HUM121
5cr
Multicultural America: Diversity
Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
PSYC116
5cr
Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity
Introduces students to the psychology of human relationships. Examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact communication in a multicultural world.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&210
5cr
Interpersonal Communication: Diversity
Focuses on understanding and developing interpersonal communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy one-on-one relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Examines how diverse communication styles can impact relationships. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&230
5cr
Small Group Communication: Diversity
Introduces small group communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes used when people enter diverse organizational contexts or interact in professional and everyday life small groups. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
BUS260
5cr
Principles of Management: Diversity
Describes the functions of management with an emphasis on current management issues, including the impact of diversity in the workplace.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science & Business Course Fee
DENT141
1cr
Ethics and Jurisprudence
Introduces ethics and jurisprudence. Covers the Washington State Dental Practice Act and traditional and expanded roles of dental healthcare workers. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT142
2cr
Pretreatment Analysis
Introduces the assessment of the patient's medical health history as it relates to dental treatment. Covers health history review, taking and recording of vital signs, basic pharmacology, and medical emergencies. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT151
3cr
Dental Materials I
Introduces the properties and techniques for the usage of common dental restorative materials. Covers the rationale for the selection and preparation of the materials. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
Fees: $275.00 Dental Hygiene Course Fee
DENT152
3cr
Instruments
Introduces instruments used for restorative dentistry, including identification, sequence of use, transfer, and grasps. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT153
2cr
Dental Science I
Covers development and identification of intra oral and extra oral structures, including terminology, histology, morphology, and pathology. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT155
4cr
Chairside Assisting I
Orients students to the Campus Dental Clinic and covers various chairside assisting skills, patient management, and the student's role in patient care. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT156
1cr
Program Clinic Practicum I
Provides hands-on learning through the program's Campus Dental Clinic to work on supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants in Washington State while assisting dentists in the delivery of dental services to patients from the community at large.
Fees: $130.00 Dental Hygiene Course Fee; $20.00 Student MalPractice Insurance Fee
DENT162
2cr
Dental Specialties I
Introduces the specialty of endodontics and oral surgery. Includes background, procedures, and instrumentation. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT160
4cr
Radiography I
Introduces dental radiography with a focus on bitewing radiographs. Covers manual and auto processing, patient and operator safety, biological effects of radiation, principles of radiography, and evaluation of radiographs. Students expose bitewing radiographs on manikins and live patients. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT161
3cr
Dental Materials II
Emphasizes fixed and removable prosthodontics. Covers the construction of custom resin temporary crowns and custom trays, the manipulation of impression materials, techniques for prepping and seating crown and bridge, and the role of dental labs.
Fees: $275.00 Dental Hygiene Course Fee
DENT164
4cr
Preventive Dentistry
Covers all principles of preventive dentistry including hygiene, nutrition, coronal polishing, fluoride, and sealants using simulators and live patients. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT165
3cr
Chairside Assisting II
Covers rotary instruments, placement of dental dams, and matrices and wedges. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT172
2cr
Dental Specialties II
Introduces the specialty of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Includes the study of bite classifications, diagnostic records, instrumentation, appliances, and retainers. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT166
2cr
Program Clinic Practicum II
Provides students hands-on learning through the program's Campus Dental Clinic to work on supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants in Washington State while assisting dentists in the delivery of dental services to patients from the community at large. Students are also assigned to visitations in local dental offices to observe the delivery of dental services in different settings. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT170
4cr
Radiography II
Covers full mouth sets of radiographs using the paralleling and bisecting techniques. Includes technique errors, various holding devices, quality assessment, extraoral imaging, and digital radiography. Students expose various radiographs on manikins and live patients. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT171
4cr
Dental Materials III
Emphasizes impressions and various dental appliances. Covers the manipulation of irreversible hydrocolloids, digital impressions, study models, bleaching trays, and mouth guards.
Fees: $275.00 Dental Hygiene Course Fee
DENT173
2cr
Dental Science II
Covers the systems of the body and emphasizes anatomy and physiology of the head and neck region. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT174
1cr
Advanced Practice Lab
Covers skills taught in the first, second and third quarters of the program in need of further review and higher proficiencies. Culminates in a portfolio or comparable lab project to provide students more practice. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT175
2cr
Chairside Assisting III
Covers the consideration of the diversity of others and how bias impacts our relationships with patients and peers. Includes a group research project and written and oral dental related reports. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT176
2cr
Program Clinic Practicum III
Provides students hands-on learning through the program's Campus Dental Clinic to work on supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants in Washington State while assisting dentists in the delivery of dental services to patients from the community at large. Students are also assigned to visitations in local dental offices to observe the delivery of dental services in different settings. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT179
2cr
Dental Office Management
Introduces business administration procedures for the dental office and utilizes a Dentrix software program. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT180
8cr
Externship Practicum
Provides students hands-on learning through externship sites to work on supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants in Washington State while assisting dentists in the delivery of dental services to patients. Students are evaluated on-site both by the course instructor and by clinic personnel on chairside assisting, patient management skills, application of team concepts, and professionalism under the supervision of the clinic staff and dentist. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.
DENT181
2cr
Advanced Theory
Prepares the student to take the Dental Assisting National Board Exam and become a Certified Dental Assistant. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Dental Assisting program.