Dental Assisting
“Community Care College has made a tremendous impact in my life. I have a great future in the dental profession because of the modern training facilities and aggressive curriculum.�
Dental Assisting More than ever before, dentists are relying on Dental Assistants to perform critical tasks at the patient chair side, in the laboratory, and in managing the dental office. If you are interested in dentistry, want a good-paying job in a high-demand area, and want to build a foundation for advancement in the profession, Community Care College’s Dental Assistant program will give you those opportunities. In addition to an overview of dental specialties, you will learn the structure of the head and neck, the form and function of teeth, front office and chair side procedures, and radiographic or “x-ray” and laboratory techniques. You will be a vital link with the patient in handing the dentist materials and instruments and keeping the mouth dry and clear for dental work. You will also be prepared to do some procedures as well as handle the business end of the dental office. You may elect satisfying work as a Dental Assistant, build on credit earned for an associate degree or choose more intensive study to become a dental hygienist or a dentist.
Job Outlook
Degree Program
Job prospects for dental assistants are excellent. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. In fact, Dental Assisting is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through the year 2016.
Students who wish to further their education beyond the diploma program have the option of attending CCC’s Associates of Occupational Science Degree Program. The degree program is designed to provide a foundation that will enable degree holders to seek and apply for management roles in their specialties.
In addition to job openings due to employment growth, numerous job openings will arise out of the need to replace assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Many opportunities are for entry-level positions offering on-the-job training. Population growth and greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people will fuel demand for dental services. Older dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to use one or even two assistants. In addition, as dentists’ workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their own time to more profitable procedures.
On-Ground Program Diploma • 8 month program and classes begin every Monday • Monday through Thursday 8:00am – 1:00pm or 5:30pm - 10:30pm Degree • 18 month program and classes begin approximately every 4 weeks • Associates Courses Online or On Campus Monday through Thursday 9:00am-11:50am
Financial Assistance • Pell Grant and Federal Student Loans are available to those who qualify • Private Lenders • Voc-Rehab, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Workforce Oklahoma and Veteran’s Education
Entrance Requirements • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) • Admittance Essay
Certification Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for various “expanded functions” examinations administered by the Oklahoma Dental Association. While in Externship students are eligible for the Radiography and Infection Control sections of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) administered by the Dental Assistant National Board. Once employed as a Dental Assistant for two years graduates are eligible to sit for the final portion of the CDA.
Application Process Interested candidates should apply early. Applications can be made in person at 4242 South Sheridan or by contacting an Admissions team member at 918.610.0027 or via email at admissions@communitycarecollege.edu. Log on to www.communitycarecollege.edu for an online application.
Working Conditions Dental Assistants work in well-lit, clean environments. They constantly interact with people. Their work area is usually near the dental chair, so they can arrange instruments, materials and medication in order to hand them to the dentist when needed. Dental Assistants are exposed to some hazardous materials and must follow proper safety procedures such as wearing masks and gloves to protect themselves from infectious diseases. Most Dental Assistants work a traditional schedule with a 32 to 40 hour work week.
Physical Requirements Physical requirements vary from sedentary to moderate activity depending upon whether Dental Assistants are performing administrative or clinical procedures. Often the Dental Assistant must learn to hand materials, instruments, etc. to the dentist. Handing materials, medications, or instruments requires repetitive hand motions. Hearing Must demonstrate ability to functionally perceive the nature of sounds and the spoken word and may use adaptive techniques or devices. Speech Must demonstrate ability to functionally express self orally and/or in writing. Vision Must be able to demonstrate the functional ability to obtain impressions of shape, size and motion by passing routine vision screening and to distinguish red and green colors.
Mental & Emotional Requirements Because Dental Assistants deal continually with the public, they must be neat, well-groomed, courteous and pleasant. Dental Assistants must be able to make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair and prepare them for treatment.
Community Care College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and is Licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools and is recognized by the United States Department of Education and authorized by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer Associate Degrees. Disclosures regarding the College’s programs related to consumer information/gainful employment are provided for each eligible program at http://www.collegesooner.com/consumer-information/ Community Care College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, or qualified disability.