Dental Assisting is a multi-skilled profession, including work in both chairside and dental office assisting. Jobs are located primarily in dental offices. In a recent survey of the Central Oregon medical community, Dental Assisting was listed as a profession with high demand for new applicants. The Dental Assistant Program trains individuals in a broad range of clinical and administrative skills, including preparing dental patients for examinations and treatments, performing radiological procedures and preparing dental materials. Administrative training includes scheduling and appointment procedures, maintenance of medical records, performing basic secretarial and receptionist services, development of internal and external communications, and public relations skills.
Students can complete the certificate program through four terms of full-time coursework.
The Dental Assisting Certificate Program allows for admission once per year in fall term. Currently enrolled COCC students may enroll through the early preregistration process in May, with new students enrolling through the regular admission process for new COCC applicants beginning in June. New students should contact Enrollment Services - Admissions as soon as possible for additional information. Any previous transcripts should be forwarded directly to the COCC Enrollment Services - Admissions with a request for evaluation prior to registration. Currently enrolled students who have met the minimum requirements must be assigned an advisor prior to program admission.