Dental Assistant Program

The dental assistant program at Central Oregon Community College prepares students for a career in a dental office, dental supply manufacturer, hospital dental department, or insurance company. The program focuses on preparing patients and equipment for dental procedures, and office administrative functions. Program courses include: medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice. Get more details below including other Oregon colleges that offer dental assistant program.

The Dental Assistant program at Central Oregon Community College is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation since 1998.

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Central Oregon Community College (COCC)

2411 NW Carden Ave, Pendleton, OR

Central Oregon Community College, located in Bend, Oregon, was founded in 1955. The school was formed to serve several counties in the surrounding region, including Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and the southern portion of Wasco County. The school serves nearly 18.500 students a year, with almost 11,000 being credit seeking students.

Approximately 39 percent of the faculty at Central Oregon Community College holds PhDs. The school operates a second campus in Redmond. The school has grown in size and scope since its inception, with expansions and renovations made to keep up with demand. One of the most recent additions is the school's Campus Center, which provides dining opportunities, student life information, and a performing arts venue.

Academics

Central Oregon Community College offers a large number of programs for students. The programs available provide career or academic training. Career training provides students with the education and skills necessary to perform professionally in the work place. Graduates will be qualified to enter the workforce immediately, having received a certificate or associate degree upon completion.

Academic programs prepare students for transfer to a four year institution by allowing them to complete the first two years at COCC. Upon completion, students who meet the academic requirements for transfer may apply to schools to continue their education.

Academic programs include:

• Accounting
• Aviation Science
• History
• Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Criminal Justice

Admissions and Financial Aid

As a public 2 year institution, Central Oregon Community College utilizes an open enrollment policy allowing students that may benefit from the education offered to enroll. Interested students should complete and submit the application for admission along with all pertinent documents and transcripts, take a placement exam, visit a counselor for academic advising, and then register for classes.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of aid should submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Financial aid is distributed based on need, specifically what portion of tuition may be paid by the student and how much needs to be completed through aid.

Scholarships may also be available, requiring a separate application that will be reviewed by the scholarships overseeing body. Scholarships are awarded for reasons other than aid as stated by the scholarship's purpose.

Student Services

Central Oregon Community College offer students many resources to assist in development and activities. From student government to arts and culture, the school makes available opportunities for growth and experience. Students may visit the Campus Center or the school's website to obtain information on the various programs, organizations and opportunities available.

Student services include:

• Latino Students Program
• Study Abroad
• Fine Arts Events
• Tutoring
• Disability Services

Students Enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Central Oregon Community College offers a less than two-year award program in dental assistant.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Dental Assistants

Description

Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, dental assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.4% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).