Program Overview

Program Overview

The Dental Assisting Certificate of Completion prepares students for entry-level employment and provides a foundation for job advancement with a focus on dental sciences, radiology, dental materials, clinical procedures, infection control, lab procedures, business operations, and patient education. Students will be prepared for employment opportunities in private dental settings, hospitals, public health dental clinics, dental laboratories, and dental specialty offices.

Program Objectives

Dental Assistant certificate graduates will:

• be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in their field
• demonstrate a working knowledge of dental terminology and the dental sciences
• collect systematically and record accurate diagnostic and clinical data
• employ current principles of effective chairside assisting for general and dental specialty procedures and medical/dental emergencies
• prepare and manipulate chairside and dental laboratory materials and fabricate dental models, trays, and appliances
• implement current principles and guidelines of dental infection control, aseptic techniques, and hazards management
• provide oral health instruction to dental patients
• perform effective patient reception and dental business office procedures
• communicate effectively and establish positive working relationships with patients and members of the dental health care team
• function as a member of the healthcare team in a responsible, professional, and ethical manner

Program Requirements

Required Course Sequence

• Quarter One
  • DAS 101 Essentials of Dental Assisting I 4 credits
  • DAS 102 Dental Sciences I 4 credits
  • DAS 105 Dental Radiography 6 credits
• Quarter Two
  • DAS 201 Essentials of Dental Assisting II 8 credits
  • DAS 202 Dental Sciences II 4 credits
  • DAS 203 Clinical Externship 2 credits

Total Program Credits

The total program credits required for the Dental Assisting Certificate of Completion is 28 credits.

Additional Support

For this certificate, I-BEST support is available. I-BEST support provides students in-class help in writing and math, notetaking, presentation, study skills, and career readiness.

Program Length and Scheduling

Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not offer every course each quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to consult the Class Schedule and work out an individual schedule with an advisor. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.