Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Dental Assistant program will be able to:

• Demonstrate skills and attitudes that contribute to safe working conditions in the dental office.
• Demonstrate communication skills with patients and co-workers that meet the standards of the profession.
• Understand and apply the basic principles of ethical and jurisprudent practices and procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in first aid procedures as recognized by the Department of Labor and Industry.
• Identify anatomy of the head, neck, face, and oral cavity.
• Demonstrate knowledge of drug use, effect, and dangers as they apply to dentistry.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the practices of the eight dental specialties.
• Demonstrate proper sterilizing and disinfecting techniques to meet industry standards.
• Demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues as they relate to infection control and dentistry.
• Demonstrate skills involved in the use of dental instruments, burs, and equipment.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill involved in the performance of basic dental assistant duties.
• Demonstrate the skills involved in the use of dental materials.
• Expose, process, and mount diagnostic radiographs.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills involved in dental front office operations and procedures.
• Demonstrate skills and abilities to perform expanded functions as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills involved in the execution of laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill involved in counseling of patients in preventive oral hygiene and nutrition.
• Demonstrate basic mathematical competency including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and problem solving.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills involved in oral, written, and nonverbal communication.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills involved in the recognition and communication of basic human relation techniques.
• Apply knowledge to make career decisions and secure employment.
• Take the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam.

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