Degrees and Certificates Offered One-Year CertificateĪccredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applications are accepted from January 2 to July 1.įor information call 97 or check the website: Candidates will be notified of their admission status by late May. The Dental Assisting program is a limited entry program with restricted enrollment. Dental computer programs are learned in the office procedures courses. Students should be familiar with basic computer key boarding skills. Graduates are also prepared to perform the following expanded duties: polish teeth and restorations, fabricate and cement temporary crowns, remove cement, place temporary restorations, place and remove matrix retainers, place sealants, perform temporary denture relines, place retraction cord and various orthodontic duties.Ĭomputer skills are an important asset to a dental assistant. Traditional duties and responsibilities include: exposing and developing dental radiographs, mixing dental materials, organizing and preparing treatment rooms, passing dental instruments and materials to the dentist, taking impressions, preparing, placing and removing rubber dams, placing topical anesthetic, fluoride and desensitizing agents, sterilizing instruments, disinfecting dental equipment, comforting patients during dental appointments and educating patients on various dental procedures. The dental assistant is a member of the dental team, working with and assisting the dentist and hygienist during clinical procedures. Pcc.edu/programs/dental-assisting Career and Program Description