Dental Assisting
Why study Dental Assisting?
Rooted in compassionate care, the COCC Dental Assisting program is a one-year program that readies students for meaningful careers. This certificate program is held in the innovative Health Careers Center and includes hands-on practicums in local dental offices.
With a new group of 24 students starting each Fall term, courses are offered in a convenient combination of online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Students learn about radiographic procedures, dental science and specialties, composites and computer systems, covering 60 competencies in all, from technical to soft skills.
"A lot of our students are working and raising families. You can get an education while still living your life."
COCC’s innovative Dental Assisting lab features eight individual operatories and the space doubles as a working-teaching community clinic to serve those in need. Being a dental assistant offers a versatile, rewarding, and living-wage entry into the world of health care.
COCC also offers a transfer degree with a pre-dental hygiene focus.
FUTURE STUDENTS
Learn more about attending Central Oregon Community College.
Program-Specific Information
Our program aligns with the legal standards of practice necessary for professional licensure in the state of Oregon. After obtaining your license, if you consider relocating to another U.S. state, explore our resources to understand whether your skills meet licensing requirements in different states.
Contacts
Dental Assisting
541-383-7420
Dental Assisting Directory
Lynn Murray
Program Director
541-383-7574
lmurray@cocc.edu
How to Pay for College
Our Financial Aid staff can guide you through ways to pay for college.
Learn More
COCC's Admissions Specialists provide webinars and virtual sessions to learn more about COCC.
Accreditation
The COCC Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which enables students to obtain their Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) and Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assistant (EFODA) certification upon graduation.
