Dental Assisting Practicums

Students fulfill 300 hours of clinical training to refine skills and raise their job readiness

The Dental Assisting training at COCC factors in two practicums — 300 hours in total — where students learn in real dental clinics under supervision, embedding with local providers to refine new skills and explore workforce options.

In Winter term, students shadow dental teams in a dental office. During Spring term, students spend the first five weeks in a general dental office, conducting all specialties that dental assistants perform; during the second five weeks students can embed in a specialty office, such as dental surgery or pediatric dentistry. Whenever possible, the program tries to secure placements in the student's home community to help minimize commutes.

While dental assistants work closely with dentists during procedures, they also perform many lab duties. Assistants take impressions and make retainers, crowns, models, and bleach trays. They handle X-rays and sterilize instruments. They create treatment plans. Some work in reception, setting up appointments and managing patient records. Fundamental to their interactions with patients is helping describe and interpret procedures.

"We have several COCC Dental Assisting graduates working at our office. I personally love working with them because they are very well prepared for the dynamic days we can have." — Dr. Amberena Fairlee, Alpenglow Dental (and a 2007 graduate of the COCC Dental Assisting program)

Once in the workforce, graduates find good earning potential and a career built around improving lives. The program currently has a 98% job placement rate.

Dental Assisting Practicum students examining mouth model

Dental Assisting Practicum student examining mouth model with faculty

Dental Assistants are in high demand, with graduates hired in both private and corporate dental practices, including:

General Dentistry – Working with a dentist to perform the majority of dental procedures.
Oral Surgery – Working with an oral surgeon to perform surgical procedures.
Orthodontics – Working with oral appliances such as braces.
Pedodontics – Dentistry specialized in treating children.
Periodontics – Dentistry, including surgery related to oral tissues (gums).

"I have learned a lot about myself in this program. I learned that I am someone who enjoys working with others and performs better when I have other people to work with. Through the program I learned that I want to use my education to utilize my interpersonal skills. I learned that I enjoy helping others, talking with people, and teaching. — McKenzie Scott, Dental Assisting graduate

Dental Assisting Practicums

Students fulfill 300 hours of clinical training to refine skills and raise their job readiness

Sample Practicum Sites