Dental Assisting is a nine-month Allied Health profession specifically concerned with preparing the student for employment as a chairside dental assistant to the dentist and other auxiliaries. In addition to the certificate, an additional year of general studies is available for the AAS degree. The primary role of the dental assistant includes several modalities which include: Chairside area: review and record medical and dental histories and any other data required; prepare treatment rooms and patients for treatment; chart and document patients' information; assist the dentist and other auxiliaries in general and specialty treatment of patients; Instruct patients in oral hygiene techniques and various dental procedures; prepare various dental materials; sterilize and disinfect dental instruments and equipment. Perform various expanded functions that are legal in the state of Washington. (see Department of Health WAC 246-817-520); Expose, process, and mount various types of traditional and digital radiographs becoming proficient in the various types of equipment that require a highly skilled operator to obtain the imaging information and other data required. Reception area: appoint patients for treatments, maintain a patient recall system, file and maintain patient and office records, complete patient insurance forms and make financial arrangements with patients; order and maintain dental supplies and equipment. This program is accredited by the American Dental Association (http://www.ada.org/en/coda/accreditation) American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone (800) 621.8099 or (312) 440.4653. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam immediately following graduation. Students in this program are required to complete three separate clinical internships. We strongly recommend students seek advising from the Dental Assisting Department prior to applying to the program in person or by phone. All questions should be brought to the advising appointment. Program Director: Mrs. Pat Norman, Email: pat.norman@scc.spokane.edu, Phone: 509-533-7301