Program expectations
Before the first day of class
Applicants must provide evidence of required immunizations and CPR certification.
It is the full responsibility of the applicant to notify their program department should any contact information change (i.e., phone number, address, email). Failure to comply with this requirement may prevent admission.
While in the program
Students must:
- Follow all OSHA, CDC, and state regulations regarding bloodborne and infectious diseases. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Table 1) for related policies. Specific PCC infection control policies and procedures are also available to applicants upon request.
- Pass a criminal history check and drug test before practicum and/or field training as a condition of their acceptance into a medical, dental, or community facility.
Technical standards
The following standards are capabilities related to successful practice in the Dental Assisting profession. Students should be aware that they must be able to meet these standards in order to successfully complete the program. Please read each item carefully to determine if you can meet each requirement.
- Hear under normal circumstances, with or without a hearing device.
- Communicate both verbally and in writing effectively to explain procedures and give instructions.
- Work independently and manage a variety of tasks in a short amount of time.
- Have eyesight capable of viewing small visual images with or without glasses, and distinguish between black, white, and subtle shades of gray.
- Understand and react quickly to verbal instructions.
- Demonstrate finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform large and small motor tasks in a patient’s mouth.
- Stand in place for long periods of time.
- Be free from psoriasis, dermatitis, and other chronic skin disorders with open lesions or allergic responses to dental materials and agents.
- Lift up to ten pounds.
- Operate dental radiology equipment, which can require pushing, pulling, or moving.
- Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards of patient care.
- Provide physical and emotional support to the patient during dental procedures.
- Follow directions effectively and work closely with members of the dental team.
- Perform skills (such as CPR) related to emergency procedures in a dental office.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationship skills.
- Stoop and retrieve dental supplies.
- Sit for prolonged periods of time on the dental stool and occupy a small space opposite the dentist in the operatory (approximately 3’x3’).
- Reach overhead to operate radiographic equipment and dental operating light (approximately 5’ above the floor).
- Possess tactile senses for examining teeth and oral tissue.
If you need reasonable accommodations, please contact PCC’s Accessible Ed & Disability Resources for assistance. If you are accepted into the program and your functional abilities change, please meet with the Dean of Dental Sciences for further assistance.
Portland Community College is an affirmative action equal opportunity institution. Students are admitted without discrimination as to age, race, religion, gender, sexual preference, national origin, or marital status.