Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

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 blood borne and infectious diseases. Refer to the Center 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 Dental Assistant student must be able to meet the following technical standards:

  • Ability to work independently and manage a variety of tasks in a short amount of time.
  • Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards of patient care situations.
  • Provide physical and emotional support to the patient during dental procedures.
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal relations skills.
  • Communicate both verbally and in writing effectively to explain procedures and give instructions.
  • Understand and react quickly to verbal instruction.
  • Follow directions effectively and work closely with members of the dental team.
  • Hear under normal conditions with or without a hearing device.
  • Possess eyesight capable of viewing small visual images with or without glasses, and distinguish between black, white, and subtle shades of gray.
  • Demonstrate finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform large and small motor coordination in a small working area (a patient’s mouth).
  • Stand in place for long periods.
  • Lift up to 10 pounds.
  • Operate dental radiology equipment, which could require pushing, pulling, or moving.
  • Stoop to retrieve dental supplies.
  • Sit for prolonged periods on the dental stool and occupy a small space opposite the dentist in the operatory (approximately 3’ x 3’).
  • Reach to overhead radiographic equipment and dental operating light (approximately 5’ above the floor).
  • Possess tactile sense for examining teeth and oral tissues.
  • Not prone to psoriasis, dermatitis, or other chronic skin disorders with open lesions or allergic responses to dental materials and agents.
  • Perform skills (such as CPR) related to emergency procedures required in a dental office.