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Dental Assisting - Get Started

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be eligible for English 098
  • Be eligible for Math 087/91
  • High school diploma or GED

*An academic advisor must review math and English placement test scores or transcripts to prove program eligibility. If you do not meet the English and Math level entrance requirements, see the I-BEST message below.

Steps to Begin the Application Process

  1. Attend an information session, held in March, May, June, and August. While campus has limited access, we will not be able to conduct face-to-face information sessions. However, information sessions using Zoom will be conducted. To attend an information session via Zoom please email nancy.harris@seattlecolleges.edu.
  2. Before applying to the Dental Assisting program, first, apply to Seattle Central College, you must be a student of the college. Complete the 5-Step Enrollment Process for Seattle Central College, which includes English and Math placement testing and transcript evaluations to ensure eligibility of courses taken at other colleges.
  3. After placement testing, meet with an academic advisor or contact the advising office via email (AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu) to discuss an educational plan.
    • Note: If you do not meet the English and Math level entrance requirements, you may still be able to enroll through I-BEST. With I-BEST, you attend the Dental Assisting Program with two instructors and extra support. The Dental Assisting Program is seeking approval to become an I-BEST Program. For more information and to enroll in I-BEST, Contact Claire Makins at 206.934.5459, Claire.Makins@seattlecolleges.edu or in the BTS Transitions Center on the main campus in Room BE3135.
  4. Up to 24 applicants will be accepted

Acceptance

  1. If admitted into the program, students will be sent a link to have a criminal background check. This must be completed prior to orientation.  Results from the background check are sent directly to the program by the company conducting them.
  2. Attendance of a mandatory orientation on Friday, August 12, 2022. Orientation is the first opportunity to meet other members of your cohort as well as complete registration, provide emergency contact information, and other departmental forms. If you work, request a flexible work schedule that week
  3. Accepted candidates will need a health history, physical exam, eye exam, and hearing exam. Exams must be completed by a healthcare provider.
  4. Accepted candidates are required to provide proof of immunizations.
Immunization Requirement Documentation Needed
Hepatitis B Positive titer showing immunity Lab results
Influenza 1-dose given (during flu season September – June) Vaccine record
Tuberculin test 2-step tuberculin test OR QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (GFT-GIT) showing no active TB (must be done before entering the program) Two negative test or lab results [Note: TB test is positive, it is necessary to have a chest x-ray and a TB Assessment signed by a healthcare provider]
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Positive titer showing immunity Lab results
Varicella (chickenpox) Positive titer showing immunity Lab results
Tetanus, diphtheria,pertussis 1-dose within the last two years or TD within 10 years Vaccine record
COVID vaccination Must have full vaccination (2 weeks past final 1 or 2-dose series) before entering the program Vaccine record (boosters may be required every 6 months)

Any documents submitted to Seattle Central College's Admissions Office or the Dental programs will become the property of Seattle Central College. Please keep copies of documents for your records.

Physical demands on a Dental Assistant

Dental Assisting is extremely demanding physically and requires very fine motor skills and movement. Please visit the Scope of Practice WAC at Definitions and Supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants.

If you have difficulty in any of the areas listed below, we strongly encourage you to discuss the impact of these difficulties on a career in dental assisting with your physician.

If you are still concerned after discussing with your physician, we encourage you to make an appointment with the Executive Director of Dental Programs, 206.934.3184, to discuss additional options.

If you have difficulty in any of these areas, we also encourage you to seek information from the Accessibility Resource Center office to determine if there is a reasonable accommodation available to support your progress in the program.

Visual Acuity

  • Acute enough to read small printed labels on medications.
  • Acute enough to read small numbers on instruments.

Hearing Acuity

  • Acute enough to hear and understand words spoken when muffled by a mask.
  • Acute enough to hear blood pressures and heart rate with a stethoscope.

Speaking Ability

  • Verbal expression clear and distinct enough to enunciate dental terminology while wearing a facemask.
  • Ability to express thoughts clearly.

Digital Dexterity

  • Agile enough to handle dental instruments with both left and right hands.
  • Able to bend at the wrist.

Professionalism

  • Able to complete required tasks/functions under stressful conditions. Self-directed.
  • Able to interact professionally with all members of the dental team.

Important Dates

2023 Fall Quarter Start Only

  • To be placed on the program ready list please contact Mark Silva at Mark.Silva@seattlecolleges.edu by July 15th as the program will accept students with completed student packets on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Applicants accepted into the dental assisting program will be notified no later than July 21, 2023.
  • Mandatory Orientation will be on Friday, August 4, 2023 starting at 9:00 am.

Information Sessions

To attend an information session via Zoom please email nancy.harris@seattlecolleges.edu

  • Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 10:30 am - 11:30 am by zoom
  • Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm by zoom
  • Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:30 am - 11:30 am by zoom
  • Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at1:30 pm – 2:30 pm by zoom

Additional Useful Information