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Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS

Pathway: Medical Sciences

More Options: Classroom Based, Hyflex, Hybrid

Program Length: 4 semesters

Location: Rampart Range

Transferability: Non-transferable

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A Dental Assistant

Dental Assisting Program

Why this program?

This program prepares you for employment as chair-side dental assistants in a variety of clinical settings. Our graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board CDA Exam.


Why this program at PPSC?

PPSC is the only dental assisting school in southern Colorado accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.

The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of Approval Without Reporting Requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. Visit the Commission’s web site.

Zero Cost Program

Many programs within Medical Sciences are now available at zero cost, thanks to Care Forward Colorado. Students in the Certified Nursing Assisting (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), phlebotomy technician, pharmacy technician, medical assisting, and dental assisting programs can now get free tuition, fees, books, materials and necessary vaccinations. Any other financial aid could be used on top of that for living expenses, technology needs, or other related costs.

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For more info, contact a  Financial Aid representative.

Classes You Might Take

As a PPSC Dental Assisting student, you will learn to provide quality patient care in an ethical and professional manner. Here are some of the classes you may take during your program:
Dental Science I

Dental Science I

Includes fundamentals of the oral structures as they apply to oral histology, embryology, morphology, pathology, dental anatomy, and dental charting.

Infection Control

Infection Control

Includes basic information concerning infection and disease transmission in the dental office. Emphasizes knowledge of microorganisms, with an emphasis on aseptic techniques, sterilization, and hazardous communication management.

Clinical Internship II & Seminar

Clinical Internship II & Seminar

Focuses on clinical practice in private or public dental offices or clinics with clinical work experience in both general dentistry and specialty fields on a rotating basis.

Introduction to Expanded Functions

Introduction to Expanded Functions

Emphasizes techniques and concepts of expanded functions in dental assisting, including team management, placement and finishing of dental restorative materials, and adjunct procedures necessary to restorative dentistry.

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Learning Outcomes

  • Identify uses of and manipulate a variety of dental materials to clinical standards.
  • Produce a variety of intraoral and extra-oral radiographs of diagnostic quality that meet and exceed the Colorado State minimum standards for radiographic training and education for dental assistants .
  • Perform infection control procedures consistent with OSHA and CDC standards.

  • Maintain accurate dental records.
  • Perform a variety of business office duties.
  • Provide Expanded Functions restorative services to clinical competency.

  • Anticipate and identify medical emergencies that can arise before, during, and after treatment.
  • Evaluate case studies and solve problems using critical thinking skills.
  • Communicate with dental team members and patients.
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Need more information?

Dental Assisting Faculty Contact

Amy Reed
719-502-3342

Sabrina Perez
719-502-3438

Advising Team

Advising website
Advising@pikespeak.edu
719-502-3232
719-502-2000