Integrated Community Dental Assisting: Career information
Career overview
See “The Job” section on the program website.
Scope of practice
Students are trained to practice at the highest level within the scope of practice for dental assistants in Oregon. For detailed information on the scope of practice in Oregon, please visit Oregon Board of Dentistry – Dental Assistants.
Certification and licensure
Integrated Community Dental Assisting program students take three exams in order to receive the Expanded Function Dental Assisting Certificate in Oregon. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is a national testing agency that confers certification to individuals who successfully complete its exams. The examinations are:
- Infection Control (ICE) Exam – taken in the first term
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam – taken in the second term
- There are two parts to this exam, the written portion and the endorsement letter signed by the sponsor.
- General Chairside (GC) Exam – taken in the third term
- After the exam, students must complete a check of endorsement form in their sponsored office.
Professional associations
- American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Dental Auxiliary Learning and Education Foundation (the DALE Foundation)
- Division 42 of Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD)
- Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD)
- Oregon Dental Assistants Association (ODAA)
- Oregon Dental Association (ODA)
- Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP)
Professional association for students
American Dental Assistants Association
All students will be required to purchase a student membership in the American Dental Assistants Association as part of the professional training. Some of the benefits of the membership include:
- Official journals
- Involvement in state and local associations
- Connections with the national association
- Connections with the American Dental Association
- Insurance
- Scholarships