Chemeketa Community College Salem, Oregon

The Dental Assistant program at Chemeketa Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in the dental field. This program provides a comprehensive education in all aspects of dental assisting, from chairside assisting and infection control to radiology and office management. Students will learn how to prepare patients for procedures, assist dentists during examinations and treatments, sterilize instruments, take dental x-rays, and manage patient records. Expect a blend of classroom instruction, laboratory practice in simulated dental settings, and hands-on clinical experience through externships in local dental offices. The program typically culminates in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or a certificate of completion, depending on the specific program structure. Graduates are well-prepared to work as entry-level dental assistants in general dentistry, specialty practices, or public health clinics. The program likely emphasizes professionalism, ethics, and patient care, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to be valuable members of a dental team. The Dental Assistant field is growing, making this a career with significant potential for long-term job security.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Chemeketa Community College on the NCES website.

* Cohort Year represents the year for which students began their studies and applies to Graduation and Transfer Out Rates.
** Net Price is Average Net Price for 2022-2023 generated for full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, net price is generated for the institution’s largest program.
NA (Not applicable) – Graduation rate, transfer-out rate and the net price are not applicable to institutions that do not have full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students in the applicable cohort year or the financial aid year.