Fall 2025


The Dental Assistant program at LBCC provides you with theory, performance-based and expanded function skills, and clinical experience. The program prepares its graduates for employment in dentistry by emphasizing current concepts in clinical dental assisting and developing proper work ethics, particularly in regard to accuracy, safety, conduct on the job, and recognizing the value of continuing education. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. Completion of LBCC’s one-year program will provide you with a certificate in Dental Assisting. Visit Dental Assistant for more information.

Estimated Program Cost: $11,000 (subject to increase).

Application Timeline

  • Online Application Opens: May 5, 2025 at 9:00am
  • Resident Priority: May 5 - 9, 2025 (see below)
  • Mandatory Information Session: complete alternative information session
  • Application Decision Emails: June 6, 2025
  • Post-Admission Requirements Due: July 2025 (see below)
  • Mandatory Meeting: July 2025 (see below)
  • Online Application Closes: September 8, 2025 (subject to change)
  • Program Starts: September 29, 2025
  • Program Dates: fall term 2025 through summer term 2026

 

Table of Contents


Class Selection Process

The four-term Dental Assistant Program accepts one cohort per year. New applicants as well as returning applicants must complete the entire application process as outlined in this application guide. It is the responsibility of each applicant to be informed on and adhere to all application procedures and deadlines as they may change from year to year. If you satisfy the minimum application requirements and do not have any other admission limitations, you will be considered a qualified applicant. Admission to the program is based on a first-come, first-served system with resident priority and then completion priority applied when relevant (see below). Admission limitations may apply.

Resident priority will be first given to qualified applicants who are residents of LBCC’s tax district and/or Linn or Benton counties (Oregon) followed by out-of-district, then out-of-state, and then international applicants who apply between May 5 - 9, 2025. After these dates, resident priority will no longer be considered. To determine whether or not you live at such an address (whether you rent or own), you may inquire through your county tax assessor’s office or website. See below for additional details regarding how to qualify.

Completion priority will then be given to applicants who completed all minimum application requirements prior to applying, followed by those with applicable course enrollment during spring term 2025 and then to those with applicable summer term 2025 enrollment. All courses must be completed on schedule with a grade of "C" or higher through a regionally accredited institution. Proof of enrollment will be required. Enrollment in fall term 2025 or later will not be accepted toward minimum application requirements.

Application Checklist

Course numbers listed below refer to LBCC courses as described in the LBCC catalog. All applicable courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher through a regionally accredited institution prior to the start of the program. Official transcripts must come from the original institutions where the applicable transfer courses were completed. Transfer course equivalency is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. Meet with your advisor to discuss transfer equivalencies. Applicants will be required to supply the following for each course to be considered: course number, institution name, completion year, and the grade(s) received.

Minimum Application Requirements

  • Mandatory information session
  • Check for admission limitations (see "Admission Limitations")
  • Submit official transcripts for all transfer courses
  • Submit the following during completion of the online application
    • Residency (see "Residency Information")
    • Understanding and compliance (see "Statements of Understanding and Compliance")
    • High school graduation or GED
      • An electronic copy of your high school diploma, GED certificate, or state-accredited equivalent will be required
    • Minimum application-required courses
      • Writing (WR 115: Introduction to College Writing)
        • Completion of the credit course or LBCC writing placement into WR 121Z
      • Math (MTH 75: Variables and Linear Equations)
        • Completion of the credit course within the last five years or LBCC math placement test score of 14 or higher
      • Completion of a higher-level course may be accepted; self placement will not be accepted

Computer Skills Recommendation

The Dental Assistant program is a technical program. To help ensure success, it is highly recommended to have a basic familiarity with computers, the web environment, and common software (e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Adobe Acrobat, etc.).

Post-Admission Requirements

Carefully review the end of this application guide for additional information regarding what documentation will be required from students who receive an admission offer to this program.

Cancellation

This program is subject to cancellation if there are an insufficient number of clinical sites or eligible students. In the event of cancellation, applicants must re-apply for a later session.

Residency Information for Limited Enrollment Programs

For limited enrollment programs such as this one, a resident is defined as someone who established permanent residency 90 days before the first day applications are accepted for that program. Permanent residency is defined as the home a person intends to return to after any absence and in which one’s dependents reside for an unlimited period of time. Student housing does not qualify as a permanent residence. As part of the online application process, you will be required to submit information regarding your residency for the entire 90-day period leading up to the application. Information you will be required to provide includes legal name, phone number, LBCC student ID or social security number, program of choice, street address, city, state, ZIP, and time period at the applicable address(es). You may be required to submit additional documentation upon request to show proof of your permanent residence. Misrepresentation of your permanent residence may result in forfeiture of your application status with this program.

Note to International Applicants

It is important to consult with LBCC’s International Office to determine whether your student visa type allows you to claim US permanent residential status and/or to be admitted to this type of program.

Admission Limitations

Applicants should be aware of the following admission limitations. Failure to comply may result in application denial and/or admission eligibility forfeiture.

Application Completion

Applicants must submit proof of completing all minimum application requirements by the deadlines given to be considered for admission to this program. Applicants are responsible for ensuring LBCC’s Admission Department has up-to-date transcripts and course information for transfer credits they want considered.

Previously Admitted Students

Applicants who have previously been admitted to this program are no longer eligible to apply if they exited the program based on safety concerns or if they exited the program two previous times based on unsuccessful attempts to pass academic and/or clinical requirements not directly related to safety (includes withdrawal in lieu of failing grades).

Clinical Placement Eligibility

Applicants must be in good standing with this program’s clinical site partners. Applicants who have been denied access privileges to one or more of the program’s clinical partner sites may not be eligible to participate in this program. Meet with the Dental Assistant Program Director prior to applying to this program if you have concerns regarding your placement potential.

Holds

Applicants must have no registration holds at LBCC during the entire application and admissions process to be considered for admission to this program. Financial holds must be addressed through the LBCC Business Office prior to program admission. Note: New student holds (no previous LBCC credits or registration) are the only exception.

To view your status at LBCC: 1) Log in to WebRunner, 2) select "Student," 3) select "Registration," 4) select "Check Your Registration Status," then 5) select the next available term. Contact your LBCC advisor if you have questions about your status.

Academic Standing

Applicants' Academic Standing must be in Good Standing at LBCC during the entire application and admissions process to be considered for admission to this program.

Student Status

Applicants must be in good student status with Student Services at LBCC during the entire application and admissions process to be considered for admission to this program.

Note Regarding Financial Aid

The federal financial aid standards and policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are not identical to the college’s standards on admission/registration eligibility. Your financial aid SAP status will not limit your potential admission into this program but may severely affect your funding options.

To view your current SAP status: 1) Log in to WebRunner, 2) select "Financial Aid," 3) select "Your Financial Aid Status," 4) select the aid year, and 5) select the "Satisfactory Academic Progress" tab. Visit LBCC’s Financial Aid for additional information. 

Statements of Understanding and Compliance

When applying to this program, you will be required to affirm that you understand all of the following:

  • Students admitted to this program must be the age of 18 or older prior to the post-admission requirements completion deadline (see "Post-Admission Requirements").
  • Then Dental Assistant program is a technically challenging science-based program of study.
  • Eligibility to take the national Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) exams may be restricted if you have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a felony or any crime punishable by confinement in a state or federal prison for any length of time. Contact DANB as soon as possible to receive more information on their criminal background requirements and processes (1-800-FOR-DANB). If applicable, admitted students will be required to confirm contact with DANB prior to starting the program.
  • LBCC's Student Right to Know information.
  • Applicants who were previously admitted to this program are no longer eligible to apply if they exited the program based on safety concerns or if they exited the program two previous times.
  • Admission limitations, Financial Aid’s Satisfactory Academic Progress, and the nondiscrimination statement.
  • Applicants must comply with all application criteria and deadlines.
  • Applicants must provide a valid email when applying to this program. Communication from LBCC regarding your program application will be sent to the email address you provide. Providing an invalid email address will prevent your application from proceeding.
  • Some occupational health hazards in this program include the wearing of latex gloves and masks, and working conditions which can intensify Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Meet with the Dental Assistant advisor if you have any skin, breathing, or other risk factors to consider.
  • If you are suspected of or known to have a communicable disease which may be transmitted under normal program activities, you will be required to have documentation of completing medical treatment prior to participating in clinical/lab assignments.
  • Some practicum/clinical sites may require documentation from your healthcare provider stating you are free from communicable diseases and are thus are able to work without accommodations for such communicable diseases.
  • If admitted, you will be required to complete all LBCC admissions and graduation requirements.
  • If admitted, you will be required to complete and pass all post-admission requirements by the deadlines that will be specified in the admission materials. It is your responsibility to plan appropriately to meet each deadline.
  • If admitted, you will be required to pay for and complete the LBCC-approved criminal background check. The results will determine, in part, your eligibility to remain in the program but will not guarantee your eligibility to be licensed or employed in this career field. Neither previously completed nor alternative criminal background checks will suffice.
  • If admitted, you will have your social security number (SSN) matched against the US Department of Health & Human Services list of individuals who are barred from any participation in federally funded health programs. If on the list, you will not be eligible to participate in this program.
  • If admitted, you may be required to clear a program-approved drug test as a condition for continued admission. Students may be required to comply with a non-LBCC site's policy. Testing may be random and unannounced or conducted when there is reasonable suspicion that performance and/or behavior may be the result of the presence of a drug and/or alcohol. The presence, as determined by the program's test procedures, of prescription or non-prescription drugs, controlled substances, etc. may result in immediate dismissal from the work site and disenrollment from the program and its related academic courses. The presence of marijuana will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Students may also be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for violating LBCC’s Student Standards of Conduct.
  • If admitted, you will be required to maintain a minimum "C" grade in each graduation required course, and courses must be taken in the specified sequence.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Read LBCC's Equal Opportunity & Statement of Nondiscrimination.

Online Application Information

All applicants, new and returning, are required to follow the process and criteria outlined in this guide at the time of application. This program’s online application will open on May 5, 2025 at 9:00am. The application is projected to close September 8, 2025 at 4:00pm (subject to change). This program’s application type will only be visible during the above mentioned application date/time span. Online applications will receive an automatic date/time stamp. Neither early nor late applications will be considered.

Application Instructions

  1. Go to Apply
  2. Select the "Apply Now" button
  3. Select "Dental Assistant Application" from the list of application types
    • Selecting any other application type will prevent you from progressing through this program’s application processes and thus may forfeit your potential for admission consideration during this cycle.
  4. Enter the following information to create your online LBCC application profile:
    • First and last name
    • Email address
      • Important: during this step of the application process you may use either your LBCC or personal email address. The email address you utilize for your online application will become your online application profile login ID. Entering an invalid email address will prevent your application from proceeding.
    • Cell phone (optional)
    • Application profile password
    • Application term: "Fall 2025"
  5. Select the "Create Account" button to proceed
  6. Carefully enter the information you want considered within each application category:
    • Personal information
      • Date of birth (DOB) and social security numbers (SSNs) are used, in part, to help ensure applications are not mismatched between LBCC applicants with the same names. LBCC is also required to request specific demographic information.
    • Contact and demographic information
    • Additional residency (if applicable)
    • High school and college Information
    • Prerequisites
    • Optional file upload
    • Statements of understanding and compliance
  7. Carefully review all your information and then select the "Submit Application" button

Following Application Submission

You are required to continue to check email regularly. If we require additional information for processing your program application, you will be contacted by a staff member via email (not text). Failure to provide accurate information will result in your application being delayed, which may result in forfeiting your placement on this program’s application list and may result in your application being denied.

Returning/Existing LBCC Students

If you receive a notice stating "you already have a profile," select either "Go to login page" to use your previously established login credentials or select "Reset your password" if you do not recall your application profile login information. After you log into your profile, you will then be able to select the correct application type and proceed.

Post-Admission Requirements

Applicants who receive an admission offer will be required to complete the post-admission requirements by the deadlines provided. Additional instructions will be provided to the admitted students.

These are subject to change and are not included in the cost of program tuition and fees:

  • Commitment: all admitted students will be required to submit an admission commitment form
  • Spring/Summer Term Completion: if applicable, submit proof of applicable spring term course completion by June 13, 2025 and/or proof of applicable summer term course completion by September 5, 2025. Official transcripts are required for all applicable transfer courses.
  • Registration: admitted students will be required to complete COMM 111 or COMM 218 during fall term 2025 or sooner and MTH 75 (or higher) during winter term 2026 or sooner with a grade of "C" or higher
  • Information Release: admitted students will receive the program required form to complete
  • Criminal Background Check: pass the LBCC-approved check (estimated cost: $72)
  • July Mandatory Meeting: admitted students will receive additional instructions (date: TBA)
  • Health and Training Documentation
    • Required Immunizations: by July 2025, admitted students will be required to submit electronic copies of the following through an online tracker (estimated tracker cost: $50): 
      • Positive Hepatitis B surface antibody titer
        • Antibody blood test; vaccines alone will not be accepted. Early action required: applicants should have proof of the entire HepB vaccination series and the follow-up Hepatitis B Surface antibody titer prior to applying to this program. Older vaccines do not always result in the required positive (a.k.a. reactive) HepB surface antibody titer, thus additional HepB vaccination(s) and testing may also be required.
      • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
        • Positive antibody titers for all three or two vaccines
      • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test
        • Either a negative TB blood test (Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot) or negative two-step TB test (two separate TB skin tests completed one to three weeks apart); completed within the last 12 months and updated annually while in the program
      • CPR
        • Only the American Heart Association BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross BLS Provider CPR certifications will be accepted. All other CPR certifications will be denied. Must be kept current.
      • First Aid
        • Training must include an in-person skills test. Must be kept current.
      • Physical/Eye Exam
        • Admitted students will receive the program required form; healthcare provider approval/ signature will be required.
    • Recommended Immunizations: the following are recommended but not required. Some clinical sites may require one or more of these for student placements, thus not completing these might limit your ability to be placed at a clinical site and advance with the cohort (costs vary):
      • Current COVID-19
        • Vaccinated as per the current CDC guidelines; due and updated by October 1 annually; must include the vaccine manufacturer and lot number.
      • Flu shot
        • Current influenza vaccine, updated annually
      • Polio
        • Positive antibody titers or three vaccines
      • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
        • One vaccine updated every ten years
      • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
        • Positive antibody titer or two vaccines
    • Health records must be in the form of a copy of either an official immunization card or original immunization/ medical screening document. Official documentation must include: 1) Your name, 2) Date of birth, 3) Name of administering agency or provider, 4) Name of injection, test, etc. and results, if applicable, 5) Date of injection, test, etc., 6) Healthcare provider’s signature, official stamp, or letterhead.
  • Additional Costs: admitted students will receive additional details. Costs may include the completion of a N-95 mask fit screen/test through an occupational medicine facility (estimated cost: $70 - $275), travel for lab and/or clinical experiences, the purchase of field specific student liability insurance (costs vary), etc.