Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The course will be presented in a hybrid format, to include an online portion in addition to scheduled face to face meetings in both the computer lab and classroom setting.

1. Use desktop computers and software to carry out basic dental office procedures.     

2. Acquire knowledge, skills and qualities to perform the duties of a dental administrative assistant while functioning as a member of a dental office team.

Outcomes Assessment Strategies

            1. Participate in online Discussions

            2. Complete online web presentations 

            3. Complete laboratory projects

Concepts, Themes and Issues

• The business of dentistry
• Management techniques
• The dental assistant as office manager
• The well-equipped dental office: computer, phones and fax
• Office design
• Common types of office correspondence
• Third party reimbursement and billing procedure
• Maintaining and storing medical/dental records
• Appointment management systems
• Bookkeeping and accounts receivable
• Maintaining personnel records

Competencies and Skills

1. Explain the concept of dentistry as a business.
2. Describe the service concept.
3. Differentiate between different styles of management.
4. Describe the skills necessary for an effective office management plan.
5. Explain the concept of patient’s rights.
6. Identify the various types of correspondence used in a dental office and reproduce a variety of sample communications.
7. Describe a variety of appointment management systems and demonstrate the ability to schedule appointments in the PCC Dental Clinic.
8. Describe an accounts receivable/bookkeeping system and demonstrate the use of software to set up patient accounts.
9. Describe common budgeting, banking and check writing procedures as they relate to dental practice bookkeeping.