Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

How long/how many days is the course?

The “lecture” portion of the course is 16 hours completed online in the comfort of your home prior to the face-to-face lab. The face-to-face portion of the course is a total of 8 days, 8 hours per day with a lunch break. To accommodate working professionals, the course is held over a series of weekends (Saturdays and/or Sundays). We have found this format allows participants the greatest opportunity to practice their skills outside of the course time improving their ability to pass the WREB exam. However, to complete the course you must attend all face-to-face labs.

What is the format of the course?

Before the hands-on portion of the course begins, participants are required to complete online learning modules covering dental material and restorative concepts and pass the quizzes at 75%. The first four days of the hands-on portion of the course will be labs where participants will learn on dentoform, followed by three days of patient care. The final day will be a Mock Board Examination to prepare participants for the WREB exam.

How can I register for the class?

Registration usually opens a few weeks before the class begins. Please check the Health Topics page, click on Dental Health Education, then follow the link for the Dental Restorative 80-hour program for current information. If information is not yet posted, you may contact Stacy Kimsey, there is a link on the page for her information. To register, contact the Registration Office at 971-722-8888 and select option #2 to enroll as a non-credit student.

Are practice teeth provided?

Yes, as part of the course fee, prepared dentoform restorations are provided for participants to practice with during lab. If participants would like to practice outside of lab hours, they will need to purchase their own prepped teeth and related materials.

Is there a final test/exam?

While there is no final exam for completing the course, there are quizzes in the online portion of the course that participants are required to pass before beginning the clinical portion of the course. Participants are also evaluated on the restorations they complete on both dentoforms and patients as part of their learning.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring a copy of your Dental Hygiene License or EFDA certificate – this is required for you to treat patients. Participants may bring to labs any reference materials, drawings, or notes from the online portion of the course. A clean lab coat, eye protection or loupes, and clinic-appropriate shoes are required at all times. PPE in the form of masks and nitrile gloves is provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own if they require special brands.

Do I need my own instruments/tools?

While we provide sets of instruments for use during the course, we encourage participants to bring instruments that they plan to take their board exam with so they are accustomed to working with them. High-speed and slow-speed handpieces are available for use during labs and patient care if participants do not have their own.

Do I need to bring an amalgamator/triturator or curing light?

We have amalgamators and curing lights for use during labs and patient care.

What typodont/dentoform will we use and do I need my own?

The Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) requires the Acadental ModuPro ® One dentoform for their Restorative Exam. Participants will need to purchase this dentoform and bring it to the first day of class. This model can be purchased at acadental.com. Previous participants have purchased additional teeth for practicing outside of the course time as well as additional “virgin” teeth for their exam. This will be discussed further during the course. Participants are encouraged to purchase an extra set of gums for their board exam.

Will I see patients?

Yes, part of the course is direct patient care in coordination with a clinical dentist. Participants will assist each other and the dentist during restorative procedures as well as place amalgam and/or composite restorations on patients.

Will I be ready to take my board exam?

The course will teach all the skills participants need to be successful at the WREB exam. However, due to the complex nature of the skill being learned, participants are strongly encouraged to find time outside of the course to practice their skills.

Does the cost of the course cover the fee for the board exam?

No, WREB charges their own fee to take the Restorative exam that is paid directly to them when participants register for an exam. Visit wreb.org and click on Hygiene Exams (even if you’re an EFDA) for more information on the restorative exam.

How many students have passed?

Since the course was re-started in the fall of 2014, 84% of participants have passed their WREB exam. The national WREB passing average in 2016 was 89%.

Is this course approved for Washington RDH’s?

Yes! We received approval for our course for RDH’s applying to licensure through the Washington Department of Health as of July 1, 2015.

Does this course qualify as a remediation course for WREB?

No, this course is designed for first-time participants in Restorative Functions Endorsement continuing education.

Where can I stay if I am coming from out of the area?

There are several hotels nearby, Comfort Suites is around the corner from the college. To review all of your options, the physical address of the college is 12000 SW 49 Ave., Portland Oregon.

Is there anything else I should know about this class?

It is recommended that you check your email regularly after registering for the course to ensure you receive any pertinent information pertaining to the course. Again, you must bring a copy of your Dental Hygiene License or your Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certificate to the first day of class.