A Private Career School

Licensed by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating

Southern Oregon Dental Assistant Education provides instruction essential to function as a Dental Assistant, or Expanded Functions Dental Assistant.

OWNERS, DIRECTOR AND INSTRUCTORS

Deb Silva, Founder was an Expanded Functions, and Restorative Functions Dental Assistant founded SODAE in 2001. Deb began dental assisting in 1977, and was Clinical Director for The Children’s Dental Clinic, local non-profit.

Kayla Burleigh, Owner and instructor is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant who joined Deb in ownership and eventually took over SODAE and has had the opportunity to learn from her. She went through this program to become a Dental Assistant and now wants to be able to teach others and show them this amazing career.

Leah DeSchweinitz, instructor is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and Office Manager. Leah went through this program as well and has been in this field for over 15 years and loves every bit of it. She has chosen to partner with SODAE to help others enter this field.

Our instructors are highly trained dental assistants, with varying years of experience in the dental field.

SODAE has an open door policy for enrollment. Students are enrolled on a “first come, first served” basis. SODAE staff do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Students are encouraged to use the student grievance policy to resolve any perceived discriminatory actions by other students , faculty or staff. Any person unlawfully discriminated against, as described in ORS 659.850 may file a complaint under ORS 659A.820 with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Any faculty member or administrator found to be engaged in discriminatory behavior will be subject to discipline.

Course Descriptions – Students must complete each course within the allowed time, before moving on to the next course. Dental Assisting Program must be completed in 15 weeks, Radiology must be completed in 9 weeks.

Dental Assisting I – Prepares the student with thorough background material required to function as a dental auxiliary, including terminology, patient records and charting, microbiology and disease transmission, infection control, health and safety, medical emergencies and OSHA regulations. This 30 hour course (approx. 8 weeks) starts in August of each year.

Dental Assisting II – This course prepares the student for entry-level positions. This lecture/lab course offers instruction in dental procedures, materials, instruments, and equipment. Students will receive “hands on” assisting experience working with dentists in a local volunteer clinic. This 51 hour course (approx. 9 weeks) starts in October of each year. After completion of DAI and DAII, student will be prepared to take the Oregon Basic Exam.

Dental Radiology – This 49 hour course includes both lab and lecture, and covers the principles of dental radiology, related physics and anatomy. Students generate dental x-rays for the Dental Assisting National Boards Clinical Radiology Exam. The 9 week course begins January of each year.

Expanded Functions – This 18 hour Continuing Ed. course, combines lecture and lab, covering information and skills needed for the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. Included in this course; matrix placement and removal, amalgam and composite polish, placement of temporary fillings, cement removal, temporary crowns, teeth bleaching procedures, and coronal polish. This 8 week course begins in March of each year.

Sealant Placement for EFDA’s – Students must hold current Oregon EFDA Certificate. This 6 hour Continuing Ed. course includes both lecture and lab, offering instruction in Sealant Placement. Students must have a patient for the clinical portion of this course. Offered as needed.