Student Administrative Requirements
Per the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 409-030-0100, health profession students will need to meet a standardized, universal set of administrative requirements prior to doing clinical training in Oregon. For most students, satisfying the requirements once will be sufficient for all subsequent clinical training experiences.
Criminal history checks, immunization tracking and drug screening will be provided through an approved organization selected by COCC. Instructions are posted below and contain specific directions for initiating the criminal history check, completing the drug screen, and submitting immunization documentation. Program requirements related to CPR, as well as immunizations, criminal history check and drug screening are listed below. Cost for the criminal history check, drug screening and immunization tracking will be $137 (Criminal History Check, $75; Immunization Tracking, $10; Drug Screening, $45; Processing Fee: $7).
Immunizations, Criminal History Check, Drug Screening and CPR Requirements
All immunizations below are required unless students sign a medical exemption waiver. Practicum sites may not accept students that have not met immunization requirements. Completing the practicum is a requirement for completing the DA certificate. Therefore, if a practicum site cannot be found for a student, the student cannot complete the program.
Immunizations
A. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Must have either a 2 dose (Heplisav-B) or 3 dose (Recombivax HB or Engerix-B) series AND positive titer showing immunity
Titer: If the titer comes back with a “negative” or “non-reactive” result you must complete another series of three Hepatitis B vaccines with a titer drawn one month after the series is completed. If the 2nd titer is negative the student will be deemed a non-responder and will require no further Hepatitis B vaccines.
B. MMR Vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
Provide official documentation of two Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, at least 4 weeks apart;
-OR-
Series in progress:
1st dose before 1st day of class
2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose.
-OR-
Provide serological testing results showing immunity*.
* MMR serological testing is comprised of 3 components - Measles Titer, Mumps Titer and Rubella Titer. If any one of the components is negative (non-immune), the student must complete the series.
C. Varicella (Chickenpox)
Provide documentation of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart; -OR-
Serological evidence [titer] of immunity to Varicella; -OR-
Documentation of the 1st vaccine and documentation of the second dose within the first 4 weeks of the term.
D. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
Provide documentation of a one-time dose of Tdap as an adult age 18 years or greater. Tetanus must be within the past ten years.
E. Tuberculosis - Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot blood draw (IGRA)
Provide documentation of a blood test (IGRA), either Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot, within the past the past 12 months.
Students with a past positive TB test must provide documentation of the positive TB test and, if not already completed, provide documentation of a baseline chest x-ray prior to the deadline.
F. Influenza vaccine
A current influenza vaccination (usually available starting October) is required by the end of fall term.
G. COVID-19
Vaccination or an approved OHA COVID-19 exception form are necessary to complete the required clinical hours for these programs. Students will be asked to upload vaccination cards or medical/religious exceptions to an online system (VCI) for approval before being allowed to attend clinical sites. Students should send all vaccination-related questions to their program director. Certain clinical/practicum locations may not allow students to participate in practicum/direct patient care without COVID-19 vaccination/boosters. If such practicum/direct patient care is required in a program, students will likely not be able to successfully complete the program if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Medical Exemption:
If you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine or any component of a vaccine, you must provide documentation, on letterhead, from your health care provider.
For documentation of immunization exemption for medical reasons:
- See the Allied Health Department Administrative Assistant. -OR-
- Download from Verified Credentials website.
The TB screening cannot be waived.
CPR Requirement
Students must have a valid "healthcare provider level" CPR card by the end of Fall term to meet the CPR requirement. Only the following card will be accepted:
- American Heart Association "BLS for Healthcare Providers"; valid through the end of spring term
CPR certification is usually good for two years. HHP 212A and HHP 252 (not HHP 252A) will meet the requirement for Healthcare Provider CPR. We cannot accept any online CPR courses. For non-credit options see COCC's Continuing Education website.
Criminal History Check
All Dental Assisting Program students who attend clinical/practicum and have patient contact as part of their training program, will undergo a criminal history check with Verified Credentials [VCI], the vendor approved by Central Oregon Community College. Students will be administratively withdrawn from class if the required criminal history check is not initiated with the specified vendor, by the due date indicated on the pre-registration packet.
Students with crimes on their criminal history check should be aware that facilities accepting students for practicum rotations do so voluntarily. They may not accept a student with a positive criminal history check, or may only accept students after further evaluation. Students with crimes which do not allow them to attend clinical/practicum, will be disqualified from attending the Dental Assisting Program. Students who believe that their past history may interfere with their ability to complete the program of study or to obtain licensure or certification in their chosen field should contact the appropriate state board or the program director.
Some crimes can be removed by expungement from an individual’s record. You may be able to find more information about expungement through the Oregon State Bar or Oregon State Police web sites.
Completing the practicum is a requirement for completing the DA certificate. Therefore, if a practicum site cannot be found for a student with a particular background, that student cannot complete the program. Participation by practicum sites is voluntary and sites cannot be forced to take a student that does not meet their minimum requirements.
Drug Screening
All Dental Assisting Program students who attend clinical will undergo a 10-panel drug screen with Verified Credentials [VCI], the vendor approved by Central Oregon Community College. Students will be administratively withdrawn from class if the required urine drug screen is not completed, by the due date indicated in the pre-registration information, with the specified vendor, Students with a positive urine drug screen that will not allow clinical attendance will be disqualified from attending the Dental Assisting Program until the next registration period for the Program.