Program Health Considerations

PROGRAM HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS:

A) Physical exam and immunizations records must be completed after acceptance into the program and returned prior to the first day of class (costs incurred by student)

B) A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be obtained after acceptance into the program and returned prior to the first of class. It must be obtained through the American Heart Association – Health Care Provider Training (required). Card must be valid throughout the program.

C) Applicant must present evidence of physical fitness and ability to perform tasks required of a dental assistant. Employment in this field requires good vision, hearing, and the ability to communicate verbally, non-verbally, and through written word. Students must have the ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate patients’ charts in order to provide appropriate treatment. Students must be able to record in the patients’ charts and have manual dexterity to use small instruments to provide patient care. See Essential Functions on Web site for further details.

D) The essential requirements of a dental assistant are used in consideration of admission, retention and graduation from the Cerritos College program. Graduates are expected to be fully qualified to enter the profession as an Assistant. It is the responsibility of the student with disabilities to contact SAS and provide verification of the disability and resulting limitations. Students are responsible to make advance request for those accommodations that he or she feel are reasonable and needed to execute the essential requirements described above.

E) Pregnancy Advisory: all clinical affiliates require immunizations. All students must be immunized to participate in clinical education. Pregnancy may affect immunization and or other program requirements. If you are pregnant or planning on pregnancy while enrolled, please consult with the Program Director. A statement from the student's health care provider will be required noting the student may proceed through the program "without limitations."

F) Latex Advisory: the use of latex/latex based products may exist in the health care universal precautions and in environments such as but not limited to the classroom, labs, and clinical sites. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care field.

G) Immunization Advisory: immunization is required in order to participate in clinical education. Individuals with allergies to required immunizations should seek expert advice from their healthcare provider so they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to infectious diseases in the healthcare field. A statement from the student’s healthcare provider noting that the student may proceed through the program with no limitations will be required of all students declaring an immunization allergy.