In the CAL Health Science Dentistry program, students gain the skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation, and real-world experiences they need to prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers in dental and oral health care. This program explores careers that involve direct patient care, as well as roles in research and dental support. Students also take a radiology course to develop specialized expertise in dental imaging. Industry experiences for students are varied and may include opportunities in dental offices, clinics, or community health settings. Education and training are conducted using state-of-the-art, industry-grade equipment in our HIVE dental lab.
Dental Course Descriptions
First Year
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This course explores the biological foundations of human and animal medicine. This course will explore many topics, including cellular biology, laboratory science, how medicinal drugs work, genetics, and disease pathology. Students will engage in hands-on labs, including clinical pathology, urine analysis, microbioloby and more. This course is designed to be fun, engaging, and informative with a blend of theory and practical knowledge.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
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This course focuses on the study of medical terminology by body systems with related word elements, disease processes, diagnostic tests, procedures, and labs. Basic elements of medical words and abbreviations are studied so the student is familiar, and able to analyze, define, and build medical terms that are commonly used within a clinic/hospital environment.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits for MO111
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This course is designed to connect classroom instruction with clinical skills. Students will engage in a variety of experiences in which they apply knowledge acquired through classroom lecture, hands-on lab, scholarly research, and presentation symposium formats. Content will include basic patient care: vital signs, infection control, safety, etc.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
Second Year
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Students have the option to take one of two different levels of Anatomy and Physiology, each related to a different college course.
BI121 covers basic human anatomy and physiology, including body organization, cell structure, tissues and membranes, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous (with special senses), and endocrine systems.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits
BI100 is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology to fulfill the requirements for Health Professions programs, and as a survey for students interests in building a foundation for higher levels of study in the 11 major body systems.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits
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In this dental radiology course, students have the opportunity to learn how to make and process dental radiographic images. Students who pass the class are eligible to take the National Dental Radiology Board Exam for certification if they choose.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
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This advanced course expands on skills and knowledge introduced the previous year. Diverse educational methods are utilized to apply and extend medical and health science concepts and basic patient care. Students will engage in a variety of experiences in which they apply knowledge acquired through class, including lecture, hands-on labs, research, community outreach, and presentations.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
Meet the Team
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Scott Nance
I have been a teacher here at CAL since 2019. After spending over 25 years in the medical and environmental fields, I became a teacher to share my knowledge and experience in order to help students accomplish career and academic goals.
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Joseph McNeal
I’ve taught Anatomy & Physiology or related subjects for more than 30 years in Oregon in the K-12 system, community college and university levels. I enjoy seeing students have their “Ah ha moments” when they learn something about the body that makes them understand how their body works or why something happened to a friend or family member.