The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
New Admission Requirements
New Admissions Requirements are in effect July 15, 2008. EXCEPTION: Students who have begun the former admissions process by July 14, 2008 by taking the Accuplacer test or submitting an Admissions Application and fee will be allowed until August 1, 2008 to complete the former admissions process and be placed on the program ready list
Program Description
The Dental Assisting program prepares the student to be a key member of the dental team and assist the operator chair-side during diagnostic, preventive and operative dental procedures, including exposing x-rays, placing sealants, polishing teeth, preparing dental materials and placing temporary restorations. The college operates a dental clinic that is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays, and is staffed with a dentist, dental hygienist, clinic manager, clinical instructor and certified dental assistant. The clinic provides students with clinical experiences, including 4-handed expanded function chair-side practice and equipment maintenance using a variety of delivery systems. The clinic fully incorporates the application of infection control, digital x-ray and dental software. Students are expected to complete the national certification exam (Dental Assistant National Board) or meet other comparable certification requirements by program completion.
Jobs & Careers
Potential Positions, Employment Outlook, Typical Tasks ... (more)
Program Costs
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Degree & Certificate Requirements
Courses Listed Alphabetically | Typical Student Schedule
Students begin by completing their general education courses. The Dental Assisting program is a three quarter sequence with fall and spring entry. Students are generally in class from 8:00am-3:00pm. All students will have the summer quarter off. General education courses must be taken first to be elibible for the program ready list.
Extramural clinical experience requires a minimum of 200 clinical hours by the end of the final quarter. The clinical schedule varies according to the dental office hours and students must be available to meet the arranged schedule.
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Students may apply for a certificate upon completion and verification of all requirements and standards. Students must receive a minimum of (B) 3.0 in all clinical courses and a (C) 2.0 or above in all academic courses to receive a certificate. Students wanting transferable credits can replace BIO 105 with the following 3 courses: BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, and BIOL&242.
For more information see Requirements and Standards and Application Procedures
Apply academic, technical and professional skills to effectively contribute to the dental health team;
Apply cognitive retention of dental terminology, theory and science;
Expose and evaluate intraoral and extraoral radiographs implementing radiation safety and processing skills;
Verify critical thinking, problem solving and positive work ethics as they directly relate to the dental assistant profession; and
Validate the importance of National Certification and participation in professional activities and education opportunities.
Application & Registration
To be eligible for admision to the Dental Assisting program, applicants must meet college admission requirements and submit additional materials, including evidence of high school graduation or its equivalent. Acceptable documents include a copy of your high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED certificate. Applicants must also prove evidence of taking the HOBET (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test).
To be eligible for the program ready list, all general education courses must be completed. Students may take the general education courses in any quarter. Transcripts must be submitted for all general education courses to be eligible for the program ready list.
After acceptance to be on the program ready list for the Dental Assisting program, and prior to the beginning of the dental courses, students are required to:
• Be 18 years of age
• Demonstrate satisfactory oral health by dental examination
• Demonstrate satisfactory health status by physical examination and current immunization status
• Provide evidence of negative test for tuberculosis from physician or health department
• Complete hepatitis B immunization series. (Students should note that the cost of this immunization is estimated to be approximately $150.00.)
• Possess and maintain a current CPR card. Minimum CPR required is HO 127 - Healthcare Provider (6 hr).
For more information see Admissions
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