Dental Assisting – Associate in Science Degree, Certificate of Achievement

Top Code:

The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares the student to take on significant responsibility as a member of the dental health care team. Employment positions are available in dental offices, hospitals, clinics, dental schools, and professional sales. Dental Assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in delivery of quality oral health care. A career in dental assisting offers many challenges and a variety of procedures. Specific tasks may be performed such as: assisting with and providing direct patient care, taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), sterilizing instruments, taking impressions, and performing office management tasks.

Dental Assisting offers variety, flexibility, excellent working conditions, and personal satisfaction. Students successfully completing the program will receive the following certificates for courses approved by the Dental Board of California: Radiation Safety, Pit and Fissure Sealant, Coronal Polish, Ultrasonic Scaling for Removal of Orthodontic Cement, Dental Practice Act and Infection Control. Participation of all off-campus assigned sites are required for program completion. Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus sites. Some off-campus sites require homeland security screening and verification of legal status. A selected uniform, malpractice insurance, and instrument kit rental are required for the program participation.

The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved as a Registered Dental Assisting Program by the Dental Board of California.

Upon successful completion of the program and meeting board exam eligibility requirements, the student can take the following exams: Dental Assisting National Board examination to obtain a certificate as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) and the California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examinations to obtain a license as a Registered Dental Assistant. Upon completion of the advanced Orthodontic assistant class, the student qualifies to take the California Orthodontic Assistant Exam (OA).

Fingerprinting is mandatory with the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examination. A social security number or a TIN is required to take the RDA exam.

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “Approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is: http://www.ada.org

Dental Board of California

http://www.dbc.ca.gov/

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.                                                                         

Additional Courses Required for the Associate in Science Degree:

Consult with a Counselor to determine which classes qualify to receive credit in the general education categories of Natural Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Language and Rationality, American Institutions, Health Education, and Physical Activity for the Associate in Science degree.  The diversity credit required for the AA degree is applied after successful completion of the Dental Assisting Program.

Student Selection and Fees

Admission Requirements

1. Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with a 2.0 grade point average. Satisfactory completion of College level courses.
2. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college work.
3. Two sets of high school and college transcripts.
4. Completed application of admission to the program.
5. Current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) card, which must be maintained while in the program.  CPR training can be obtained from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, Health Care Provider course.
6. After acceptance into the program, submit a completed health data form evidencing good health including required immunizations/chest x-ray or Mantoux test.
7. Recommended Preparation: Dental Assisting students must have the ability to read, write, and speak English to communicate quickly, safely, and effectively in a health care setting. Additional languages are beneficial and desired.  Eligibility for ENGL 001A.

Applications are accepted on a year-round basis.  Students interested in the part time Dental Assisting Program or additional program information should consult with the Health Science Division Office.

Enrollment is determined by the applicant pool and the selection process is by lottery while adhering to all Federal and State Laws.

Fees:

1. Uniforms that abide by the Dental Assisting Program's dress code: approx. $500
2. Equipment and supplies, textbooks: approx. $800
3. Fee for American Dental Association membership (required on first day of class): $45
   https://www.adaausa.org/aws/ADAA/pt/sp/join
4. Current CPR/Basic Life Support card for Health Professionals provided by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be maintained while in the program: contact organization for cost of training.  Approximately $75
5. N95 fit test-$50
6. 36.5 units+ (refer to school website for current fees unit cost, health, parking, etc.)

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate technical skills and abilities, safety and infection control procedures as outlined by the California Dental Practice Act. (DA 100, 108, 110, 111, 123A, 123B, 124,125, 127, 135, 140, 142)
• Exhibit professional growth, behavior, knowledge and development; foster empathy and concern; and work toward a commitment of excellence at all times. (All DA courses)
• Exhibit communication and conflict skills and strategies that are effective with individuals and groups who are diverse in age, gender, or culture. (All DA courses).

Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement

Recommended Electives

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree

• General Information
• PCC Local Gen Ed
• CSU Breadth
• IGETC

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.