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.