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Dental Assisting

Overview

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.0601 (Dental Assisting/Assistant)

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 31-9091.00 (Dental Assistants)

Quarter Credits: 55.0

In-Class Clock Hours: 820

Outside Hours: N/A

Total Hours: 820

Method of Delivery: Blended

Program Length in Weeks: 38*

*Weeks may be extended depending on holiday schedules.

Career Training Objective

Dental Assistants are key members of the dental team. Dentists rely upon Dental Assistants to perform a wide range of patient, clinical and laboratory procedures. As dental procedures continue to expand and patient awareness of dental services increases, Dental Assistants will continue to be indispensable contributors to dental health care and the community.

The College's Dental Assisting program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to qualify for an entry-level position as a Dental Assistant. Graduates may also secure employment in other areas of dentistry, such as pediatric dentistry, or as a back office assistant, and may work for public health facilities, hospital dental departments, correctional facilities, schools/universities, clinics, and dental suppliers.  Students practice techniques and procedures in a spacious and modern dental laboratory to gain proficiency in those competencies. In addition, equipment, materials, and instruments comparable to those used in an actual dental facility are used in our classrooms.

The training program is divided into learning units called modules. Students must complete all modules. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Students must successfully complete coronal polish, pit and fissure, and radiation safety written and practical examinations, which are embedded within their modules, with a minimum score of seventy-five percent (75%) in order to receive school certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, students are required to complete a 180-hour externship. Completion of the program is acknowledged by the awarding of a diploma.

At completion of the program students will receive a certificate for Coronal Polish*, Pit and Fissure Sealants*, Radiation Safety, Infection Control and Dental Practice Act. *Coronal Polish and Pit and Fissure Sealants can only be performed by an RDA. Graduates from the College’s Dental Assisting program are considered entry level only.

The College’s Dental Assisting program is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) approved program. Although it is not required to work in the state of California as a Dental Assistant, students may pursue the RDA credential after successful completion of the College’s Dental Assisting program.

Instructional Equipment

Dental Operatories, Laboratory work area and Lecture room equipped with the following:

  • Amalgamators
  • Anatomical Models and Charts
  • Autoclave
  • Automatic Processing Equipment
  • High Speed Handpieces
  • Impression Materials
  • Instrument Tray Set-ups
  • Lathe
  • Laboratory Handpieces Model Trimmers/Vibrators
  • Oral Evacuation Delivery Units
  • Operator Stools
  • Practice Mannequins/ Typodonts
  • Slow Speed Handpieces
  • Ultrasonic Equipment
  • Vacuum Former
  • X-ray Units
  • X-ray View boxes

 

Program Outline

Program Locations: Los Angeles, Anaheim and Ontario

Required Courses

Course Number

Title

Clock Hours

Clinical Hours

Quarter Credits

DA100 Fundamentals of Dental Assisting 80 0 6.0
DA200 Science of Dentistry 80 0 6.0
DA300 Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology 80 0 6.0
DA400 Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics 80 0 6.0
DA500 Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics 80 0 6.0
DA600 CPR/Preventive Dentistry 80 0 6.0
DA700 Endodontics/Radiography 80 0 6.0
DA800 Oral Surgery/Anesthetics 80 0 6.0
EXT-DA Externship § 180 160 7.0
 

Totals

820

160

55.0

Course Number: DA100

Title Fundamentals of Dental Assisting
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA200

Title Science of Dentistry
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA300

Title Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA400

Title Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA500

Title Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA600

Title CPR/Preventive Dentistry
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA700

Title Endodontics/Radiography
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA800

Title Oral Surgery/Anesthetics
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: EXT-DA

Title Externship §
Clock Hours180
Clinical Hours160
Quarter Credits7.0

TOTALS

Clock Hours

820

Clinical Hours

160

Quarter Credits

55.0

Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.
§ Courses offered on ground.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 55.0

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