TOP Code:
1240.10The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares the student to take on an entry-level dental assistant and become a member of the dental health care team. Employment positions are available in dental offices, hospitals, clinics, and dental schools. Dental Assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the 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, preparing exam rooms for various dental procedures, and taking impressions. Dental assisting offers variety, flexibility, excellent working conditions, and personal satisfaction. Students successfully completing the entry-level dental assisting program will receive the following certificates for courses approved by the Dental Board of California: Radiation Safety and Dental Practice Act and the 8-hour Infection Control and Occupational Skills Entry Level Dental Assistant. These courses can be applied toward the requirements for the Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting.
An Occupational Skills Certificate is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade C or better.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate technical skills for safety and infection control procedures as outlined by the California Dental Practice Act.
- Develop entry-level skills and technical abilities to successfully perform basic dental office clinical procedures as outlined by the California Dental Practice Act.
- Demonstrate the highest level of a professional dental assistant by exhibiting strong ethics, personal integrity, and compassion when delivering patient care.
Requirements for the Occupational Skills Certificate
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DA 108 | INFECTION CONTROL IN DENTISTRY | 2 |
| DA 110 | INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL ESSENTIALS | 3.5 |
| DA 140 | ORAL RADIOLOGY | 4 |
| Total Units | 9.5 | |