The Registered 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 Registered 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 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: https://coda.ada.org.
Dental Board of California
Student Selection and Fees:
Requirements for Admission into the Registered Dental Assisting Program are:
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with a 2.0 grade point average. Satisfactory completion of College level courses.
- Grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college work.
- Two sets of high school and college transcripts.
- Completed application of admission to the program.
- 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.
- After acceptance into the program, submit a completed health data form evidencing good health including required immunizations/chest x-ray or Mantoux test.
- Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 001A or equivalent
Applications are accepted on a year-round basis. Students interested in the part time Registered Dental Assisting Program or additional program information should consult with the program director.
Fees:
Uniforms that abide by the Registered Dental Assisting Program's dress code: approx. $500
Equipment and supplies, textbooks: approx. $800
Fee for Professional liability insurance (required on first day of class): $45
A 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
34 units + electives (refer to school website for current fees unit cost, health, parking, etc.)
- 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DA 100 | DENTAL MATERIALS | 3 |
| DA 108 | INFECTION CONTROL IN DENTISTRY | 2 |
| DA 110 | INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL ESSENTIALS | 3.5 |
| DA 123A | CHAIRSIDE TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| DA 123B | ADVANCED CHAIRSIDE TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| DA 124 | DENTAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| DA 125 | CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I | 2.5 |
| DA 127 | CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II | 4.5 |
| DA 135 | REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| DA 140 | ORAL RADIOLOGY | 4 |
| Total Units | 31.5 | |
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DA 200A | DENTAL ASSISTING LAB | 1 |
| DA 200B | DENTAL ASSISTING TECHNICAL SKILLS ENHANCEMENT LAB | 1 |
| DA 160 | COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL ASSISTING EXAM REVIEW | 1 |
General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree
General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree
- General Information
- PCC Local Gen Ed
- Students who have previously been awarded a bachelor‛s degree or higher from a U.S. institutionally accredited institution shall be deemed to have fulfilled the general education and elective course requirements for the Associate in Science degree.
- Cal-GETC
- Students with rights to the former general education patterns can complete IGETC or CSU GE in lieu of Cal-GETC. Students should consult with an Academic Counselor to determine which general education pattern to complete and may refer to an appropriate archived College Catalog or www.assist.org for more information.