Dental Assisting
The Dental Assisting degree and certificate programs are designed to prepare students to be capable and skillful entry-level dental assistants. Students are trained to function as a vital partner to the dentist while following guidelines of the Dental Board of California. Emphasis is placed on actual demonstration and practice of instrumentation and operation of the dental operatory. Students become skillful at taking x-rays and impressions as well as performing coronal polish, restorative, oral surgery, and orthodontic procedures. The program includes emphasis on patient preparation, law, ethics, administrative duties, telephone techniques, and computer skills. Skills are practiced during class sessions and applied during the student's clinical experience. Dental Assisting students are provided with the training necessary to obtain an x-ray certificate and a coronal polish certificate which are approved by the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries of the Dental Board of California. After successful completion of the program, graduates are able to apply for and take the State of California Dental Board examination for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant. Employment opportunities include positions in private dental offices, private and governmental hospitals, state and local public health departments, clinics, and dental schools.
