A.S. in Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting Program is a career technical program that prepares students for entry-level employment as a dental assistant. Upon completion, the graduate is prepared and eligible to sit for the California State Registered Dental Assistant Examination and the National Certification Examination to become licensed dental assistants. This program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Accreditation and the Dental Board of California. Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” (75%) in all dental courses.

A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Dental Assisting A.S. Degree will:

  1. Use correct dental terminology and nomenclature in the correct context in order to effectively communicate dental information and concepts to others.
  2. Develop problem-solving and self-assessment skills and make appropriate decisions regarding a variety of procedural situations.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to interact with patients and work effectively as a member of the dental team.
  4. Maintain the standard of care during dental treatment and promote oral health.
  5. Develop the ability to use and adapt to current technology used in dental practices.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in the current duties of an RDA, practicing within the delegated duties (scope of practice).
  7. Develop foundational knowledge of dental procedures and the ability to communicate and apply their concepts and principles.

Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete the District General Education Pattern, CSUGE or IGETC.
    If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the CSUGE or IGETC General Education Patterns. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection.
  2. Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
  3. Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
  4. Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance.
Required courses:
DENT 100Dental Assisting Basics2.5
DENT 102Dental Materials3
DENT 104Chairside Assisting4
DENT 121Human Anatomy for the Dental Professional2
DENT 122Infection Control in the Dental Office1.5
DENT 123Healthcare for the Dental Patient2
DENT 125Dental Practice Management2
DENT 201Dental Radiology2
DENT 202Advanced Dental Specialties4
DENT 203Dental Practice Experience5.5
DENT 204Preventative Clinical Procedures 1
DENT 205RDA/CDA Exam Review2
Total Units31.5

2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
DENT 100 Dental Assisting Basics 2.5
DENT 102 Dental Materials 3
DENT 104 Chairside Assisting 4
DENT 121 Human Anatomy for the Dental Professional 2
DENT 122 Infection Control in the Dental Office 1.5
DENT 124 Dental Specialties 2
DENT 201 Dental Radiology 2
 Units17
Winter Term 1
DENT 125 Dental Practice Management 2
 Units2
Spring Term 1
DENT 203 Dental Practice Experience 5.5
DENT 123 Healthcare for the Dental Patient 2
DENT 202 Advanced Dental Specialties 4
DENT 204 Preventative Clinical Procedures 1
 Units12.5
Summer Term 1
ENGL 101
Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition - Honors
4
 Units4
Fall Term 2
BIOL 105
General Biology
or General Biology - Honors
4
SPCH 101
Public Address
or Public Address - Honors
3
MATH 165
Introductory Statistics
or Introductory Statistics - Honors
4
 Units11
Winter Term 2
HIST 107
History of the United States before 1877
or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors
or History of the United States since 1877
or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors
3
 Units3
Spring Term 2
KIN 173 Introduction to Nutrition 3
PSY 101
Introduction to Psychology
or Introduction to Psychology - Honors
3
ARCH 250
History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism
or History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day
or Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History
or Art History - Topics in Contemporary Art
or History of Photography
or Introduction to the Visual Arts
or Motion Picture Appreciation
or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors
or History of Dance
or History of Rock and Roll
or Introduction to Theatre Arts
or Introduction to Theatre Arts - Honors
3
ENGL 290
Ethnic Voices in Film
or Children's Literature
or Children's Literature - Honors
or Literature of the Bible
or American Food And Culture: Global Origins, History, and Current Impacts
or Great Religions of the World
or Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
3
 Units12
 Total Units61.5

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

 

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.