Dental Assisting - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

Approved by the California Board of Dental Examiners, this program provides technical skills needed for employment in a dental office. The student develops skills to participate as a member of the dental health team in chairside general and specialty procedures, office management and x-ray techniques. Admittance to the dental assisting program requires the student to obtain program application forms and follow outlined procedures for enrollment. Applications and specific information are available at the Health Science Office, located in Building M Science Complex. A grade of "C" or better in the designated dental assisting classes is required to progress in the program. Upon completion of the dental assisting certificate requirements, students are eligible to take the California Registered Dental Assistants Examination. Students are encouraged to complete the associate in science degree.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Perform all Registered Dental Assistant duties as specified by accreditation standards through directed lectures, demonstrations, guided practice, written assignments, exams and evaluation of skills to prepare for taking the Registered Dental Assisting State Board Exam and the Law and Ethics examination and gain employment as a Registered Dental Assistant.

Practice assisting skills that demonstrate a working knowledge of infection control protocols.

Demonstrate office management skills including computer skills technology to perform the following tasks; scheduling, inventory management, ordering supplies, treatment planning and patient charting.

Complete requirements to obtain a certificate in pit and fissure sealants.

Complete requirements to obtain a dental x-ray certificate.

Complete requirements to obtain a coronal polishing certificate.

Apply knowledge of basic dental assisting sciences in a professional setting.

Explain the purpose of the state Dental Practice Act.

Model professional conduct and appearance and demonstrate behavior of the dental workplace.

Assist in diagnostic and operative procedures by demonstrating general chair side skills.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

17 units
DA 314
Introduction to Bio-Dental Science
The course presents basic terminology related to human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on head and neck anatomy. It introduces the bio-dental sciences: dental nomenclature, embryology, histology, morphology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology,nutrition and preventive dentistry.
            DA 317
            Dental Assisting Theory
            The course prepares the student to provide patient care with emphasis on diagnostic, restorative, and specialty branches of dentistry. Topics include infection control, management of hazardous materials, emergency medical procedures, and management of pain and anxiety. It focuses on the dental assisting theory.
            1. Corequisite: DA 318
                    DA 318
                    Basic Dental Assisting Skills
                    The course prepares the student to provide patient care with emphasis on diagnostic, restorative, and specialty branches of dentistry. Topics include infection control, management of hazardous materials, emergency medical procedures, and management of pain and anxiety. It focuses on dental assistant skills.
                    1. Corequisite: DA 317
                            DA 319
                            DA Administrative Skills

                            The aim of this course is for the clinical dental assistant to learn the foundational administrative skills utilized in the dental office. Topics covered include  the branches of dentistry and the role of each  team member. Participants will learn the dental basics, which include numbering systems, charting, cavity classifications, and treatment planning. We will explore strategies for effective communication skills as they relate to patient management, scheduling, recall systems, and other related administrative duties. The ADA code of ethics is reviewed. Including compliance with HIPAA regulations, professional and other ethical issues facing the dental profession. Employment strategies are discussed. Dental software is utilized.

                                      DA 320
                                      DA Practicum in the Community
                                      The course provides supervised learning experiences in the various applications of dental assisting skills in the community and public health settings. The student would participate in dental screenings, provide oral hygiene instruction, and apply fluoride varnish on children and migrant families in the community.

                                                Winter Year 1

                                                0.5 units
                                                DA 327
                                                Dental Screening
                                                This course provides clinical experiences in dental screening skills. Emphasis is on performing four-handed chair-side dental assisting, identifying, and recording patient clinical findings of intra-oral and extra-oral dental examinations. Eligible patients would be provided with the opportunity to schedule subsequent dental appointments in radiography, coronal polish, and pit and fissure sealant clinics.

                                                          Spring Year 1

                                                          14 units
                                                          DA 325
                                                          Clinical Dental Procedures
                                                          The course focuses on intra-oral procedures including temporary crowns, temporary restorations, as well as clinical procedures performed by Registered Dental Assistants. Emphasis is also given to the California State Board testing requirements.
                                                                    DA 326
                                                                    Dental Radiography
                                                                    This course covers the principles and procedures related to dental radiography and digital imaging.Topics include history,radiation physics and biological effects, protection procedures and safety guidelines. It includes film identification, processing, mounting, and evaluation. Laboratory exposures on manikin cover intra-oral techniques for periapical and bitewing films using various techniques and film-holding devices. Clinical exposures of patients are completed with authorization of a licensed dentist, evaluated by faculty, and utilized by the dentist for diagnostic purposes. A State Dental Board certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course.
                                                                              DA 328
                                                                              Pit and Fissure Sealants
                                                                              Thc course provides theory and clinical applications of resin materials, pit and fissure sealants, on developing teeth to prevent cavities.
                                                                                        DA 329
                                                                                        Dental Assisting Practicum
                                                                                        This course provides supervised learning experiences in the various applications of dental assisting skills.
                                                                                                  DA 330
                                                                                                  Coronal Polish
                                                                                                  This course meets the requirements of the California Board of Dentistry. It includes techniques for removal of pellicle, plaque, and extrinsic stain from the clinical crown. Students will be evaluated on adherence to sterilization and infection control policies and procedures as well as actual provision of care on three dental patients.
                                                                                                            DA 332
                                                                                                            RDA Law and Ethics
                                                                                                            The course prepares students to take the California Dental Board law and ethics examination. It covers the licensure requirements, scope of practice of the registered dental assistant, revocation of license, and ethical standards of practice.
                                                                                                                      DA 348
                                                                                                                      RDA - Success Seminar
                                                                                                                      The course is designed to prepare students for the written components of the State Board examination. The California State Practice Act will be reviewed.

                                                                                                                                Summer Year 1

                                                                                                                                1 unit
                                                                                                                                DA 310
                                                                                                                                Exploring Career Opportunities

                                                                                                                                An exploration of dental health career options. Provides a preview on dental practices and specialties, professional and legal responsibilities, and the roles of the dental assistant.  Details program requirements and student success and support services including but not limited to financial aid, academic counseling, learning assistance, etc.