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Dental Program

Please view our current Foundations in Dental Assisting morning/afternoon/night class and other stand-alone class flyers:

Foundations in Dental Assisting Class Information:

This class prepares students with the necessary manipulative skills, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience to obtain entry-level dental assisting employment. All students receive their x-ray license upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting Program. This course meets the mandatory 8-hour Infection Control and California Dental Practice Act requirement for all dental assistants in the state of California. Students will have the opportunity to intern in a local dental practice. This is for an additional six weeks after the 14-week program. The internship provides the students with a means of enhancing their skills and developing professional relationships with other dental healthcare providers.

This course meets all requirements for infection control as mandated by the state of California in the California Dental Practice Act. Dental assistants, with additional requirements, can take the state’s RDA exam and apply for licensure.

Important Skills to Enter the Course

  • Interpersonal communication skills 
  • Manual dexterity 
  • Must like working with the public
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to understand and follow safety rules
  • Willingness to work with others 
  • Regular school attendance
  • Basic math and reading skills

Upon Completion of this Program Students Receive

  • Foundations in Dental Assisting Certificate of Completion
  • California Dental X-Ray License—(Students must provide a minimum of four patients with authorization from the patient's dentist)
  • California Dental Practice Act Certificate
  • Infection Control Certificate

Course Emphasis

  • Dental anatomy
  • Dental charting
  • California dental law and ethics
  • Infection control
  • Radiography 
  • First aid
  • Chair side dental assisting
  • Dental materials

Skills Learned in the Course

  • Manipulation of dental materials 
  • Infection control protocols
  • Workplace skills
  • Dental radiography 
  • Chair side assisting skills 

Standalone Dental Infection Control Class

This Dental Board of California approved course meets the mandatory 8-hour infection control requirement for dental assistants, effective January 1, 2010. Through lectures and lab sessions, students will gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to apply appropriate infection control protocols in the dental environment. This class does not offer CEUs for licensed dental professionals.

Standalone Dental Radiation Safety Class

This Dental Board of California approved course is designed for those students currently working as a dental assistant and those preparing to take the California RDA examination. This class does not offer CEUs for licensed dental professionals.

This class includes theory, preclinical (manikin practice), and clinical (patient) components. Students will gain experience in a variety of techniques, as well as exposure to digital radiography.

Standalone Coronal Polishing Class

This Dental Board of California approved course is designed for those students currently working as a dental assistant and those preparing to take the California RDA examination. This class does not offer CEUs for licensed dental professionals.

This class includes theory, preclinical (manikin practice), and clinical (patient) components. Students will gain experience in a variety of coronal polishing techniques.

Eligibility Requirements

Our Foundations in Dental Assisting Program is open to all adults over the age of 18 who have demonstrated a proficiency in the English language and hold a valid high school diploma or GED. All students must complete their application process.

For additional information in-class requirement, please see the Foundations in Dental Assisting Class Orientation information.