Dental assisting is a challenging field requiring skills in chairside assisting, which includes manual dexterity, dental radiology, preventive therapy, patient management, receptionist duties, expanded functions and office management.

Qualified dental assistants find employment opportunities in a variety of settings such as private dental offices, specialty practices, federal or state dental programs and dental schools.

The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval. The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The program is approved  by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Dental Board of California, 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550, Sacramento, CA 95815.

RDA functions are taught to laboratory competency and clinical competency where applicable. A list of laboratory and clinical competencies are available upon request.

Students must complete all required courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Program application process is accomplished by submitting an application through the college. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, the Dental Assisting Registered program starts only in the fall semester of every school year.

This program is a sequential program. All fall semester courses must be taken concurrently in the fall semester. All spring semester courses must be taken concurrently in the spring semester.

Program Outcome

The outcome of the program is to meet the needs of the local health care community by preparing students for employment as a professional and competent registered dental assistant.

Review Certificate Requirements

Dental Assisting — Registered Suggested Electives

CIS A100 Introduction to Computer Applications
CMST A100 Interpersonal Communication
COMM C1000 (COMM A110) Introduction to Public Speaking
COUN A105 Strategies for College Success
ENGL C1000 (ENGL A100) Academic Reading and Writing
PHIL A120 Ethics
PSYC C1000 (PSYC A100) Introduction to Psychology

Program approved by the American Dental Association. Graduates are eligible to take the California Registered Dental Assistant Exam upon program completion and qualify for their State radiation license and coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealant and ultrasonic scaling for cement removal certificates.

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.