Dental Assisting

Overview

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.0601 (Dental Assisting/Assistant)

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 31-9091.00 (Dental Assistants)

Quarter Credits: 55.0

In-Class Clock Hours: 820

Outside Hours: N/A

Total Hours: 820

Method of Delivery: Blended

Program Length in Weeks: 38*

*Weeks may be extended depending on holiday schedules.

Career Training Objective

Dental Assistants are key members of the dental team. Dentists rely upon Dental Assistants to perform a wide range of patient, clinical and laboratory procedures. As dental procedures continue to expand and patient awareness of dental services increases, Dental Assistants will continue to be indispensable contributors to dental health care and the community.

The College's Dental Assisting program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to qualify for an entry-level position as a Dental Assistant. Graduates may also secure employment in other areas of dentistry, such as pediatric dentistry, or as a back office assistant, and may work for public health facilities, hospital dental departments, correctional facilities, schools/universities, clinics, and dental suppliers.  Students practice techniques and procedures in a spacious and modern dental laboratory to gain proficiency in those competencies. In addition, equipment, materials, and instruments comparable to those used in an actual dental facility are used in our classrooms.

Dental Orientation for new incoming students shall provide, at a minimum, basic instruction in tooth anatomy, tooth numbering, general program guidelines, basic chairside skills, emergency and safety precautions, infection control, and sterilization protocols associated with and required for patient treatment. Orientation shall occur prior to any other program content and prior to performances or activities involving patients.

The training program is divided into learning units called modules. New incoming students can enter the program in any module, excluding externship. Students must complete all modules to graduate. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous modules. Students must successfully complete coronal polish, pit and fissure, and radiation safety written and practical examinations, which are embedded within the curriculum, with a minimum score of seventy-five percent (75%) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, students are required to complete a 180-hour externship. Completion of the program is acknowledged by the awarding of a diploma.

At completion of the program students will receive a certificate for Coronal Polish*, Pit and Fissure Sealants*, Radiation Safety, Infection Control and Dental Practice Act. *Coronal Polish and Pit and Fissure Sealants can only be performed by an RDA. Graduates from the College’s Dental Assisting program are considered entry level only.

The College’s Dental Assisting program is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) approved program. Although it is not required to work in the state of California as a Dental Assistant, students may pursue the RDA credential after successful completion of the College’s Dental Assisting program.

Learn more about ACC's Dental Assisting Program

Instructional Equipment

Dental Operatories, Laboratory work area and Lecture room equipped with the following:

• Amalgamators
• Anatomical Models and Charts
• Autoclave
• Automatic Processing Equipment
• High Speed Handpieces
• Impression Materials
• Instrument Tray Set-ups
• Lathe
• Laboratory Handpieces Model Trimmers/Vibrators
• Oral Evacuation Delivery Units
• Operator Stools
• Practice Mannequins/ Typodonts
• Slow Speed Handpieces
• Ultrasonic Equipment
• Vacuum Former
• X-ray Units
• X-ray View boxes

Program Outline

Program Locations: Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario

Required Courses

^‡ Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.
^§ Courses offered on ground.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 55.0