Through our Dental Assisting program, you can train to assist dentists in real-life dental care settings. Learn to prepare dental procedures, keep patient dental records up to date, and instruct patients on proper oral hygiene.
Choosing the right dental assistant school can be a difficult choice. At ACC, we emphasize hands-on training and real-world preparation.
Although it is not required to work as a dental assistant in California, graduates have the choice to pursue the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential after completing dental assistant school. Upon successful completion of the RDA and state exams, students are awarded the Coronal Polish Certification and Pit and Fissure Certification.
ACC's dental assistant training also consists of the requirements necessary for students to pursue the California Radiation Safety Certificate (limited to dental X-ray).
Find a dental assisting program near you! Pursue your dental assisting diploma at any of our three campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario or Orange County.
This program is taught in a blended format, combining online classes with only 2 days a week of in-person instruction. Weekend classes are also available at the Los Angeles campus.
The Dental Assisting programs in Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario are approved by the Dental Board of California.1
Learn more about what's in store for you in the Dental Assisting diploma program. For more on dental assisting courses, visit the college catalog.
Course Number |
Title |
Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
DA100 | Fundamentals of Dental Assisting ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA200 | Science of Dentistry ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA300 | Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA400 | Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA500 | Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA600 | CPR/Preventive Dentistry ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA700 | Endodontics/Radiography ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
DA800 | Oral Surgery/Anesthetics ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 |
EXT-DA | Externship § | 180 | 160 | 7.0 |
Totals |
820 | 160 | 55.0 |
Course Number: DA100 |
|
---|---|
Title | Fundamentals of Dental Assisting ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA200 |
|
Title | Science of Dentistry ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA300 |
|
Title | Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA400 |
|
Title | Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA500 |
|
Title | Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA600 |
|
Title | CPR/Preventive Dentistry ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA700 |
|
Title | Endodontics/Radiography ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: DA800 |
|
Title | Oral Surgery/Anesthetics ‡ |
Clock Hours | 80 |
Clinical Hours | 0 |
Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: EXT-DA |
|
Title | Externship § |
Clock Hours | 180 |
Clinical Hours | 160 |
Quarter Credits | 7.0 |
TOTALS |
|
Clock Hours | 820 |
Clinical Hours | 160 |
Quarter Credits | 55.0 |
‡ Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.
§ Courses offered on ground.
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 55.0
The ACC Dental Assisting (DA) program helps equip students with the knowledge and hands-on training needed to excel as a dental assistant, providing support to dentists and patients alike. Dental assistants are essential contributors in a variety of healthcare settings including dental offices, clinics, and public health centers.
Through online coursework and training modeled after real-life situations, the DA program is designed to help students develop a combination of clinical (supporting dentists during procedures) and administrative skills (keeping the office running smoothly). Graduates can feel confident:
The Dental Assisting program includes a 160-hour clinical externship where students demonstrate and reinforce the skills they learned in the classroom. ACC’s dental assistant training is designed to help prepare graduates to take their Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examination, earn their Coronal Polishing Certification, and Pit and Fissure Certification, and start a rewarding career.
1National Center for O*NET Development. 31-9091.00 - Dental Assistants. O*NET OnLine
Dental assistants support dentists with patient procedures, sterilize and prepare instruments,
manage patient records and advise patients on proper dental hygiene.
Here are some things a dentist assistant is trained to do:
Here are some things you may do:
1 California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Dental Assistants in California
A dental assistant primarily supports dentists by performing various administrative and clinical tasks, such as sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for procedures, and taking x-rays.1
Whereas, a dental hygienist focuses more on preventive oral care, conducts cleanings, examines patients for oral health issues, and educates them on proper oral hygiene practices.2
1 California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Dental Assistants
2 California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
If you love working with people and you’re good at making them feel at ease, you might enjoy
being a dental assistant.
Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great dental assistant:
Active listening – Dental assistants need to be able to communicate with both patients and dentists, understanding what is being said and asking the right questions.
Instructing – Dental assistants should be able to educate patients on oral health, delivering information in a way that’s easy to understand and easy to remember.
Service orientation – A great dental assistant is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.
Social perceptiveness – Dental assistants should be aware and understanding of patients’ reactions in order to provide the best possible patient-centered care.
Critical thinking – A dental assistants’ ability to make sound decisions can help them provide optimal care for each individual patient.
Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including:
1California Employment Development Department, Occupational Guides, Dental Assistants
The Dental Assisting curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, the ACC curriculum then provides you with hands-on experience through a 180-hour externship that will be arranged for you at an appropriate dental facility.
Class modules for the American Career College Dental Assisting program include:
For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.
Students can earn their dental assistant diploma in as little as 10 months. The program features blended format with 2 days in class and the rest online. Weekend classes are available at the Los Angeles campus.
Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the dental assistant school cost and help you explore financial aid. To learn more about ACC’s Dental Assistant program cost, access our tuition info.
Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Yes! ACC's Dental Assisting program includes a 180-hour externship which gives students the
opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning
hands-on throughout the training program
Our classes are modeled after real-life situations, using the same medical equipment you'll come across in your first job. That way, you're prepared to jump in on your very first day.
"Every single member here has helped me one way or another to step up. I can honestly say it's been the best thing I've done for my life."
- Leylany L. ‘23
If you're looking for a rewarding career in dentistry, then consider becoming a dental assistant! They are essential members of the team in dental offices, clinics, and even public health centers. Dental assistants handle both clinical tasks (supporting dentists during procedures) and administrative duties (keeping the office running smoothly). Their focus on providing thorough and patient-centered care directly contributes to the well-being of the patients they serve.
Ontario Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards.
LA Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.
OC Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.