Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assisting Course List

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.

Required Courses

Course Number	Title	Clock Hours	Clinical Hours	Quarter Credits
DA100	Fundamentals of Dental Assisting ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module is designed to introduce the student to the dental health team, ethics and jurisprudence, and expected levels of professionalism will also be addressed. The anatomy and physiology of the head and neck as it relates to the practice of dentistry is included. Use and care of dental equipment and the operatory are emphasized. This module will also introduce the student to chart dental caries and restorations on both geometrical and anatomical charts. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA200	Science of Dentistry ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and principles of microbiology as it pertains to dentistry. Special emphasis will be placed on the proper methods and ramifications of infection control issues including OSHA regulations and the disease transmission process. Periodontics theory and practice will be addressed. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA300	Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module is designed to introduce the student to various materials and instrumentation. The student will be exposed to the use and care of the Caries Detection Device. Pharmacology and drugs as they relate to dentistry will also be discussed. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA400	Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module will address cultural differences and issues of diversity in the workplace. Students will study concepts related to cultural values and language diversity, as well as analyze programs and procedures for meeting the needs of diverse populations. Students will leave this module with an understanding of the various facets of multiculturalism, diversity issues, and various methods of preparing health care personnel to address diversity issues. The student will be exposed to and practice with a variety of impression materials as well as producing primary impressions. Theory and practice of permanent and removable prosthodontics will also be presented. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA500	Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module emphasizes both the preventive and restorative techniques in pediatric/operative dentistry. Theory and practice in orthodontics will be introduced. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA600	CPR/Preventive Dentistry ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module is designed to give the student exposure to the principles and practices of preventing and controlling dental disease with emphasis on nutrition and plaque control. The student will receive basic training in standard first aid and in recognizing and dealing with medical emergencies. Exposure to sealant materials in the field of preventive dentistry will also be discussed. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA700	Endodontics/Radiography ^‡	80	0	6.0
Basic principles of dental radiology including theory and techniques will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on operation of the x-ray equipment, safety practices, mounting, and evaluation of dental films. Basic principles of head and neck anatomy, as well as radiographic anatomical landmarks, will be covered. Once the student has fulfilled the necessary program requirements, she/he will receive a state certificate to perform x-rays in the dental office. The specialty of Endodontics will be explored. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
DA800	Oral Surgery/Anesthetics ^‡	80	0	6.0
This module is designed to introduce the student to surgical procedures performed in dentistry. The student will also be exposed to the various methods and techniques of anesthesia. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
EXT-DA	Externship ^§	180	160	7.0
The externship courses give students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the training program. Prior to students going on an extern site, they must complete 20 hours of work site professionalism curriculum. This content builds upon the students ability to work well with others, finalize their resume, improve interviewing skills, and manage their time on their externship site. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site and under general supervision of the College staff. Externs are evaluated by supervisory personnel and the evaluations are placed in the student’s permanent record. Dental students must complete their externship training to fulfill program requirements.
	Totals	820	160	55.0

Course Number: DA100
This module is designed to introduce the student to the dental health team, ethics and jurisprudence, and expected levels of professionalism will also be addressed. The anatomy and physiology of the head and neck as it relates to the practice of dentistry is included. Use and care of dental equipment and the operatory are emphasized. This module will also introduce the student to chart dental caries and restorations on both geometrical and anatomical charts. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Fundamentals of Dental Assisting ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA200
This module is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and principles of microbiology as it pertains to dentistry. Special emphasis will be placed on the proper methods and ramifications of infection control issues including OSHA regulations and the disease transmission process. Periodontics theory and practice will be addressed. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Science of Dentistry ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA300
This module is designed to introduce the student to various materials and instrumentation. The student will be exposed to the use and care of the Caries Detection Device. Pharmacology and drugs as they relate to dentistry will also be discussed. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA400
This module will address cultural differences and issues of diversity in the workplace. Students will study concepts related to cultural values and language diversity, as well as analyze programs and procedures for meeting the needs of diverse populations. Students will leave this module with an understanding of the various facets of multiculturalism, diversity issues, and various methods of preparing health care personnel to address diversity issues. The student will be exposed to and practice with a variety of impression materials as well as producing primary impressions. Theory and practice of permanent and removable prosthodontics will also be presented. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA500
This module emphasizes both the preventive and restorative techniques in pediatric/operative dentistry. Theory and practice in orthodontics will be introduced. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA600
This module is designed to give the student exposure to the principles and practices of preventing and controlling dental disease with emphasis on nutrition and plaque control. The student will receive basic training in standard first aid and in recognizing and dealing with medical emergencies. Exposure to sealant materials in the field of preventive dentistry will also be discussed. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	CPR/Preventive Dentistry ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA700
Basic principles of dental radiology including theory and techniques will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on operation of the x-ray equipment, safety practices, mounting, and evaluation of dental films. Basic principles of head and neck anatomy, as well as radiographic anatomical landmarks, will be covered. Once the student has fulfilled the necessary program requirements, she/he will receive a state certificate to perform x-rays in the dental office. The specialty of Endodontics will be explored. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Endodontics/Radiography ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: DA800
This module is designed to introduce the student to surgical procedures performed in dentistry. The student will also be exposed to the various methods and techniques of anesthesia. Infection control will be reviewed and practiced.
Title	Oral Surgery/Anesthetics ^‡
Clock Hours	80
Clinical Hours	0
Quarter Credits	6.0
Course Number: EXT-DA
The externship courses give students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the training program. Prior to students going on an extern site, they must complete 20 hours of work site professionalism curriculum. This content builds upon the students ability to work well with others, finalize their resume, improve interviewing skills, and manage their time on their externship site. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site and under general supervision of the College staff. Externs are evaluated by supervisory personnel and the evaluations are placed in the student’s permanent record. Dental students must complete their externship training to fulfill program requirements.
Title	Externship ^§
Clock Hours	180
Clinical Hours	160
Quarter Credits	7.0
TOTALS
Clock Hours	820
Clinical Hours	160
Quarter Credits	55.0

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 55.0

FAQs

What does a dental assistant do?

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:

Instruct patients on proper dental hygiene
Assist with and prepare for dental procedures
Obtain and update patient records
Prepare impressions and restorations
Administer and process x-rays ¹

¹ California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Dental Assistants in California

What is the difference between a dental assistant and dental hygienist?

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

¹California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Dental Assistants
² California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist

Am I a good fit for the Dental Assisting program?

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.

Where can I work as a dental assistant?

Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including:

Dentists’ offices
Outpatient care centers
Physicians’ offices¹

¹California Employment Development Department, Occupational Guides, Dental Assistants

What will I learn in the Dental Assisting program?

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:

Fundamentals of Dental Assisting – Course material in this module examines the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck as it relates to the practice of dentistry. You will also be introduced to the roles and responsibilities of various members of the dental health team and the expected levels of professionalism in this profession.
Science of Dentistry – In these courses, you will be introduced to the basic concepts and principles of microbiology as it pertains to dentistry. Special emphasis will be placed on the proper methods and ramifications of infection control issues including OSHA regulations and the disease transmission process. Periodontics theory and practice will also be addressed.
Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology – Coursework in this module is designed to introduce you to various materials and instrumentation. You will be exposed to the use and care of the Caries Detection Device. Pharmacology and drugs as they relate to dentistry will also be discussed.
Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics – This module is designed to analyze programs and procedures for meeting the needs of diverse populations. You will be exposed to and practice with a variety of impression materials as well as producing primary impressions. Theory and practice of permanent and removable prosthodontics will also be presented.
Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics – Theory and practice in orthodontics will be introduced in these courses. Emphasis is placed on both the preventive and restorative techniques in pediatric/operative dentistry.
CPR/Preventive Dentistry – In this module, you will be exposed to the principles and practices of preventing and controlling dental disease with emphasis on nutrition and plaque control. You will receive basic training in standard first aid and in recognizing and dealing with medical emergencies. Exposure to sealant materials in the field of preventive dentistry will also be discussed.
Endodontics/Radiography – Basic principles of dental radiology are the focus of these courses. Emphasis will be placed on operation of the x-ray equipment, safety practices, mounting and evaluation of dental films. Once you have fulfilled the necessary program requirements, you will receive a state certificate to perform x-rays in the dental office.
Oral Surgery/Anesthetics – These courses are designed to introduce you to surgical procedures performed in dentistry. You will also be exposed to the various methods and techniques of anesthesia.
Dental Assisting School Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at your school externship site, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the training program. You will be evaluated by supervisory personnel, and those evaluations will be placed in your permanent student record.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

How long will it take to earn my Dental Assistant diploma, and what is the program type?

Students can earn their Dental Assistant diploma in as little as 10 months. The program features a blended format with 2 days in class and the rest online. Weekend classes are available at all three campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim.

How much does the Dental Assisting program cost?

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.

Is financial aid available for the Dental Assisting program?

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Will I get real-world training?

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

Gain Hands-On Dental Assistant Training. Be the Reason Someone Smiles!

Want more details about the Dental Assisting program?

Your dental assisting diploma prepares you to assist with dental procedures and exams while improving oral health and hygiene.

Dental Assisting Diploma

Hands-On Training for Real-World Success

Find a Campus Near You

Blended format: 2 days in-person

In ACC's Dental Assisting Program, You'll Learn to:

Care for Patients

Process X-Rays

Manage Equipment

Perform Coronal Polishing

Create Molds & Attach Crowns

Dental Assisting Course List

Required Courses