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Dental Assisting Program

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

10
months Prepare to pass your RDA
3
locationsLos Angeles, Ontario and Orange County
2
DAYS A WEEKIn class, the rest online
Want more details about the Dental Assisting program?

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American Career College using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at American Career College, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 877-832-0790. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required

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

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

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

Learn Patient Care

Care for Patients

Learn to Process X-Rays

Process X-Rays

Learn to Manage Equipment

Manage Equipment

Learn Coronal Polishing

Perform Coronal Polishing

Learn Crowns/Molding

Create Molds & Attach Crowns

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
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 Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA200

Title Science of Dentistry
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA300

Title Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA400

Title Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA500

Title Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA600

Title CPR/Preventive Dentistry
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA700

Title Endodontics/Radiography
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: DA800

Title Oral Surgery/Anesthetics
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: EXT-DA

Title Externship §
Clock Hours180
Clinical Hours160
Quarter Credits7.0

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

Dental Assisting
Dental Assisting Program Overview

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:

  • Preparing patients for dental procedures.
  • Sterilizing instruments, setting up instrument trays, and assisting the dentist during procedures.
  • Processing X-rays.
  • Documenting treatment information in patient records.
  • Assisting the dentist in managing dental emergencies.
  • Ordering and monitoring dental supplies and equipment inventory.
  • Instructing patients on proper oral hygiene.
  • Recording patients’ medical and dental histories as well as vital signs.1

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

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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

1 California 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 blended format with 2 days in class and the rest online. Weekend classes are available at the Los Angeles campus.

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

Dental Assisting
Your externship in a real dental office gives you the preparation and confidence to take your RDA examinations and start your career.

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.

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"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

Dental Assisting
How to Become a Dental Assistant in California

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.

See Career Guide

What's Happening at American Career College
Want more details about the Dental Assisting program?

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American Career College using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at American Career College, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 877-832-0790. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required

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