Associate in Science Degree
Career Certificate (One year plus one Summer)
Division of Science and Allied Health
Mary Turner, Dean
Mohr Hall 18
916-558-2271
Course Descriptions
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Career Opportunities
This program prepares the student for employment as a dental assistant. The dental assistant works with the dentist in providing patient treatment, including restorations, x-rays and preventive services. Employment opportunities are excellent, not only in private dental offices, but also in public and private hospitals; clinics and laboratories; dental schools; dental supply houses; and in the armed forces.
Program Information
The dental assisting program, 27 units, is a full-time day program to which students are admitted in August of each year. The curriculum is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and leads to a Career Certificate in Dental Assisting. After successful completion of the curriculum the student is eligible to take the National Board Examination and upon passing becomes a Certified Dental Assistant. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for and take the Dental Board of California examination for state licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the Dental Assisting Program requires an expenditure of approximately $2,100 during the one-year program for uniforms and special supplies. If this creates a hardship, check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the dental assisting program, the applicant must satisfy one of the following:
- Successful completion of an English Reading class which is equal to or greater than ENGRD 11 or ESLR 310 OR
- Eligibility to enroll in ENGRD 110 or ESLR 320.
Proof of eligibility can be obtained by either (1) submitting an official college transcript indicating the successful completion of an appropriate level English Reading class or (2) submitting the results of assessment testing which verifies placement in an appropriate level English Reading class.
High school or college grade point averages are not used to establish eligibility for the dental assisting program.
Enrollment Process
- Send application and proof of eligibility directly to the Dental Health Office.
- Applications will be accepted after January 1. To be eligible, applicants must have both their application and proof of eligibility in to the Dental Health Office. Eligible applicants will be selected for enrollment based on the date the completed application and proof of eligibility are received in the Dental Health Office.
After the class has filled, other eligible applicants will be placed on an alternate list according to the date their application and proof of eligibility arrived in the Dental Health Office. As positions become available, eligible applicants will be taken off this list in chronological order. Eligible applicants may be selected for enrollment up to the first day of class in the Fall.
Dental Assisting
Associate in Science Degree
Career Certificate
| Required Program | Units |
|---|---|
| DAST 101, Biodental Science | 2 |
| DAST 104, Anatomy and Morphology | 3 |
| DAST 102, Chairside Assisting I | 6 |
| DAST 107, Dental Radiology I | 2 |
| DAST 116, Practice Management for Dental Assisting | 2 |
| DAST 111, Dental Nutrition and Prevention | 1 |
| DAST 115, Coronal Polishing and Pit and Fissure Sealant Placement | 2 |
| AH 104, Aging and Its Implications for Health Care | 0.5 |
| DAST 112, Chairside Assisting II | 2.5 |
| DAST 117, Dental Radiology II | 1 |
| DAST 119, Clinical Experience I | 3 |
| DAST 129, Clinical Experience II (Summer Session) | 2 |
| Total Units Required | 27 |
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
The Associate in Science degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Career Certificate
The Career Certificate may be obtained by completion of the required program with grades of “C” or better.
General education requirements may be completed either before or after completing the sequence of dental assisting courses listed above.
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