Dental Assistant
9 months / 36 weeks / 720 hours = 44 credit hours

A Dental Assistant is a vital member of the health care team.  Dental Assistants perform various patient care, laboratory and office duties in both small and large dental practices. They are responsible for making patients as comfortable as possible, preparing them for treatment, and maintaining dental records.  Dental Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths clear by using suction or other instruments.

Dental Assistants with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, take preliminary impressions, polish and clean removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental Assistants with front office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies.

This program will prepare the student to earn certifications in First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross. 
Course
Duration
Introduction to Microcomputer Concepts, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Basic Dental Sciences  -  Oral Health & Nutrition, Head & Neck Anatomy, Physiology, Tooth Morphology
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Pre-Clinical Dental Skills -Infection Control, Hazardous Materials, Preparation for Patient Care, Pharmacology
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Clinical Dental Procedures I  -  Introduction to Chair Side Assisting, Instruments and Tray Systems
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Clinical Dental Procedures II - Management of Pain and Anxiety and Dental Radiography
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Dental Specialties I - Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Pathology and Orthodontics
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Dental Specialties II -Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics and Removable Prosthodontics
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Laboratory Materials & Techniques/ Advanced Chairside - Chairside Restorative, Dental Dam
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Dental Office Administration I -Office Communication, Patient Relations, Records Management and Scheduling
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Dental Office Administration II  - Dental  Terminology, Dental Billing/Coding, Supply Ordering and Inventory
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Internship  -  Practical Experience / Job Search

120 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Total
720 hrs /
44 qtr. credit hours
Entry Level Career & Path Opportunities

Dental Assistant, Chair side Assistant, Dental Receptionist, Dental Secretary, Dental Supply Salesperson


Employment Outlook
Employment of Dental Assistants in California is expected to grow by
50.4% between  2000 and 2010.       - California EDD -

Dental Assistants can work in different work environments.  As a dental assistant, you can expect to work in such areas as:

  • Private Dental Practice
  • Group Practice
  • Dental Clinic
  • Private or Government Hospital
  • Dental Supply House
  • Insurance Company
  • Public Health Department
  • Public Health Department

Fresno, California
Phone (800) 684-7196