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Submitter's Information
Tina Recalde
Dean, Health Sciences and Public Service
San Diego/Imperial
San Diego Mesa College
CTE Dean
Tina Recalde
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Program Details
Dental Office Administration
New Program
Dental Assistant (124010)
08/16/21
The Dental Office Administration Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work in an administrative setting in a dental office. This certification can be completed in two semesters. Training includes skills in written and verbal communication with patients and insurance companies; knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology; competency in completing dental insurance forms and utilizing the software to bill and schedule patients. The certificate’s DENA courses are part of the accredited Dental Assisting program, but presently the certificate itself doesn’t fall under the accreditation process. Upon completion of this certificate, the student will be prepared to obtain a job working as an entry-level administrator within a dental office.
Students who complete the Certificate will attain:
- Skills in written and verbal communication with patients and insurance companies.
- Knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology to converse with patients and insurance companies.
- Competency in completing dental insurance forms and utilizing software to bill patients and Insurance companies.
- Schedule patients for treatment and care.
Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.
20-30
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
This certificate will allow students to enter the workforce as a Dental Office Administrator after only two semesters. The Dental Assisting Advisory Committee discussed the need for this certificate given that there is a shortage of Dental Office Administrators with San Diego County. Students will receive the Certificate upon completion of all the classes with a 75% or better.
Course Units and Hours
12
n/a
n/a
Course Report
The Dental Office Administration Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work in an administrative setting in a dental office. This certification can be completed in two semesters. Training includes skills in written and verbal communication with patients and insurance companies; knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology; competency in completing dental insurance forms and utilizing the software to bill and schedule patients. The certificate’s DENA courses are part of the accredited Dental Assisting program, but presently the certificate itself doesn’t fall under the accreditation process. Upon completion of this certificate, the student will be prepared to obtain a job working as an entry-level administrator within a dental office.
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DENA 050 | Dental Communication | 3 | Y1/S1 |
| DENA 056 | Dental Basic Science | 3.5 | Y1/S1 |
| DENA 060 | Clinical Business Management | 1.5 | Y1/S2 |
| DENA 060L | Clinical Business Management Lab | 1 | Y1/S2 |
| COMS 135 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | Y1/S2 |
Supporting Documents
San Diego/Imperial Regional Questions
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Submission Details
12/16/20 - 04:02 PM
Recommended
Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "Dental Office Administration". to Tina Recalde's drafts. This message will be sent to trecalde@sdccd.edu
Comments, Documents, Voting
Comments
All Comments
Nichol Roe · 01/07/21
Based on COE data, Palomar supports this new program
Jesse Lopez · 01/07/21
Based on available LMI and COE's endorsement, Miramar College also supports this new program.
Cassandra Storey · 01/07/21
SDCE supports program
Larry McLemore · 01/07/21
Cuyamaca supports
Jennifer Lewis · 01/04/21
SWC supports this new program based on COE recommendation due to the supply gap and career ladders available (Dental Hygiene).
Dr. Al Taccone · 12/29/20
MiraCosta College supports this new program.
John Edwards · 12/23/20
San Diego Mesa College submitted the appropriate LMI from the COE. There is a supply gap (244 annual job openings), entry-level wages are $15.95 and median wages are $18.53, and total employment for the occupation increased from 3,816 to 4,834 jobs in the region over the past 10 years. Based on available LMI, the COE report supports the development of a new program.