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Submitter's Information
Daisy Zaragoza
Curriculum and Instructional Scheduling Analyst
Central/Mother Lode
Merced College
CTE Dean
Cody Jacobsen
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Program Details
Dental Assisting
New Program
Dental Assistant (124010)
08/24/26
Merced College’s Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement Program offers a direct path to one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare. In just ten months (two semesters, four 8-week sessions), students gain the skills and confidence needed to begin work as professional dental assistants. The program provides 1,080 hours of comprehensive training, combining classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience. Students learn preventive, radiographic, clinical, and administrative procedures essential to supporting dentists, dental hygienists, and overall dental office operations.
A Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum listed below, with a minimum grade of a "C" (or P) in each course in the certificate and maintains a 2.0 GPA.
The Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement program is designed for a single cohort of 28 students per year, consistent with California Dental Board requirements for instructor-to-student ratios (14:1) in clinical and laboratory settings. Two full-time instructors will provide instruction and supervision, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and maintaining high-quality student training.
Based on program length, course structure, and anticipated completion rates, it is projected that all 28 enrolled students will successfully complete the program annually, earning the certificate and eligibility for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examinations. Regional workforce data and advisory committee input indicate strong local demand for trained dental assistants, ensuring that graduates will have employment opportunities in Merced County and surrounding areas.
This enrollment strategy maintains program quality, meets accreditation and regulatory requirements, and aligns with local workforce needs without exceeding instructional or clinical capacity.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
The goal of the Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement program is to prepare students to meet the educational and clinical requirements established by the Dental Board of California for entry-level employment as Registered Dental Assistants (RDA). The program provides comprehensive instruction and supervised clinical experiences in chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, sterilization, and patient care procedures. Upon successful completion, students will demonstrate competency in all areas required by the Dental Board of California and will be eligible to apply for RDA examinations and state licensure. This program supports workforce development by producing qualified dental professionals who meet regulatory and professional standards of practice.
Course Units and Hours
32
n/a
n/a
Course Report
A Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum listed below, with a minimum grade of a "C" (or P) in each course in the certificate and maintains a 2.0 GPA.
Course ID | Name | Units |
DNTA-51 | Orientation to Dentistry | 8 |
DNTA-52 | Core Clinical Skills | 8 |
DNTA-53 | Radiology & Preventive Dentistry | 8 |
DNTA-54 | Professional Practice & Externship | 8 |
Supporting Documents
Central/Mother Lode Regional Questions
Submission Details
11/06/25 - 11:55 AM
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Please list the reason(s) for returning "Dental Assisting". to Daisy Zaragoza's drafts. This message will be sent to daisy.zaragoza@mccd.edu
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