Dental Assisting

Students successfully completing this program will have a background in biodental sciences and practical training in dental infection control, chairside assisting, oral x-ray technology, coronal polish, dental sealants, licensed and unlicensed State of California Dental Assisting skills, and manipulation of dental materials. They will have the skills related to obtaining employment, resume writing and some business skills; related to insurance, scheduling and financials.

Additional Requirements:

Completion of an American Heart Association or American Red Cross approved BLS Healthcare Providers course, and a physical clearance by a medical provider prior to participation in DA 101.Students admitted to the dental assisting program are expected to maintain a2.0, “C” average in their dental assisting courses. Failure to maintain a 2.0,“C” average in DA courses will result in termination from the program. Students are required to purchase malpractice insurance, personal protection equipment, designated clinic attire, and a typodont. Immunization for Hepatitis B is recommended. Dental assisting courses cannot be taken while pregnant.

265 hours of supervised clinical training provides the student with an opportunity to refine his/her skills. Graduates of the RDA program have both the theory and practical skills to enter the job market and to qualify to sit for the Registered Dental Assistants Examination offered by the Dental Board of California. The Reedley College Dental Assisting Program, including coronal polish, dental sealant and oral radiology courses are approved by the Dental Board of California. 

Anticipated annual completers: 24

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program students will be able to:

Demonstrate skills needed to assist the dentist at chairside utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques in team concepts: infection control, instrumentation and maintaining the operating field. Students must pass clinical patients and a written examination at 75% or better for dental sealants and coronal polishing.

Demonstrate skills and knowledge needed to expose, process, and evaluate diagnostic films and pass the State Radiology Examination at 75% or better.

This program fulfills the college mission of providing career technical education programs that meet the workforce needs of our diverse communities.

The department and college use the program review process to assess program improvement needs. The department meets twice annually with its industry-based advisory committee to discuss industry/workplace needs and the enhancement of instructional programs to facilitate those needs.  Discussions focus on specific skill sets desired by employers as well as current industry trends and issues with which students must be familiar upon program completion.

The courses for this certificate are housed within existing facilities and approved clinical sites. Faculty teaching in the program meet minimum qualifications and required experience. The instructional, library, and student support services are adequate to meet the needs of the program.

Required Major Total                          38 units

Students will select one of the following general education patterns:

Local general education pattern       18 minimum units

CSU GE pattern                                    39units

IGETC pattern                                       37units

Sample Sequence: 

Year 1, Fall = 14 units 

Year 1, Spring = 13-16 units

Year 2, Fall = 22 units

Year 2, Spring=16 units

TOTAL UNITS: 60 minimum units