(For course descriptions and program requirements, see yellow Quick Launch bar at left)

College of Alameda's full-time Dental Assisting curriculum prepares you to assume the responsibilities of assisting the dentist in all phases of general practice. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education for Dental Assistants.

Who should consider enrolling in the Dental Assisting program?
You might enjoy the work of a professional dental assistant if you like interaction with people and working in teams, have good communication skills, enjoy variety in your work and working with your hands as well as your mind, and are looking for excellent working opportunities and conditions. Dental assisting is a rewarding and stable career.

What will you study?
Dental assisting courses address the issues of patient dental care and oral health. The program includes California dental law, ethics, professionalism, infection control, head and neck anatomy, dental radiology, dental materials and chairside skills. Fall semester courses introduce basic theory and chairside skills, leading to more advanced studies during the spring semester, which include internship and advanced use of technology within dentistry.

The program includes lecture and laboratory practice in the classroom. Clinical experience is required in the dental clinics of the University of California and the University of Pacific Dental Schools in San Francisco, as well as in private dental offices. The program requires 35 semester units in Dental Assisting, plus 9 semester units in other general education required courses.

What will the program prepare you to do?
Students completing all required courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) will earn a Certificate of Achievement and be qualified to take the Certification Examination of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), the State of California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examinations, and will be prepared to assume the responsibilities of assisting the dentist in all phases of general practice.

You may take further general education courses to complete an Associate in Science Degree. For information on the AS Degree, refer to the Degrees, Programs and Transfer Requirements section of the College of Alameda catalog, or call (510) 748-2209 to make an appointment with an academic counselor.

Admission to the program
Admission is by special application directly to the Dental Assisting Department. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. All eligibility requirements including official transcripts must be completed at the time of application submission. Deadline for applications is April 15 of each year for admissions into the fall semester.  Applicants will be notified by mail of acceptance into the Dental Assisting program. Applications received after April 15, will be accepted only on a space available basis.

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