Would you like to become an integral member of a dental health care team? Dental assistants are educated to perform chairside assisting procedures, and related office and laboratory tasks under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist.

As part of the Dental Assistant Diploma program,* you will gain knowledge of the basic dental sciences, proficiency in laboratory and clinical skills, and practical experience involving specialized dental practices.

Dental Assistant Training Classes

Dental Assistant hands-on training includes a study of:

• Dental Office Emergencies
• Dental Radiography
• Dental Specialties
• Operatory Dentistry
• Laboratory Procedures
• Dental Anatomy and Orthodontics
• Dental Assistant Externship

You can obtain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting using equipment such as amalgamators, dental chairs, model trimmers, oral evacuation equipment, oxygen tanks, personal computers, ultrasonic units, digital x-ray equipment and Dentrix (front office software).

You will be trained in valuable clinical, radiographic and administrative procedures, leading to career opportunities with dental offices, dental supply manufacturers, hospital dental departments, and dental insurance companies. Additional entry-level positions include dental assistants, front office receptionists, dental insurance clerks, dental supply salespeople and administrative assistants.

Dental Assistant Career Opportunities

Duties of a dental assistant may include chairside assisting, including basic dental procedures; preparing, passing and receiving instruments and materials for use by the dentist; cleaning and sterilizing dental instruments; providing education to patients about good dental health; and performing preventive procedures, x-rays and taking impressions.

Note: The Dental Assistant program at the following California campuses is approved by the Dental Board of California (DBC), and graduates are eligible to apply for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Examination: Alhambra, Anaheim, City of Industry, Gardena, Los Angeles, Ontario, Reseda, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose, and West LA campuses.

* Programs may vary by state or by campus. Please refer to the school catalog available at the campus in your area for specific program information.