Dental Assisting

Dental assisting Overview

San José City College's Dental Assisting Program offers a well-rounded education in oral anatomy, radiography, and infection control. You'll get hands-on clinical training with modern equipment and real-world exposure, making you eligible for licenses, certifications, and exams to launch your career in the dental industry.

Success Resources

 

important information

  • Mandatory Orientation for the Dental Assisting Program for the Spring Semester 2025 is on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. It will be held at the Dental Assisting Facility, Technology Building, room T-506.
  • The Dental Assisting facility clinic contains ten dental operatories and five x-ray operatories where traditional and digital x-ray techniques are taught.
  • The dental laboratory contains thirty workstations equipped with instruments.
  • Classes begin every semester with two instructors assigned to every thirty students. A CPR Certificate for Healthcare Providers, Reading and Writing Level 2. the Hepatitis B Vaccinations, Flu vaccine and a current 2 step TB test are required BEFORE the first day of class. 
  • BE ADVISED: Dental Assisting is an intense, full-time fast-moving curriculum and requires CONSIDERABLE student commitment.
  • The Dental Assisting Program is NOT a Dental Hygiene Program
  • You can earn an A.S. Degree in Dental Assisting
  • Students may enter the program in either the Fall OR Spring semester by enrolling in ALL six of these courses: DENT 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 and 156.
  • The Dental Assisting Program is FULL-TIME Monday through Thursday 8:30-2:30 and Friday 8:30-5:00. It is recommended students practice after school each day. Students must register in ALL six courses. There is no partial enrollment. Counselors will assist with the registration process. 
  • Costs of uniforms, books, safety items, tuition, and miscellaneous supplies are estimated at $1,500-$2,000 for the 11-month program. Costs are spread out over the 11 months. Approximately $800 is needed at the start of the program. See our Schedule of Classes for more information.

Department Contacts

DIVISION HOME PAGE

The Dental Assisting Program at San José City College combines theoretical technical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum includes topics in oral and dental anatomy and physiology, patient charting, infection control, radiography, emergency procedures, nutrition, business office procedures, general dentistry and dental specialties.

Students practice clinical skills using mannequins and specialized dental equipment such as intraoral camera and digital radiography. Team building skills are taught through group practice and cooperative learning opportunities, and advanced students work in community dental offices to develop clinical expertise in a professional working environment.

Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and the Dental Assisting National Board. In addition, graduates will have a State Radiation Safety License, a Certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a Certificate in Coronal Polishing, a Certificate in Pit & Fissure Sealant, and a Certificate of Achievement from San José City College.

 

ACCREDITATIONS

  • Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association 
  • Dental Board of California 

Dental Assistants work closely with dentist(s) to help provide compassionate patient care during dental treatment. 

Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from setting up, sterilization, and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments.  Salary can range based on experience, training, and skills from $30,000 to $55,000 annually. Please see link below for Program S​tudent Learning Outcomes.

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Vaccines Required

  • Negative Quantiferon test for TB or negative 2 step TB test(4 visits)
  • Hepatitis vaccine (at least the 1st dose)
  • Covid-19 Vaccine and booster
  • Flu vaccine

Required CPR course offerings

Online part of the course from the American Heart Association

find a dentist

For information on finding a dentist or dental clinic in your area, please click on the link to the Santa Clara County Dental Society

Dental Board of California​

For Dental Assisting ​licensing information go to Department of Consumer Affairs Dental Board of California.

To visit the website click: ​Dental Board of California