Dental Assisting Program

 

 

Dental Assisting Zoom Information Session

Monday, December 7, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Whether you’re exploring a future in Dental Assisting or have already enrolled in our program, this information session will give you an inside look at the exciting educational journey, hands-on training, and rewarding career opportunities that await you. We’ll also walk through registration steps, health requirements, and deadlines.

Join the Dental Assisting Zoom Information Session (opens in a new tab)

Dental Assisting Overview

San José City College’s Dental Assisting Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and approved by the Dental Board of California (DBC). The program prepares students to assist in all phases of general dentistry and dental specialties, including prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry.

Program Highlights

  • Accredited by CODA & approved by the Dental Board of California (DBC)
  • Comprehensive training across all dental specialties
  • Expanded functions: take dental radiographs, perform coronal polishing, and apply pit & fissure sealants
  • Real-world clinical experience in community dental offices
  • Multiple credentials: Certificate of Achievement (Level 3) & Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Dental Assisting
  • Graduates are eligible for the California RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) Board Exam & the DANB (Dental Assistant National Board) Exam
Get Started

View Application and Registration Steps

Program Policies & Handbook

View Policies Handbook

Success Resources

San José City College Dental Assisting Program overview video

Important Program Information

  • Small Class Sizes: 2 instructors for every 30 students
  • Intensive Commitment Required: This is a fast-paced, full-time program demanding considerable dedication and daily practice
  • Program Clarification: This is Dental Assisting, NOT Dental Hygiene
  • Degree & Entry: Earn an A.S. Degree in Dental Assisting. Start Fall or Spring by enrolling in ALL 6 courses: DENT 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, and 156
  • Full-Time Schedule: Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Fri 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Must register for all 6 courses—no partial enrollment. Daily after-hours practice recommended. Counselors available to assist with registration
  • Program Investment: $1,500–$2,000 total (spread over 11 months). Approximately $800 due at start. Covers uniforms, books, safety items, tuition, and supplies. See Schedule of Classes for details

Department Contacts

To view all Dental Assisting faculty and staff, visit our Faculty & Staff Directory and search for “Dental Assisting.”

How to Apply and Register

Complete these steps in order. We encourage you to submit your documents early.

  1. Apply to be a Student at the College: Apply to San José City College
  2. Meet with a Counselor and Register for Your Dental Assisting Courses: Schedule an appointment with an SJCC Career Education counselor.
  3. Fill Out the New Student Intake Form: Complete the New Student Intake Form.
  4. Complete Online BLS Training: Complete your Basic Life Support course through one of the approved providers:
  5. Complete the Vaccination and Tests Form: Complete the Vaccination and Tests Form (PDF, opens in a new tab) and have it verified and signed by a California-licensed medical practitioner or the SJCC Health Services healthcare practitioner.
  6. Submit Documents: Email completed documents (BLS Certificate of Completion and New Student Intake Form) to paula.morgan@sjcc.edu by Thursday, January 21, 2027. Students must also bring hard copies of these documents to the Mandatory Orientation on Thursday, January 21, 2027, at 3 p.m. in the Technology Building, fifth floor, Room T506.

    Note: If you complete your health requirements with your own physician (must be a California-licensed medical practitioner) and have the form signed, please email it and bring a hard copy to Orientation. If you plan to complete your health requirements at SJCC Student Health Services, you must schedule an appointment for the first week of the semester. This service is free to students registered in the Dental Assisting Program.

    Schedule an appointment with SJCC Student Health Services

Enrollment Disclaimer

Important: Enrollment is contingent on submission and verification of all required documentation, including health records and BLS certification.

Students who register without completing all required documents are conditionally enrolled. The BLS Certificate of Completion and New Student Intake Form are due by Thursday, January 21, 2027. Health clearance is due by the same date, unless the student is completing health requirements at SJCC Student Health Services, in which case it must be completed during the first week of the semester. Missing these deadlines may result in removal from the program or withdrawal from courses.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines.

Questions? Contact Interim Program Coordinator Paula Morgan at paula.morgan@sjcc.edu.

Program Details

Dental Assistants work alongside dentists providing patient care during treatments. Responsibilities include taking X-rays, sterilizing equipment, patient scheduling, and maintaining records.

Salary Range: $55,000–$80,000 annually (based on experience and skills)

  • Oral and dental anatomy
  • Digital and traditional radiography
  • Infection control and sterilization
  • Patient charting and emergency procedures
  • All dental specialties (prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry)
  • Business office procedures
  • Hands-on clinical skills

Upon completion, you’ll receive:

  • A.S. Degree in Dental Assisting
  • State Radiation Safety License
  • CPR Certification
  • Coronal Polishing Certificate
  • Pit & Fissure Sealant Certificate
  • Eligibility for California RDA Exam
  • Eligibility for Dental Assisting National Board (CDA)

Accredited by: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and Dental Board of California

To protect the health and safety of patients, students, and staff, the San José City College Dental Assisting Program requires specific health clearances before students may participate in clinical or laboratory activities. These requirements follow the guidelines of the Dental Board of California, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and SJCC health and safety standards.

Submission Deadlines:

  • Email your BLS Certificate of Completion and New Student Intake Form to paula.morgan@sjcc.edu by Thursday, January 21, 2027, and bring hard copies to the Mandatory Orientation.
  • If your own physician (must be a California-licensed medical practitioner) completes and signs your Vaccination and Tests Form, submit it by the same deadline.
  • If you plan to complete your health requirements at SJCC Student Health Services, you must schedule an appointment for the first week of the semester. This service is free to students registered in the Dental Assisting Program.

Required Vaccines and Tests:

  1. Hep B vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity.
  2. Varicella (2 doses) OR evidence of history of Chicken Pox disease, OR laboratory evidence of immunity.
  3. Tdap booster (within 10 years)
  4. MMR (2 doses) OR laboratory evidence of immunity.
  5. Negative IGRA Result: Chest X-ray (if needed)
  6. Flu Vaccine (current within 12 months)

Approved BLS Courses:

Students must complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course from one of the following approved providers before the start of the program:

Immunization Form:

Download Vaccination and Tests Form (PDF, opens in a new tab)

Policy Updates

Requirements are subject to change based on public health guidance, clinical site policy, or state and federal regulations. Students will be notified of any updates and are responsible for meeting revised health and safety requirements.

View complete immunization requirements (California Department of Public Health) (PDF, opens in a new tab)

To ensure student success and equitable access to program resources, all students enrolling in the San José City College Dental Assisting program are required to have reliable internet access and a personal computer with the capability to participate in online coursework. In addition to face-to-face instruction, all Dental Assisting courses utilize Canvas, the College’s official Learning Management System (LMS), for delivery of course materials, assignments, assessments, and communications.

Students must be able to:

  • Access the internet from a computer (not solely a smartphone or tablet).
  • Participate in online learning activities, submit assignments, and communicate through Canvas LMS.
  • Maintain compatibility with current versions of common web browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge) and possess basic computer literacy, including file uploads and word-processing.

Failure to meet the above requirements may prevent a student from fully participating in the Dental Assisting program and completing mandatory course elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Associate in Science (A.S.) in Dental Assisting

Fall or Spring semester. Must enroll in all 6 courses simultaneously.

30 students maximum with 2 instructors assigned.

The intensive schedule makes outside employment challenging for most students.