The Dental Assisting Program is designed to meet the requirements of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education for Dental Assistants. The program includes lectures and laboratory practice in the classroom. As part of their field experience, students are required to participate in internships in private offices and at the UCSF Dental School.

The program requires 32-semester units in Dental Assisting, plus 9-semester units in other general education required courses; for a total of 41 units. 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) and the State of California RDA examinations; and will be prepared to assume the responsibilities of assisting the dentist in all phases of general and specialty practice.

The AS degree in Dental Assisting will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Major Course Requirements and the General Education requirements. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Major Course Requirements.

Career Opportunities

Students in this major typically are employed as dental assistants in private dental offices.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

- Differentiate and evaluate specialty procedures within each of the dental specialties.

- Communicate verbally using acceptable dental terminology in regards to interpersonal skills and concerns for the patients’ welfare.

- Recognize, support and facilitate the importance of HIPPA laws.

- Demonstrate acceptable dental office procedures.