Dental Assisting - Major #4581

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The Dental Assistant Certificate of Achievement is designed to prepare students to work successfully as a member of a dental team. Dental Assistants can work in a variety of settings, such as dental offices of general dentists and dental specialists, dental schools, private and government hospitals and clinics, state and local public departments. Dental Assisting is an entry level career in the dental field.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Achieve work objectives established through collaboration with an employer.
  2. 2. Apply Skills learned in the classroom to an occupational setting.
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester

Term 1

9 units

DA 1
Practice Management

2 units
Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
Dental office management procedures, oral and written communication, purchasing, inventory and cost control of supplies, accounts payable and receiving, insurance billing, HIPAA, treatment planning and case presentation, electronic health records, scheduling of appointments, resume and interviewing skills. Legal parameters regarding state regulations and functions of dental auxiliaries. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course

        DA 2
        Infection Control for the Dental Setting

        2 units
        Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
        Principles of human anatomy, histology, and physiology as it relates to the head, neck and body systems in dentistry. Microbiology as it relates to the control of infection and disease, as well as bloodborne pathogen standards including sterilization and disinfection within the dental environment. Instruction on Dental Board of California (DBC), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations. (A, CSU)
        Course Details:
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              DA 3
              Dental Radiology

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
              Principles of radiology including history and current concepts relating to the production and projection of film and digital dental radiographs. Physics of radiation, biologic effects, and principles of radiology safety and standard precautions associated with radiation exposure, including bitewing, bisection and paralleling techniques. Laboratory portion of study, students expose, process mount and evaluate dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes. Upon successful completion of this course and DA 3A, the student will receive their radiographic proficiency state certificate and be eligible to sit for the national radiographic proficiency examination. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:
                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                    DA 3A
                    Clinical Dental Radiology

                    1 unit
                    Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                    Instruction in methods of exposure and evaluation of clinical diagnostic quality dental x-rays on patients. (A, CSU)
                    Course Details:
                    1. Corequisite: DA 3
                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                        DA 19
                        Work Experience Education

                        1 unit
                        Effective Term: 2024 Summer Semester
                        Supervised employment extending the classroom based on occupational learning related to the student's major. Collaborative learning objectives established specific to dental assisting. Orientation hours may be required. (A, CSU)
                        Course Details:
                        1. Corequisite: DA 2
                          1. CSU Transfer Course
                            Total: 9 units