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 health departments. Dental Assisting is an entry level career in the dental field.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 2. Achieve work objectives established through collaboration with an employer.
  2. 1. Apply Skills learned in the classroom to an occupational setting.
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

Term 1

9 units

DA 1
Practice Management

2 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course includes 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. Also included are the legal parameters regarding state regulations and scope of duties of dental auxiliaries. Successful completion of this course at a minimum of 75%, the student will receive a Dental Board of California approved certificate in California Dental Practice Act. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course

        DA 2
        Infection Control for the Dental Setting

        2 units
        Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
        This course includes principles of human anatomy, histology, and physiology as it relates to the head, neck and body systems in dentistry. Microbiology is included as it relates to the control of infection and disease, as well as bloodborne pathogen standards including disinfection and sterilization within the dental environment. Instruction on the Dental Board of California (DBC), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations. Successful completion of this course at a minimum of 75%, the student will receive a Dental Board of California approved certificate for 8 hours in Infection Control. (A, CSU)
        Course Details:
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              DA 3
              Dental Radiology

              2 units
              Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
              Principles of radiology including history and current concepts relating to film and digital dental radiographs. Physics of radiation, biologic effects, and principles of radiation safety and standard precautions associated with radiation exposure, including bitewing, bisecting and paralleling techniques. Upon successful completion of this course and DA 3L, the student will receive their radiographic proficiency state certificate approved by the Dental Board of California. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:
              1. Corequisite: DA 3L
                1. CSU Transfer Course

                  DA 3L
                  Clinical Dental Radiology

                  1 unit
                  Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                  This laboratory course will provide instruction in the methods of exposure and evaluation of clinically diagnostic dental x-rays on DXTTR manikins and patients. (A, CSU)
                  Course Details:
                  1. Prerequisite: DA 2
                  2. Corequisite: DA 3
                    1. CSU Transfer Course

                      DA 4
                      Chairside Assisting and Coronal Polish

                      1 unit
                      Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                      This course is designed to teach basic chairside dental assisting and to meet the Dental Board of California 's regulation for Coronal Polish. This course includes lecture and clinical hours. Students will be instructed in the role and functions of chairside assisting, oral evacuation, preparing the operatory, instrument identification and grasps/transfers, and the use of a slow speed handpiece. Included will be techniques for the removal of the pellicle, biofilm, and extrinsic stain from the clinical crown. Students will be required to provide their own clinical patients and follow the course sterilization and infection control policies. (A, CSU)
                      Course Details:
                      1. Prerequisite: DA 2

                            DA 19
                            Work Experience Education

                            1 unit
                            Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                            This course involves supervised employment, extending classroom-based learning into practical, occupational experiences related to the student's major. It focuses on collaborative learning objectives specific to dental assisting. Orientation hours may be required to ensure students are prepared for the work-based learning experience. (A, CSU)
                            Course Details:
                            1. Corequisite: DA 2
                              1. CSU Transfer Course
                                Total: 9 units