Dental Assisting
Associate in Science Dental Assisting · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Award Type: Associate in Science
Approved by the California Board of Dental Examiners, this program provides technical skills needed for employment in a dental office. The student develops skills to participate as a member of the dental health team in chairside general and specialty procedures, office management and x-ray techniques. Admittance to the dental assisting program requires the student to obtain program application forms and follow outlined procedures for enrollment. Applications and specific information are available at the Health Science Office, located in Building M Science Complex.
The graduate of the Associate in Science in Dental Assisting will:
- Perform all Registered Dental Assistant duties as specified by accreditation standards through directed lectures, demonstrations, guided practice, written assignments, exams and evaluation of skills to prepare for taking the Registered Dental Assisting State Board Exam and the Law and Ethics examination and gain employment as a Registered Dental Assistant.
- Practice assisting skills that demonstrate a working knowledge of infection control protocols.
- Demonstrate office management skills including computer skills technology to perform the following tasks; scheduling, inventory management, ordering supplies, treatment planning and patient charting.
- Complete requirements to obtain a certificate in pit and fissure sealants.
- Complete requirements to obtain a dental x-ray certificate.
- Complete requirements to obtain a coronal polishing certificate.
- Explain the purpose of the state Dental Practice Act.
- Model professional conduct and appearance and demonstrate behavior of the dental workplace.
- Assist in diagnostic and operative procedures by demonstrating general chair side skills.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A major of 32.5 units is required for the degree. | ||
| Required core courses (32.5 units): | 32.5 | |
| DA 314 | Introduction to Bio-Dental Science | 3 |
| DA 310 | Exploring Career Opportunities | 1 |
| DA 317 | Dental Assisting Theory | 7 |
| DA 318 | Basic Dental Assisting Skills | 3 |
| DA 319 | DA Administrative Skills | 3 |
| DA 320 | DA Practicum in the Community | 1 |
| DA 325 | Clinical Dental Procedures | 3 |
| DA 326 | Dental Radiography | 4 |
| DA 327 | Dental Screening | 0.5 |
| DA 328 | Pit and Fissure Sealants | 1 |
| DA 329 | Dental Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| DA 330 | Coronal Polish | 1 |
| DA 332 | RDA Law and Ethics | 0.5 |
| DA 348 | RDA - Success Seminar | 0.5 |
| Recommended electives (for both 2nd and 3rd semesters): | 0.5 | |
| DA 380 | Dental Assisting Skills Lab | 0.5 |
| General Education | ||
| In addition to completing the program requirements, students are also required to complete general education courses. Students may follow the AHC GE or the Cal-GETC pathways to meet these requirements. Students intending to transfer to a four-year university should use the Cal-GETC GE pathway. To see what major courses and general education requirements you need to fulfill, visit your myHancock account and select the DegreeWorks button in the Academic Profile widget. For more information and guidance, and to receive a detailed education plan, make an appointment with an academic counselor. | ||
| Total | 32.5 | |