# Dental Assisting (Certificate of Achievement)

Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Dental

Source: https://chaffey.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/19210/20265/18867/20092/19014

### Description

The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation and approved by the Dental Board of California. Students receive a comprehensive education including dental sciences, hands-on practice laboratory, dental radiation safety certification, coronal polishing and sealant certificates, clinical experience in a community dental practice, state-of-the-art technology, dental business management preparation, and familiarity with dental specialty practices. Students completing the program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) as well as the Registered Dental Assistant Examination (RDA). Graduates are eligible for employment in private dental practices, clinics, and hospitals as assistants, technicians and dental practice management positions.

Notes:

1.  Applicants must be a high school graduate, pass the GED test, pass the High School Proficiency examination, or have an Associates degree or higher. International transcripts must have AERC, IERF or approved agency evaluation.
2.  All courses required for the certificate must be completed with a minimum grade of C.
3.  The following are required before entering the Dental Program: (A) completion of a health examination with required immunizations; (B) have a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card; (C) pass a background check.
4.  The student must have transportation to the clinical facilities.
5.  The Dental Assisting Program must be completed within a three-year period.
6.  Applicants with a record of any felony are subject to review by the Dental Board of California before becoming licensed by the state of California.
7.  Candidates for the RDA Exam will complete fingerprinting.
8.  The Dental Assisting program has adopted policies and procedures on preventing transmission of blood-borne pathogens based upon CDC Guidelines. Compliance with these policies and procedures are an ethical obligation and responsibility of all participants in delivery of care in the Chaffey Dental Assisting Program.
9.  It is strongly recommended that students take ENGL-1A (CCN: ENGL C1000).

### Program Learning Outcomes

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

1.  Practice effective communication and strategies in the field of dental assisting.
2.  Assess knowledge, skills and abilities related to personal, educational and career goals within the field of dental assisting.
3.  Demonstrate appropriate skills of a dental assistant employed in the dental field.
4.  Demonstrate critical thinking skills in problem solving in the discipline of dental assisting.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement (CA):** | | 33 |
| DENTAL 405 | Basic Dental Sciences | 3 |
| DENTAL 415 | Dental Chairside Skills I | 2.5 |
| DENTAL 415L | Dental Chairside Skills I Lab | 2 |
| DENTAL 425 | Dental Materials | 2 |
| DENTAL 425L | Dental Materials Lab | 1 |
| DENTAL 435 | Infection Control in Dentistry | 2 |
| DENTAL 435L | Infection Control in Dentistry Lab | 0.5 |
| DENTAL 445 | Oral Radiology | 2 |
| DENTAL 445L | Oral Radiology Lab | 1.5 |
| DENTAL 455 | Dental Office Procedures | 2 |
| DENTAL 455L | Dental Office Procedures Lab | 0.5 |
| DENTAL 460 | Clinical Experience I | 2 |
| DENTAL 465 | Clinical Experience II | 1 |
| DENTAL 465L | Clinical Experience II Lab | 4 |
| DENTAL 475 | Dental Specialty Skills | 2 |
| DENTAL 475L | Dental Specialty Skills Lab | 0.5 |
| DENTAL 480 | Dental Chairside Skills II | 2 |
| DENTAL 480L | Dental Chairside Skills II Lab | 1 |
| DENTAL 490 | Advanced Clinical Procedures | 1 |
| DENTAL 490L | Advanced Clinical Procedures Lab | 0.5 |
| **Total** | | **33** |

### Other Information

Health and Wellness

Local Program (Major) Code: T121

Program Control Number: 37118

TOP Code: 1240.10\*

CIP Code: 51.0601