Dental Office Administration
Certificate of Achievement Dental Assisting · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
The Dental Office Administration Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work in an administrative setting in a dental office. This certification can be completed in two semesters. Training includes skills in written and verbal communication with patients and insurance companies; knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology; competency in completing dental insurance forms and utilizing the software to bill and schedule patients. The certificate’s DENA courses are part of the accredited Dental Assisting program, but presently the certificate itself doesn’t fall under the accreditation process. Upon completion of this certificate, the student will be prepared to obtain a job working as an entry-level administrator within a dental office.
Award Note: This program is not eligible for federal financial aid in accordance with Federal regulations.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Dental Office Administration Program will be able to:
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as appropriate for a dental healthcare worker.
- Obtain licensure and certifications applicable to dental assisting.
- Perform skills and apply knowledge of dental assisting to work as a chairside assistant and administrative assistant.
- Conduct themselves as legal and ethical dental professionals within the scope of practice for dental assistants.
- Promote positive change in the community through volunteering.