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What is the registered dental assisting program? |
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The Diablo Valley College registered dental assisting program prepares students to work in a dental office as an essential member of the dental team. A registered dental assistant provides the dentist with both administrative and chairside support.
As a registered dental assisting student you will develop an in-depth understanding of the wide variety of duties performed in the dental office.
Students will learn:
- to assist with a wide range of general and specialty practice dental procedures;
- knowledge to pass the national and state boards;
- to perform skills allowed by the State of California after passing State Boards;
- x-ray including digital technology;
- take and record health history and vital signs;
- dental instruments used in general and specialty dental practices;
- instrument sterilization process;
- infection control standards/CDC-Center for Disease Control Guidelines;
- OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html/standards; - perform coronal polish;
- apply pit and fissure sealants;
- to mix various dental materials;
- to take and pour impressions including study models;
- basic laboratory procedures;
- office management skills including computer software used in dental practices;
- appointment scheduling;
- preparation of insurance claims;
- dental office inventory.
The DVC registered dental assisting program is approved by the Dental Board of California and accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).
The two terms and two week summer session include lecture and laboratory instruction as well as clinical experience in the DVC dental clinic, UOP Dental School and various dental offices. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for employment and successful completion of the registered dental assistant exams leading to licensing as a California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Additionally, the graduates are prepared to take the National Board Exam and be licensed as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), allowed by the ADA accreditation.
Dental Assisting is a licensed profession.
Pass rates for the DVC Dental Assisting program can be found at: www.dbc.ca.gov/da_program/examstats.shtml
