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Get started on your dental assisting career path
DVC’s Dental Assisting program begins in July with completion the following May. Student-centered schedules allows dental assisting students to have outside commitments while completing the program. All lecture coursework is completed at home. Hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences are offered one to two days a week on campus. Students will also gain valuable experience working with dentists in the community during their externship hours in the Spring semester.
The DVC Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and approved by the Dental Board of California. Students who complete the program will be fully prepared to sit for the California Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) exam for state licensure, and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
Dental Assisting Information Session
Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 5:00 PM, Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill Campus, LS 116
Please RSVP to Colleen Shipp cshipp@dvc.edu by November 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Learn about:
- Our program's flexible scheduling: Online courses and classes on campus 1-2 days per week
- Paid externship opportunities
- Free Tuition Program
Dental Assisting Orientation
It is required that all Dental Assisting students complete DENTL120- Orientation to Dental Assisting with a grade of 75% or higher as entrance into the program. This orientation will take place in May. Please check the DVC Schedule of Classes for specific dates. You will be able to register for the course on your Spring registration date.
It is recommended that students complete ENG122 before applying to the Dental Assisting Program. Please visit the course catalog for course requirements to complete the certificate or degree.
Acceptance into the Dental Assisting Program
The Dental Assisting Program accepts 24 students into each cohort. In the event there are more than 24 students completing the orientation course, a lottery will be conducted to determine acceptance and alternate status. Applications will be distributed during orientation and must be submitted before the course ends to be considered.
High School Transcript Submission
Official high school transcripts showing proof of graduation (or the equivalent such as GED) must be submitted to DVC Admissions and Records prior to July 1.
It is the applicants’ responsibility to ensure official transcripts have been received.
- Electronic transcripts: Official transcripts can be sent to transcripts@dvc.edu from the granting institution or transcript vendor only. Transcripts sent from personal or student email will not be considered.
- Hard copy transcripts: Official unopened, sealed transcripts can be sent through USPS, Fedex, or other carriers to DVC Admissions and Records, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA. 94523. They can also be hand delivered to the Admissions and Records office on the Pleasant Hill campus.
- Additional information regarding transcripts can be found at the DVC Admissions and Records Transcript page.
Related links
- American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
- Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Dental Board of California (DBC)
- Dental Hygiene Program
Contact Dental Assisting
| Area Lead: | Colleen Shipp |
| Telephone: | 925-969-2640 |
| Email: | cshipp@dvc.edu |
| Office location: | LHS-112 |