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 for the Dental Assisting program is completed remotely. 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
Tuesday, February 4th, 6:00 PM on Zoom.
Zoom link: 4cd.zoom.us/j/7509488908?omn=83920102197
Please RSVP to Colleen Shipp at cshipp@dvc.edu by February 3rd, 2024 at 11:59 PM
You will 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 DENTL-120, Orientation to Dental Assisting with a grade of 75% or higher as entrance into the program. This orientation will take place toward the end of the spring semester. Please check the 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 ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL 122) before applying to the Dental Assisting Program. Please visit the course catalog for course requirements to complete the certificate or degree.
Acceptance to 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.
Background Check and Drug Test
Prior to the start of Summer courses, students who have successfully passed DENHY 120 will be required to pass a background check and a certified drug test. The drug test identifies Amphetamines, Barbiturate, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, MDMA [Urine Testing], Methadone, Methaqualone, Opiates, Oxycodone, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene. A positive result that cannot be justified by a physician’s prescription may result in denial of acceptance to the program.
Infectious Disease Policy
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 grants specific benefits including the right to access health care and education for individuals with communicable diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Proven HBV and/or HIV transmission to patients is rare; however out of an abundance of caution, DVC Dental Programs follow the CDC guidelines that recommend a professional review panel determine whether providers with HIV and/or HBV could continue to perform exposure-prone procedures.
Centers for Disease Control. Recommendations for preventing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus to patients during exposure-prone procedures. MMWR 1991; 40:1-9. [PubMed]
DVC Dental Programs follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for vaccinations as part of our Blood Borne Pathogen and Aerosol Transmission Programs. These vaccines include: Covid 19, Influenza (annually), Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and Meningococcal. A TB test is required with recommended follow-up based on results. The college and district will cooperate with the local health officer in measures necessary for the prevention and control of communicable diseases in students and comply with any immunization programs required by State Department of Health Services regulations.
In addition, students will be required to complete physical and vision examinations and a CPR/BLS certification course for Health Care Providers. Reporting documents will be distributed with the acceptance letters.