Welcome to Dental Assisting!
Diablo Valley College’s program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Our ten-month program is designed to help you develop the skills needed to launch a successful career in the dental field. With a balanced curriculum that includes academic, laboratory, and clinical courses, you'll be well-prepared to enter this dynamic and demanding profession.
We offer a flexible, student-centered schedule that allows you to complete coursework at home, with hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences scheduled one to two days per week on campus. Externship experiences take place with community dentists two to three days per week, depending on the session. This flexible schedule enables you to work in dental offices while enrolled and participate in paid externships.
Our dedicated faculty and staff stay at the forefront of the industry, ensuring you have the support needed as you prepare for your career as a Registered Dental Assistant. Graduates are prepared to work with general dentists or specialize in fields such as oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatrics, and prosthodontics. With further education, additional job opportunities are also available.
Admissions for our program begin each spring semester at the end of April, starting with the DENTL 120 Overview of Dental Assisting Orientation course. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I look forward to seeing you at our next Dental Assisting Orientation.
Warm regards,
Colleen Shipp
Dental Assisting Program Director
P.S. Dental Assisting is part of the Science and Health Interest Area. Learn more about this student center and the friendly communities there to support you.
Diablo Valley College’s program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
