COA 09-11 Catalog - Peralta Colleges

DENTAL ASSISTING(DENTL)DENTAL ASSISTING (DENTL)121The Dental Assisting Program at College of Alamedais a national and state accredited program.Dental Assisting is the study of the dental healthcareindustry, which address the issues of patient dental careand oral health. This program includes California dentallaw, ethics, professionalism, infection control, head andneck anatomy, dental radiology, dental materials andchairside skills.The fall semester courses introduce basic theory andchairside skills, leading to more advanced studiescourses during the spring semester, which also includeinternships and advanced use of technology withindentistry. A Certificate of Achievement is awardedupon successful completion of the program. The DentalAssisting Program prepares you for the CaliforniaRegistered Dental Assistant and National CertifiedDental Assistant exams.The program seeks individuals who enjoy interactionwith people, teamwork, have good communicationsskills, enjoy variety in their work and enjoy excellentworking opportunities and conditions. Dental Assistingis a rewarding and stable career.This full-time curriculum is designed to meet therequirements of the American Dental AssociationCouncil on Dental Education for Dental Assistants. Theprogram includes lecture and laboratory practice in theclassroom. Clinical experience is required in the dentalclinics of the University of California and the Universityof Pacific Dental Schools in San Francisco, as well as inprivate dental offices. Students completing all requiredcourses with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (“C”)will earn a Certificate of Achievement and be qualifiedto take the Certification Examination of the DANB,the State of California RDA examinations, and will beprepared to assume the responsibilities of assisting thedentist in all phases of general practice. The programrequires 28.5 semester units in Dental Assisting, plus9 semester units in other general education requiredcourses.Admission is by special application directly to theDental Assisting Department. Candidates must possessa high school diploma or the equivalent. All eligibilityrequirements, including having official transcriptson file, must be completed prior to applying to theprogram. The application deadline is April 15 of eachyear for admission into the program starting the