Department website: https://www.cerritos.edu/dental-assisting/

Curriculum leads to a Certificate of Achievement and eligibility to write both the California State Board Examination as a Registered Dental Assistant and the National Certifying Board Examination as a Certified Dental Assistant. Technical Standards/Essential Functions are available for your review on the program’s website. They have been designed to give you more information about the profession and important skills/functions. This information will be helpful to assist you in deciding on your career path.

PROGRAM MISSION

The Dental Assisting Program integrates well into the educational philosophy, mission, and vision of Cerritos College. The program promotes both students’ clinical and academic excellence to prepare them to become competent dental professionals. The program collaborates with faculty, administration, and the advisory committee to produce successful and proficient dental assistants to meet the needs of the dentist, patient, and the community it serves.

PROGRAM GOALS

1. To provide a high caliber curriculum that adheres to the current dental healthcare standards and business office management procedures in the dental field.
2. To develop a sense of responsibility in graduates to practice within the laws and regulations of California and the ethical principles of the American Dental Practice Act and Dental Assisting Code of Ethics.
3. To create a faculty that will focus on student success through effective teaching practice in both didactic and clinical activities and to provide learning opportunities incorporating modern equipment based on professional trends, oral and written research project, self and peer clinical evaluation and various community projects.
4. To prepare the student for employment as a safe, competent, and regulation-compliant dental healthcare professional.
5. To graduate individuals with the academic knowledge and skills to qualify for and successfully pass both the National Board and State Board examinations.
6. To lay the foundation and allow graduates to continue to plan, attain, and evaluate their educational and career goals regardless of age, gender, cultural, socio-economic status, or ethnicity.
7. To develop effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills for the benefit of patients, colleagues, and other members of the health care team.
8. To provide broad-based education that lays the groundwork for advancement into a variety of dental assisting careers.
9. To provide students the opportunities to develop competencies in the use of safety techniques, exposing, developing, and mounting radiographs.
10.  To build in graduates a commitment to lifelong learning, a dedication to fulfillment of personal and professional potential, a sense of dignity, value and personal worth.
11. To provide students with the following certificates upon satisfactory completion of relative course work:
    1. California State Radiation License
    2. Coronal Polish Certificate
    3. Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate
    4.  Infection Control Certificate
    5. Dental Practice Act Certificate

LENGTH AND KIND OF PROGRAM

The program is three terms in length (Fall, Spring, and a six-week Summer Session). General Education and Dental Assisting classes are scheduled on the college campus and clinical experiences in patient care are scheduled at selected dental schools and private dental offices.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Academic requirements
   1. High school graduation or satisfactory scores on the General Education Development (GED) examination (given at most adult education centers).
   2. A 2.0 grade point average in all high school and college courses. If high school GPA is less than 2.0, at least 12 units of college course work with a GPA of 2.0 or higher is required.
   3. English Assessment/ Placement sufficient for placement in ENGL 100.

APPLICATION & ADMISSION PROCEDURES

1. Applicants must submit to the Health Occupations Division the following items no later than May 15, unless noted otherwise:
   1.  Completed application signed by the applicant and returned by May 15
   2. high school (or equivalent) and college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with application. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to the completion of the first semester of the program.
   3. English clearance has been met through assessment and / or course completion.
   4. Applicants completing admission requirements during the spring session must submit a final grade to the Health Occupations Division before May 30.
   5. Verification of dental employment/volunteer work experience or dental education (if applicable).
2.  selection Criteria
   1. The program director and faculty, in cooperation with appropriate institutional personnel establish admissions procedures which are non-discriminatory, contribute to the quality of the program and allow selection of students with potential for successfully completing the program. The following point system criteria will be utilized as our program selection process:
      1. High School Grade Point Average
      2. College Grade Point Average
      3. Completion of Higher Education College Degree: Associate or Bachelor or higher. 
      4. English Assessment/Placement sufficient for placement in ENGL 100.
      5. Completed Dental Assisting application (with all required documents) by May 15.
3. Related work/volunteer experience (office or education) documented from the applications forms. Candidates will be notified of their application status by mail after May 30.
4. Admitted students and alternates will be required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting in July. During the orientation, information will be given regarding textbooks, uniforms, registration procedures, required Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), immunizations and a physical exam. Students must provide their own “patients” to meet the following required competencies: Radiology Full Mouth (6-7), Pit and Fissure Sealants (4), and Coronal Polish (3). Details will be discussed during orientation and may incur additional costs.

HEALTH

1. Physical exam and immunization records must be completed after acceptance into the program and returned prior to the first day of class. All costs are the responsibility of the student.
2. A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be obtained after acceptance into the program and returned prior to the first day of class. It must be obtained through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. The CPR card must be valid throughout the program. The cost to obtain the CPR card is the responsibility of the student.
3. Applicant must present evidence of physical fitness and ability to perform tasks required of a dental assistant. Employment in this field requires good vision, hearing, and the ability to communicate verbally, nonverbally, and through written word. Students must have the ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate patients’ charts in order to provide appropriate treatment. Students must be able to record in the patients’ charts and have manual dexterity to use small instruments to provide patient care. For further details see the Essential Functions section of the department’s website at www.cerritos.edu/dental-assisting.
4. The essential requirements of a dental assistant are used in consideration of admission, retention, and graduation from the Cerritos College program. Graduates are expected to be fully qualified to enter the profession as an Assistant. It is the responsibility of the student with disabilities to contact STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES (SAS) and provide verification of the disability and resulting limitations. Students are responsible to make advance request for those accommodations that he or she feel are reasonable and needed to execute the essential requirements described above.
5. Pregnancy Advisory: all clinical affiliates require immunizations. All students must be immunized to participate in clinical education. Pregnancy may affect immunization and or other program requirements. If you are pregnant or planning on pregnancy (while enrolled) please consult with the Program Director. A statement from the student’s healthcare provider noting the student may proceed through the program with “no limitations” will be required of all pregnant students.
6. Latex Advisory: the use of latex/latex-based products may exist in the healthcare universal precautions and in environments such as but not limited to the classroom, labs, and clinical sites. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their healthcare provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care field.
7. Immunization Advisory: immunization is required in order to participate in clinical education. Individuals with allergies to required immunizations should seek expert advice from their healthcare provider so they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to infectious diseases in the healthcare field. A statement from the student’s healthcare provider noting the student may proceed through the program with “no limitations” will be required of all students declaring an immunization allergy.
8. Infection Control Guidelines: Applicants are advised of the following Infection Control Guidelines as outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC): The prevention of cross contamination and transmission of infection to all persons, including patients, Dental Health Care Professionals (DHCP), faculty, students, and non-clinical staff is the professional responsibility of all dental personnel. Cerritos College Dental Assisting program has adopted policies and procedures that represent a comprehensive and practical infection control program, based upon federal guidelines (Center for Disease Control). A fundamental principle of an effective infection control program is to exercise care, precautions and effective control techniques that can keep infectious microbes within manageable limits of the body’s normal resistance to disease. Individuals at high risk of infectious diseases (Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency (HIV) viruses) among DHCP are those who perform tasks that might involve contact with blood, blood contaminated body substances, other body fluids, or sharps, and should be vaccinated. Vaccination can protect both DHCP and patients from infectious diseases and whenever possible should be completed when DHCP are in training and before they have contact with blood. Compliance with these policies and procedures are an ethical obligation and responsibility of all participants in the delivery of care at Cerritos College. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Setting – 2003, 12/19/03 52(RR17); 1-61. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm  

EXPENSES

1. See Cerritos College Catalog for complete list of Cerritos College enrollment fees and out-of-state resident fees.
2.  Students may expect to pay approximately $2,500 for dental assisting project fees, uniforms, and books.
3. Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, including uniform laundry, transportation to extended campuses, and parking fees at extended campuses and volunteer sites.
4. Physical exam, immunizations, and Basic Life Support (BLS) for HealthCare Providers. Certification expenses are the student’s responsibility.
5. Upon successful completion of program requirements, the student is eligible to take the State Board Registered Dental Assisting exam and the National Certified Dental Assisting exam (approximately $700 - costs incurred by student).
6. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the student will be eligible to receive and wear the Dental Assisting pin which is given at a graduation ceremony. The cost of the pin is incurred by the student.

ATTENDANCE, SCHOLARSHIP, PROMOTION

1.  Attendance: Due to the nature of the Dental Assisting program all students are expected to observe the attendance requirements set by the Dental Assisting department at Cerritos College.
2. Scholarship and Promotion: Successful completion of all levels of course work is necessary for completion of and graduation from the program. Students are required to maintain a “C” or higher in each course in order to progress and complete the program. This is whether enrolled in combined lecture/ lab courses or clinical experiences. When content is tiered, each level must be completed according to identified criteria. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are eligible to receive either the Certificate and/or Associate of Arts degree.

GUIDELINES FOR WITHDRAWAL, DISMISSAL, AND REINSTATEMENT

1. Withdrawal
   1. Withdrawal (“W”) may be initiated by either the student or the instructor. Dates for withdrawal without a grade are indicated in the Cerritos College Schedule of Classes.
   2. When a student is failing clinically, he/she will be encouraged to withdraw from the course. If the clinical failure is related to unsafe clinical practice, and the student does not withdraw when advised to do so, the instructor shall drop the student from the course. A student who has withdrawn or been dropped from a course may not attend after the withdrawal date.
2. Dismissal (Failure) - Criteria for dismissal from course or program may include:
   1. Final grade below “C” in required dental assisting course.
   2. Failure to meet attendance requirements.
   3. Behavior not consistent with Dental Assisting Code of Ethics and the department’s “Code of Ethics and Responsibilities”.
   4. Failure to comply with established Cerritos College or Dental Assisting department regulations and policies.
   5. Failure to meet stated objectives in the coursework.
   6. Placing self or others in physical and/or emotional jeopardy.
   7. In critical cases, such as unsafe clinical performance, dismissal may occur without prior warning or probation. This action requires the concurrence of the Dental Assisting Program Director, Instructional Dean of Health Occupations and/or Vice President of Academic Affairs.
3. Reinstatement
   1. students applying for readmission to the Dental Assisting Program after withdrawal or dismissal must write a letter requesting readmission, addressed to the Director of the Dental Assisting Program. b. Following information must be included in the letter:
      1. circumstances surrounding the withdrawal or dismissal
      2. Activities pursued in the interim that demonstrate improvement in the problem areas
      3. Reason for requesting readmission
      4. School term for which readmission is requested
      5. Students seeking readmission after one withdrawal/dismissal from the Cerritos College Dental Assisting Program/course will be reinstated contingent upon lab space availability in the priority order of date and time the readmission request is received in the Dental Assisting Department.
      6. Readmission request letters will be accepted only after letters from the program director have been mailed acknowledging student withdrawal or dismissal. These letters are mailed after the end of the school term in which the withdrawal occurred and are mailed at the same time to all students who did not successfully complete the term. All students requesting readmission will have equal opportunity to apply for space available.
      7. No student shall be reinstated after two withdrawals/dismissals from the Cerritos College Dental Assisting Program/course. A student who has acquired two withdrawals/dismissals shall have exceeded the repeat policy of the program and shall have no further chance of reentry.
      8. A student who withdraws from the program for personal reasons (e.g., pregnancy, illness, family crisis, financial difficulties, etc.) will be given additional consideration through faculty review, upon the student’s request describing such reasons.

GRADUATION

1. Graduation Requirements:
2. Completion of all Dental Assisting coursework with a grade of “C” or higher.
3. Completion of ENGL 52, or ENGL 72 or equivalent with a grade of a “C” or higher or satisfactory completion of the English Placement Process with eligibility for ENGL 100.
4. Students who successfully complete the Dental Assisting Program will receive the following:
   1. Infection Control and Dental Practice Act Certificate of Completion
   2. Oral Radiology Course Certificate of Completion
   3.  Coronal Polish Certificate (part of the RDA program certificate)
   4. Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate (part of the RDA program certificate)
   5. Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement
   6. Eligibility to apply for the State RDA exam and National Certification (CDA) Exam 2. *Completion of the program does not guarantee licensure or employment.* The RDA license includes a written, law & ethics exam as well as a background check and fingerprinting. The RDA written, and the law & ethics combined exam is via computer at various computer testing sites. Coronal Polish, Pit and Fissure Sealants are duties that may only be performed with the RDA license. Students and graduates are responsible for understanding the ethical and legal ramifications of performing duties they are not legally allowed to perform even after completing the required educational courses for all RDA duties. After graduation from the program, you must have a current RDA license to perform any RDA duties. All students completing the program will have met the requirements for the 8 hours infection control and 2 hours Dental Practice Act and may perform Dental Assisting duties as assigned by the Dental Board of California.

LICENSURE

The State of California Board of Dental Auxiliaries requires all applicants for the RDA Exam to:

1. Supply their U.S. Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
2. Complete a Live-scan Fingerprint record

a. If the applicant has been convicted or plead guilty to any crime in the USA, its territories, military court or foreign country which includes a plea of no contest or any conviction that has been set aside or deferred pursuant to sections 1000 or 1203.4 of the Penal Code, including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies must provide detail information regarding the conviction to complete the processing of the application and the State will determine if the individual does qualify to take the RDA exam.

DISCLAIMER

The program has made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in the catalog is accurate. Matters contained herein, are subject to change without notice by the administration of the department for reasons related to student enrollment, level of financial support or for any reason, at the discretion of the Program. The Program further reserves the right to add, amend or repeal any of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures, consistent with applicable law

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Course List

Code Number	Course Title	Units
Required Courses
First Semester
DA 51	Applied Dental Science I	4.0
DA 52	Dental Radiography I	2.0
DA 53	Introduction to Chairside Assisting	3.0
DA 54	Introduction to Operatory Procedures	4.0
Second Semester
DA 61	Applied Dental Science II	3.0
DA 62	Dental Radiography II	3.0
DA 63	Advanced Chairside Assisting	4.0
DA 64	Dental Office Management	2.0
DA 65	Clinical I Dental Schools	3.0
Summer Semester
DA 75	Clinical II Cooperative Office Training	5.0
Total Units		33

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

(May be taken prior to or following Certificate of Achievement)

Meet all the requirements as listed for the Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting. For an A.A. Degree, a student must also take electives and General Education to achieve a minimum of 60 units.