ABOUT

*** There will be an admissions selection process for a limited number of seats.

The registered dental assistant program prepares you for jobs that are in-demand right now and will provide you with a stepping-stone to many other dental careers.

Registered dental assistants record treatment information in patient records. They operate high-tech dental lab and diagnostic tools including performing dental x-rays; dental impressions; providing patients information on dental hygiene, oral health care, and plaque control programs; collecting and recording medical; taking dental histories and patient vital signs; assisting the dentist during a dental procedure. Registered dental assistants need:

• strong attention to detail.
• critical thinking skills.
• the ability to multitask.
• strong organizational skills.
• Sit for the State Board Examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and consequently perform RDA functions in the dental office.
• Achieve success on all Dental Board of California-administered examinations.

Length of Study

9-10 Months

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program the student will be able to:

• Perform administrative duties and chairside assisting, advise patients on dental care as directed by the dentist, and respond to medical emergencies (BLS CPR card through only American Heart Association or Red Cross).
• Utilize proper sterilization techniques and infection control procedures as required by the Dental Board of California.
• Utilize principles of dental radiology to position, expose, process, and mount dental radiographs.
• Comply with the California Dental Practice Act and perform all dental assisting procedures allowed under the Dental Practice Act.
• Perform coronal polishing of the teeth.
• Be proficient in applying knowledge of the basic behavioral and dental sciences to clinical practice.
• Acquire knowledge and skills to promote and participate in preventive dental care and support oral health through the promotion of total health.
• Recognize patient abilities to properly care for their own oral health.
• Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals using proper nomenclature.
• Inform patients of the impact of diet on oral health.
• Identify normal and pathological abnormalities of the oral structures.
• Apply problem-solving and decision-making skills when assisting with dental health services under the direction and supervision of the dentist.
• Conduct themselves with the highest levels of professionalism, ethics, and personal integrity.
• To the practice of compassionate, patient-centered clinical care services without compromise.
• Internalize the importance of lifelong learning and understand the importance of remaining current as the dental health care delivery system changes.
• Sit for the State Board Examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and consequently perform RDA functions in the dental office.
• Achieve success on all Dental Board of California-administered examinations.

Online Type

Asynchronous and in person labs, or in-person instruction.

Occupation

Registered Dental Assistant

Career Level

Intermediate to Licensure

Student Cost

Futuro Health Registration Fee: $100 for the Registered Dental Assistant program. Membership for education and training: $20 per month. Concorde: Students will be required to complete the financial aid process including filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAST FACTS Job Outlook

There are 44,800 projected job openings in California.

There is an 11% increase in dental assistant jobs from 2019-2029. Salary ranges from $38,630-$40,680.

Work Environment

Dental assistants work in clinics under the supervision of the Dentist.

Career Opportunities

Dental assistants can advance to dental hygienist, laboratory technologist, dental sales, or office manager.

Duties

Dental assistants record treatment information in patient records. They operate high-tech dental lab and diagnostic tools including performing dental x-rays; dental impressions; providing patients information on dental hygiene, oral health care, and plaque control programs; collecting and recording medical; taking dental histories and patient vital signs; assisting the dentist during a dental procedure.

ENROLLMENT Minimum Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• All applicants must be citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens of the United States. Documentation of eligibility status may be required.
• Have the ability to work in the U.S.
• Be a California resident.
• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Be computer and internet proficient.
• Have home access to reliable high-speed internet
• Have a working computer.
• Be willing to commit 3-4 hours per day (estimated at 20+ hours per week) of study time.
• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to commute to Concorde Career College - North Hollywood or The Fade Institute campuses for in person instruction.
• Have no felony conviction on record.
• Able to pass drug screening.
• Comfort with managing small amounts of bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and mucus.
• Ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time.
• Interest in a career that works directly with patients.
• BLS CPR card through only American Heart Association or Red Cross required prior to entry

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual candidates preferred.
• Be referred by a member of SEIU-UHW who is in good standing (if you are not already a member of SEIU-UHW).
• Be referred by a recognized Futuro Health partner.

Additional Requirements

• Reliable transportation: You will be expected to have reliable transportation to attend in-person requirements.
• Up-to-date immunizations: You will need to getup-to-date immunization records, which is required when enrolling in a clinical program.
• Physical Examination and Dental Exam depending on the education provider.
• English fluency: It is recommended you have at least intermediate English fluency to successfully complete the course. If you are unsure of your fluency level, you can take our English-readiness assessment.
• All students will take the Wonderlic examination.
• Transcripts: Two official copies of your high school diploma/transcripts or GED certificate.
• FAFSA: Student attending Concorde Career College will be required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
• Student loan debt: Any outstanding federal loan debt must be current.
• CPR Certification: American Red Cross or the American Heart Association CPR certified prior to beginning the program.