Job Description
Registered Dental Assistants are skilled members of the dental health care team, assisting dentists in all dental procedures. They may be licensed by the State to perform many sophisticated and challenging duties under the supervision of a dentist. They may prepare patients for the treatment and perform an initial inspection of the patient's mouth, take x-rays, and assist the dentist in performing dental operations. They may work for general dentists or specialists in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, and dentistry for children.
Employment Outlook
Because there is a shortage of Registered Dental Assistants, the field offers excellent career opportunities. Employment may be obtained in private dental offices, dental clinics, hospitals, mobile dental clinics, dental schools, government facilities, dental equipment and supply sales, dental practice management, insurance companies, teaching in dental assisting programs, and even in the Peace Corps.
Probable Salary Range for San Diego County
Start: $13.00-$15.00 per hour; Range $15.00 - $25.00 per hour plus benefit package.
Program Director
Margaret Fickess, RDA, CDA,
MEd.
TELEPHONE.- (619) 388-2697
E-mail
Program's Location.
Mesa College, S102
Program Description
This program is accredited by the Dental Board of California, and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, and is sponsored by the San Diego County Dental Society and the San Diego County Dental Assistants Society. It is a 9 month certificate program. As part of the training students receive clinical experience working on patients with dentists. Classroom Laboratory instruction includes nutrition and preventive dentistry, physiology and anatomy of the teeth and mouth, biology of dental disease, dental specialties, legal considerations in dentistry, and the psychology of patient-dental assistant relationship, as well as the functions and duties required of the Registered Dental Assistant. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the California Registered Dental Assistant licensing examination, Certified Dental Assistant National Examination, and will also be issued a Radiation Safety Certificate, and Coronal Polish Certification through the program, upon satisfactory completion of the course.
Degrees Granted
Certificate of Achievement - Summer, Fall and Spring semesters (Associate in Science - 4 semesters (approximately).
Aptitudes Needed
Attention to detail, a desire to learn specialized procedures, and be of service to the public are emphasized.
Cost
The cost for books, supplies, uniform, and name badge is moderate. Students who are eligible must pay State examination fees and provide all instruments and supplies needed for the State's practical examination. Students meeting the California residency requirement pay $18.00 per unit tuition. Total program costs may run as high as $1500 - $2000. A higher tuition is charged to students who are not residents of California. Consult the current Mesa College catalog for specific information.
Work
Credit is given for clinical practice which is planned and supervised by the dentist employer and the College.
Employment Placement
Graduates of the program may use the San Diego Community College District's placement services to help them find employment.
Prerequisites
High school graduation or equivalent. Dental Assisting 102 (Summer Only), English 51 and 56, or equivalent. Psychology 101 or 112, and Speech 103 or 135 are highly recommended.
Admission Requirements
Applicants interested in entering the Statet and National Accredited Dental Assisting program must:
- Attend one orientation sessions to be held in Room S102 at 6:30 P.M. Call Special Admissions Clerk (619)388-2684.
- Submit the Program Application before the deadline date. Call Special Admissions Clerk (619)388-2684.
- Submit an application to be a student at San Diego Mesa College.
- Enroll in DENA 102 - Dental Communications (Summer) semester upon acceptance to the program.
- See acounselor for an Educational Plan
Continuation in the program is dependent upon completion of all courses with a grade of "C" or better.
For further information about the curriculum call the Dental Assisting Program Director at (619) 388-2697.
The information on this website is subject to change without notice. Consult the current San Diego Mesa College catalog for current information.
Disclaimer:
"The San Diego Community College District is governed by its Board of Trustees. No oral or written representation by any employee of the college is binding on the San Diego Community College District without the express approval of the Board of Trustees."