Cerritos College

Curriculum leading to 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.

Length and Kind of Program

The program is three semesters in length [Fall (18 weeks), Spring (18 weeks), and Summer Session 6 weeks)]. However, students may enter in the Spring Semester by taking selected courses. See the Dental Assisting Counselor.

General education and Dental Assisting classes are scheduled on the College campus and correlated clinical experiences in patient care are obtained at selected dental schools and private dental offices.

Admission Requirements

1. Academic Requirements

a. High School graduate or satisfactory scores on the General Education Development Examination (given at most Adult Education Centers).

 b. Submit transcripts indicating a 2.0 Grade Point average in High School and College courses or consent of the Dental Assisting Department.

c. Take college assessment test and achieve a satisfactory score in English or all deficiencies can be cleared with enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program.

2. Health

a. Applicants must present evidence of physical fitness. Lab and immunizations records must be completed after acceptance into the program. The student is responsible for all costs incurred.

3.  Other

a. Employment in this field requires applicants to have good vision, hearing and the ability to communicate orally.  In addition, applicants must have the ability to comprehend and interpret written information.  Applicants must have the dexterity to use small dental instruments to provide dental health care.

Expenses

Enrollment fee, project fees, uniforms and books will cost approximately $1200.00. Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, including uniform laundry and transportation to extended campuses. In the first semester of the program, immunization for Hepatitis-B and other infectious diseases is required. Immunization expenses are the student's responsibility.

Attendance, Scholarship, Promotion

Attendance: All students will be expected to observe the attendance requirements as set by the Dental Assisting Department at Cerritos College.

Scholarship and Promotion: In order to remain enrolled in the program, the student must maintain "C" or better in both theory and clinical courses.

Acceptance of Students at Advanced Standing

Requests for acceptance into the Program at an advanced level will be evaluated on an individual basis after the applicant has met all College requirements.

Application Procedure (to be completed in order as listed)

1. Complete application for admission to Cerritos College.

a. Request two copies of your high school and/or college transcripts. Send one copy to the Health Occupations Division Office and one copy to the Admissions Office.

b. Call for an application to the Dental Assisting Program, (562) 860-2451, extension 2550.

2. Return completed application to the Health Occupations Division, 11110 Alondra Boulevard, Norwalk, California, 90650.

** The program has made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in the information sheet 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 laws.

Wanted: Registered Dental Assistants

Are you aware of the great need for Registered Dental Assistants?  Just check the help wanted section of a newspaper.

Cerritos College has one of the finest programs in the State.  The program is eleven months in length. It is designed to give the student a fundamental knowledge and basic skills needed to assist the dentist in chairside procedures, performance of the registered dental assisting duties, general office and laboratory techniques. Clinical experience in patient care is obtained at both USC School of Dentistry and community dental offices. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association and the State of California.

The profession has a very enjoyable work environment, flexible hours, and additional varied benefits in addition to your salary.

Benefits of enrolling in the Registered Dental Assisting Program at Cerritos College:

1. The program provides an immediate opportunity at completion to become licensed by the State of California as an RDA.
2. The curriculum fulfills the requirements needed to obtain certification in CPR and X-ray Radiology.
3. It has a well established reputation which helps job placement upon graduation.
4. Textbooks, uniforms, tuition and miscellaneous expenses will total approximately $1200 for the entire eleven months.

Help satisfy the increasing need for RDA's. Get started TODAY!!!! Contact Cerritos College Health Occupations Office at (562) 860- 2451, extension 2550 and request an application to enter the fall or spring semester.

Code 3
Dainfo.F94
Revised: 06/01