Dental Assistant Program
Cypress College offers a two-semester Dental Assisting Program that combines hands-on training in an on-campus clinic with externship placements. This program provides the necessary knowledge and experience to prepare students for roles in various dental settings. With a relatively low tuition and various additional certifications, it is a practical choice for those looking to enter the field efficiently.
Program Overview
This two-semester program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles as dental assistants. Students gain clinical experience in Cypress College’s fully equipped on-site facility, as well as through externships in dental offices and clinics. The program’s curriculum covers essential dental topics, allowing students to perform a variety of duties, from patient care to radiography and chairside assistance.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum includes a range of courses essential to dental assisting:
- Dental Materials: Covers tools and substances commonly used in dentistry.
- Oral Anatomy and Dental Assisting: Teaches foundational knowledge of dental anatomy.
- Radiology: Instruction on safe X-ray procedures and patient imaging.
- Chairside Assisting: Focuses on assisting dentists directly during procedures.
- Dental Office Procedures: Administrative skills for managing front-office tasks.
With these topics, students receive comprehensive training in both clinical and administrative dental duties, which equips them for versatile roles within a dental office.
Prerequisites
To apply, prospective students must meet the following prerequisites:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 17 years old at application and 18 by program completion
- Proof of physical and mental fitness via a medical exam
- Completion or in-progress coursework in college-level English
Certifications and Licensure
Upon completing the program, students can qualify for a range of certifications that are highly valued in California:
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Radiation Safety
- Coronal Polish
- Pit and Fissure Sealants
- Infection Control
- Dental Practice Act
- CPR (Basic Life Support)
These certifications are issued through the California Dental Board and provide graduates with significant career advantages in the dental assisting field.
Cost and Financial Aid
For California residents, the tuition for the Dental Assisting Certificate program is approximately $1,472. In addition to tuition, students should expect costs for textbooks, lab fees, and other necessary materials, bringing the total estimated cost to around $2,700. Cypress College offers financial aid for qualified students, including grants, loans, and scholarships to help make the program more affordable.
Program Format and Schedule
This program requires full-time study over two semesters. Classes are offered on campus, providing students with hands-on training. Cypress College’s dental facility offers a realistic learning environment, which is further enhanced by externship placements in local clinics, allowing students to apply their skills in professional settings.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the Cypress College Dental Assisting Program are well-prepared for employment in general dentistry practices, hospitals, and specialty clinics. Job prospects extend to roles in orthodontics, oral surgery, and even areas like dental laboratories and insurance. Given the increasing demand for skilled dental assistants, the program positions graduates favorably in the job market.
Safety and Infection Control
The program includes in-depth training on infection control and safety procedures, ensuring students are well-prepared to handle real-world risks associated with bloodborne pathogens. Students are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during clinical practice, in line with OSHA standards.
Why Cypress College?
Cypress College’s Dental Assisting Program stands out for its affordability, hands-on training, and strong ties to the California dental community. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, it offers students the resources needed to enter the dental field in less than a year. While the program is intensive, its structure and on-site clinic make it ideal for those who thrive in practical learning environments and are ready to begin a career quickly.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | Approx. $1,472 for tuition; additional fees for textbooks, lab, and other supplies total around $2,700 |
| Program Duration | 2 semesters |
| Class Schedules | Full-time, on-campus |
| Classes Offered | Dental Materials, Oral Anatomy, Radiology, Chairside Assisting, Preventive Health, Dental Office Procedures |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or GED, minimum age 17 (18 by program end), medical exam, college-level English required |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Information not provided |
| Financial Aid Options | Yes, includes grants, loans, and scholarships for eligible students |
| Location | 9200 Valley View Street, Cypress, CA 90630 |
| Phone | (714) 484-7000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.cypresscollege.edu/academics/divisions-special-programs/health-science/dental-assisting/ |