Dental Assistant Program
San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) offers an 11-month Dental Assisting program that provides students with essential skills to work alongside dentists. Located in Hesperia, CA, this program is approved by the Dental Board of California and emphasizes hands-on training in patient care, radiology, infection control, and dental procedures. With multiple locations throughout California, SJVC’s program is designed to equip students for a career in dental assisting with practical, real-world experience.
Program Structure
The SJVC Dental Assisting program is designed to be completed in 11 months and is conducted in person, providing hands-on, immersive training. The curriculum covers both clinical and administrative tasks, preparing students to handle a variety of responsibilities in a dental office. From managing dental records and sterilizing instruments to assisting during procedures and applying fluoride treatments, students gain experience in the core skills necessary for dental assisting.
Key Course Components
Students in the SJVC program learn foundational and advanced dental assisting skills, including:
- Dental Anatomy and Patient Management: Covers the basics of dental anatomy, focusing on the head and neck, as well as techniques for managing patient care.
- Radiology and Infection Control: Provides essential training in taking and processing X-rays and maintaining strict infection control protocols.
- Preventive Procedures: Training includes coronal polishing and applying pit and fissure sealants.
- Dental Practice Management: Instruction on dental software and office management to help streamline daily operations in a dental office.
Certifications and Licensure Preparation
Upon completing the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to sit for the Dental Board of California’s Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure exam. Students are also awarded certifications in Dental Radiation Safety, CPR, Infection Control, and Dental Law and Ethics, which are key requirements for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant in California.
Prerequisites
To enroll in SJVC’s Dental Assisting program, applicants should:
- Complete high school or obtain an equivalent degree.
- For RDA licensure, complete specific California Dental Board requirements, including courses in the California Dental Practice Act, infection control, and CPR training.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the program are equipped to work in various dental settings, including private practices, specialty clinics, and community health organizations. Typical job responsibilities in these roles involve chairside assistance, managing dental records, conducting X-rays, and supporting infection control protocols. With the certifications obtained through SJVC, graduates have a competitive edge in the California dental assisting job market.
Financial Aid and Cost
Tuition varies by location and financial plan, but SJVC offers a range of financial aid options, including loans, grants, and scholarships for those who qualify. Prospective students can use SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to estimate their personal costs and explore funding options through the financial aid office.
Why Choose San Joaquin Valley College?
| Category | Description |
| Cost | Varies by location; financial aid available |
| Program Duration | 11 months |
| Class Schedules | In-person |
| Classes Offered | Dental Assisting with certifications in Radiation Safety, Infection Control, CPR, and Dental Law and Ethics |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent; additional courses required for RDA licensure |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Information not provided |
| Financial Aid Options | Student loans, grants, and scholarships available to those who qualify |
| Location | 9331 Mariposa Rd, Hesperia, CA 92344 |
| Phone | (760) 948-1947 |
| Not provided | |
| Website | https://www.sjvc.edu/program/dental-assisting/ |