At a Glance

Income:

($31,449 - $56,010)

Key Facts:

• Demand and job growth/availability are high
• Go full time (2 semesters) or part time (4 semesters) to complete the program
• Only accredited dental assisting program in San Mateo County
• Excellent reputation in San Mateo County

Cluster:

Therapeutic Services

Class of Occupation:

- Social

Description

Dental Assistants work directly with both the Dentist and the dental patient and have a variety of responsibilities. These include administrative tasks, such as taking a patient's medical history, providing post-treatment care instructions, and office management tasks. They also can include direct patient treatment, such as taking and developing dental x-rays, taking impressions or molds of teeth, preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment, and instructing patients on how to maintain healthy teeth. Because much of what a Dental Assistant does can help make a patient feel comfortable during their visit, they are an important part of any Dental team. In smaller medical practices, they might report directly to the Dentist. In larger organizations, they might report to an Office Manager or other Supervisor.

View the education requirements.

Education Info

Campus(es):

- College of San Mateo

Time to Completion:

2 semester(s)

Type of Program (Cert, AS, BS):

Certificate

Educational Requirement

High School degree

Cost:

$2,500 - $3,000 total cost including tuition, books, parking, uniforms, student kits. Financial aid and EOPS is available. Not due all at once, but rather as payment is needed throughout the semesters.

Learn how to get started.

Getting Started

Prerequisite course listing:

No prerequisites required.

Additional Information:

Please contact Colleen Kirby-Banas, CDA, RDAEF, MS at kirbyc@smccd.edu for further details.

Program Website:

Click here to go to the program website.