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Dental Assisting Application Information Packet

CERRITOS COLLEGE

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS DIVISION

DENTAL ASSISTING GENERAL INFORMATION

(Revised March 16, 2016)

Curriculum leads to a 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. Technical Standards/Essential Functions are available for your

review on the program’s website. They have been designed to give your more information about the

profession and important skills/functions. This information will be helpful to assist you in deciding

on your career path.

I. Length and Kind of Program

The program is three terms in length (Fall, Spring, and six-week Summer Session). General

education and Dental Assisting classes are scheduled on the college campus and clinical experiences

in patient care are scheduled at selected dental schools and private dental offices.

II. Admission Requirements

1. Academic requirements

a. High school graduation or satisfactory scores on the General Education

Development (GED) examination (given at most adult education centers).

b. A 2.0 grade point average in all high school and college courses. If high school

GPA is less than 2.0, at least 12 units of college course work with a GPA of 2.0 or

higher is required.

c. Completion of English 20 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or higher, or a score on

the Writing Proficiency test sufficient for placement in ENGL 52 or higher.

III. Application & Admission Procedures (to be completed in order as listed)

1. Applicants must submit to the Health Occupations Division Office the following items:

a. Completed application signed by the applicant and returned by May 15 (see

attached).

b. High school (or equivalent) and college transcripts of all work completed.

Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with application. Official transcripts must

be submitted prior to the completion of the first semester of the program.

c. Cerritos College English assessment test scores or indication by counselor that

English clearance has been met through equivalent courses or activities.

d. Applicants completing admission requirements during the spring session must

submit a final grade to the Health Occupations Division before May 30.

e. Verification of typing/keyboarding (computer) high school course with a “B” or

higher or college course with a “C” or higher. Alternative: applicants may

demonstrate competence through testing proficiencies verifying typing skills at a

speed of 45 wpm. This may be achieved concurrent with the program.

f. Verification of dental employment work experience (if applicable).

2. Applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements are assigned a number for

admission by a randomized computer selection process.

3. Notification of admission to the program will be done by mail after May 30.

4. Admitted students and alternates will be required to attend a mandatory orientation

meeting in July. During the orientation, information will be given regarding textbooks,

uniforms, registration procedures, required Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),

immunizations and a physical exam. Students must provide their own “patients” to meet the

following required competencies: Radiology Full Mouth (6-7), Pit and Fissure Sealants (4),

and Coronal Polish (3). Details will be discussed during orientation and may incur additional

costs.

5. Health

a. Physical exam and immunization records must be completed after acceptance into

the program and returned prior to the first day of class. All costs are the

responsibility of the student.

b. A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be obtained after

acceptance into the program and returned prior to the first day of class. It must be

obtained through the American Heart Association Provider. The CPR card must be

valid throughout the program. The cost to obtain the CPR card is the responsibility

of the student.

c. Applicant must present evidence of physical fitness and ability to perform tasks

required of a dental assistant. Employment in this field requires good vision,

hearing, and the ability to communicate verbally, nonverbally, and through written

word. Students must have the ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate patients’

charts in order to provide appropriate treatment. Students must be able to record in

the patients’ charts and have manual dexterity to use small instruments to provide

patient care. For further details see the Essential Functions section of the

department’s Web site at www.cerritos.edu/dental-assisting.

d. The essential requirements of a dental assistant are used in consideration of

admission, retention and graduation from the Cerritos College program. Graduates

are expected to be fully qualified to enter the profession as an Assistant. It is the

responsibility of the student with disabilities to contact DSPS and provide

verification of the disability and resulting limitations. Students are responsible to

make advance request for those accommodations that he or she feel are reasonable

and needed to execute the essential requirements described above.

e. Pregnancy Advisory: all clinical affiliates require immunizations. All students must

be immunized to participate in clinical education. Pregnancy may affect

immunization and or other program requirements. If you are pregnant or planning

on pregnancy (while enrolled) Please consult with the Program Director. A

statement from the student health care provider will be required noting the student

may proceed through the program with “no limitations” will be required of all

pregnant students.

f. Latex Advisory: the use of latex/latex based products may exist in the health care

universal precautions and in environments such as but not limited to the classroom,

labs, and clinical sites. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice

from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an

informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care field.

g. Immunization Advisory: immunization is required in order to participate in

clinical education. Individuals with allergies to required immunizations should seek

expert advice from their healthcare provider so they may receive information to

make an informed decision regarding their exposure to infectious diseases in the

healthcare field. A statement from the student’s healthcare provider noting the

student may proceed through the program with “no limitations” will be required of

all students declaring an immunization allergy.

h. Infection Control Guidelines: Applicants are advised of the following Infection

Control Guidelines as outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC): The

prevention of cross contamination and transmission of infection to all persons,

including: patients, Dental Health Care Professionals (DHCP), faculty, students,

and non-clinical staff is the professional responsibility of all dental personnel.

Cerritos College Dental Assisting program has adopted policies and procedures

that represent a comprehensive and practical infection control program, based

upon federal guidelines (Center for Disease Control). A fundamental principle of

an effective infection control program is to exercise care, precautions and effective

control techniques that can keep infectious microbes within manageable limits of

the body’s normal resistance to disease. Individuals at high risk of infectious

diseases (HBV, HCV and HIV) among DHCP are those who perform tasks that

might involve contact with blood, blood-contaminated body substances, other body

fluids, or sharps should be vaccinated. Vaccination can protect both DHCP and

patients from infectious diseases and whenever possible should be completed when

DHCP are in training and before they have contact with blood. Compliance with

these policies and procedures are an ethical obligation and responsibility of all

participants in the delivery of care at Cerritos College. Guidelines for Infection

Control in Dental Health Care Setting – 2003, 12/19/03 52(RR17); 1-61.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm

IV. Expenses

1. See Cerritos College Catalog for complete list of Cerritos College enrollment fees and

out-of-state resident fees.

2. Students may expect to pay approximately $2,500 for dental assisting project fees,

uniforms, and books.

3. Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, including uniform laundry

and transportation to extended campuses.

4. Physical exam, immunization and CPR card expenses are the student’s responsibility.

5. Upon successful completion of program requirements, the student is eligible to take the

State Board Registered Dental Assisting exam and the National Certified Dental

Assisting exam (approximately $850 - costs incurred by student).

6. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the student will be eligible to

receive and wear the Dental Assisting pin which is given at a graduation ceremony. The

cost of the pin is incurred by the student.

V. Attendance, Scholarship, Promotion

1. Attendance: Due to the nature of the Dental Assisting program all students are expected

to observe the attendance requirements set by the Dental Assisting department at Cerritos

College (see student handbook).

2. Scholarship and Promotion: Successful completion of all levels of course work is

necessary for completion of and graduation from the program. Students are required to

maintain a “C” or higher in each course in order to progress and complete the program.

This is whether enrolled in combined lecture/lab courses or clinical experiences. When

content is tiered, each level must be completed according to identified criteria. Upon

successful completion of all program requirements, students are eligible to receive either

the Certificate and/or Associate in Arts degree.

VI. Guidelines for Withdrawal, Dismissal, and Reinstatement

1. Withdrawal

a. Withdrawal “W” may be initiated by either the student or the instructor. Dates for

withdrawal without a grade are indicated in the Cerritos College Schedule of

Classes.

b. When a student is failing clinically, he/she will be encouraged to withdraw from the

course. If the clinical failure is related to unsafe clinical practice, and the student

does not withdraw when advised to do so, the instructor shall drop the student from

the course. A student who has withdrawn or been dropped from a course may not

attend after the withdrawal date.

2. Dismissal (Failure) - Criteria for dismissal from course or program may include:

a. Final grade below “C” in required dental assisting course.

b. Failure to meet attendance requirements.

c. Behavior not consistent with Dental Assisting Code of Ethics and the department’s

“Code of Ethics and Responsibilities”

d. Failure to comply with established Cerritos Colleges or Dental Assisting

department regulations and policies.

e. Failure to meet stated objectives in the coursework.

f. Placing self or others in physical and/or emotional jeopardy.

g. In critical cases, such as unsafe clinical performance, dismissal may occur without

prior warning or probation. This action requires the concurrence of the Dental

Assisting Program Director, Instructional Dean of Health Occupations and/or Vice

President of Academic Affairs.

3. Reinstatement

a. Students applying for readmission to the Dental Assisting Program after withdrawal

or dismissal must write a letter requesting readmission, addressed to the Director of

the Dental Assisting Program.

b. Following information must be included in the letter:

1) Circumstances surrounding the withdrawal or dismissal

2) Activities pursued in the interim that demonstrate improvement in the problem

area

3) Reason for requesting readmission

4) School term for which readmission is requested

c. Student seeking readmission after one withdrawal/dismissal from the Cerritos

College Dental Assisting Program/course will be reinstated contingent upon lab

space availability in the priority order of date and time the readmission request is

received in the Dental Assisting Department.

d. Readmission request letters will be accepted only after letters from the program

director have been mailed acknowledging student withdrawal or dismissal. These

letters are mailed after the end of the school term in which the withdrawal occurred

and are mailed at the same time to all students who did not successfully complete

the term. All students requesting readmission will have equal opportunity to apply

for space available.

e. No student shall be reinstated after two withdrawals/dismissals from the Cerritos

College Dental Assisting Program/course. A student who has acquired two

withdrawals/dismissals shall have exceeded the repeat policy of the program and

shall have no further chance of re-entry.

f. A student who withdraws from the program for personal reasons (e.g. pregnancy,

illness, family crisis, financial difficulties, etc.) will be given additional

consideration through faculty review, upon the student’s request describing such

reasons.

VII. Graduation

1. Graduation Requirement:

a. Completion of all Dental Assisting course work with a grade of “C” or higher

b. Verification of typing/computer proficiency.

c. Completion of ENGL 52, or equivalent, with a grade of a “C” or higher or

satisfactory completion of the English placement Process with eligibility for ENGL

100.

d. Students who successfully complete the Dental Assisting Program will receive the

following:

1) Infection Control and Dental Practice Act Certificate of Completion

2) Oral Radiology Course Certificate of Completion

3) Coronal Polish (part of the RDA program certificate)

4) Pit and Fissure Sealant (part of the RDA program certificate)

5) Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement

6) Eligibility to apply for the State RDA exam and National Certification (CDA)

Exam

2. *Completion of the program does not guarantee licensure or employment.* The

RDA license includes a written, practical, law & ethics written exam as well as a

background check and fingerprinting. The practical examination is usually given in late

August/September. The RDA written section and the law & ethics exam is via computer

at various computer testing sites. Coronal Polish, Pit and Fissure Sealants are duties that

may only be performed with the RDA license. Students and graduates are responsible for

understanding the ethical and legal ramifications of performing duties they are not legally

allowed to perform even after completing the required educational courses for all RDA

duties. After graduation from the program you must have a current RDA license to

perform any RDA duties.

All students completing the program will have met the requirements for the 8 hours

infection control and 2 hours Dental Practice Act and may perform Dental Assisting

duties as assigned by the Dental Board of California.

VIII. Licensure

1. The State of California Board of Dental Auxiliaries requires all applicants for the RDA

Exam to:

a. Supply their U.S. Social Security Number

b. Complete a Livescan Fingerprint record

1) If the applicant has been convicted or plead guilty to any crime in the USA,

its territories, military court or foreign country which includes a plea of no

contest or any conviction that has been set aside or deferred pursuant to

sections 1000 or 1203.4 of the Penal Code, including infractions,

misdemeanors, and felonies must provide detail information regarding the

conviction to complete the processing of the application and the State will

determine if the individual does qualify to take the RDA exam.

IX Disclaimer

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 law.

CERRITOS COLLEGE

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS DIVISION

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

DENTAL ASSISTING

FIRST SEMESTER UNITS

DA 51 Applied Dental Science I 4

DA 52 Dental Radiography I 2

DA 53 Introduction to Chairside Assisting 3

DA 54 Introduction to Operatory Procedures 4

______

SECOND SEMESTER

DA 61 Applied Dental Science II 3

DA 62 Dental Radiography II 2

DA 63 Advanced Chairside Assisting 4

DA 64 Dental Office Management 2

DA 65 Clinical I Dental Schools 3

______

SUMMER SESSION

DA 75 Clinical II Cooperative Office Training 5

______

TOTAL CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS 32

CERTIFICATE FOF ACHIEVEMENT:

(b) Meet all required coursework for certificate of Achievement

(d) Achieve a satisfactory score in English on the College Placement test or clear deficiencies

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

(May be taken prior to or following Certificate of Achievement)

Meet all the requirements as listed for the Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting. For an

A.A. Degree, a student must also take electives and General Education to achieve a minimum of

60 units. Recommended electives for students interested in Dental Hygiene Program: CHEM

100, MICRO 200, A&P 200 A&P 201, and HO152.

CERRITOS COLLEGE DENTAL ASSISTING DEPARTMENT

MISSION AND GOALS

PROGRAM MISSION

The Dental Assisting Program integrates well into the educational philosophy, mission and

vision of Cerritos College. The program promotes both students’ clinical and academic

excellence to prepare them to become competent dental professionals. The program collaborates

with faculty, administration, and the advisory committee to produce successful and proficient

dental assistants to meet the needs of the dentist, patient, and the community it serves.

THE PROGRAM GOALS ARE:

• To provide a high caliber curriculum that adheres to the current dental healthcare standards

and business office management procedures in the dental field.

• To develop a sense of sense of responsibility in graduates to practice within the laws and

regulations of California and the ethical principles of the American Dental Practice Act and

Dental Assisting Code of Ethics.

• To create a faculty focus on student success through effective teaching practice in both

didactic and clinical activities and to provide learning opportunities incorporating modern

equipment based on professional trends, self and peer evaluations on pre-clinical and clinical

competencies, oral, written research projects and various community activities.

• To prepare the student for employment as a safe, competent, and regulation-compliant dental

health care professional.

• To graduate individuals with the academic knowledge and skills to qualify for and

successfully pass both the National Board and State Board examinations.

• To lay the foundation and allow graduates to continue to plan, attain, and evaluate their

educational and career goals regardless of age, gender, cultural and socio-economic status or

ethnicity.

• To develop effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills for the benefit of

patients, colleagues, and other members of the health care team.

• To provide broad-based education that lays the groundwork for advancement into a variety of

dental assisting careers.

• To provide students the opportunities to develop competencies in the use of safety

techniques, exposing, developing and mounting radiographs.

• To build in graduates a commitment to lifelong learning, a dedication to fulfillment of

personal and professional potential, an a sense of dignity, value and personal worth.

• To provide students with the following certificates after satisfactory completion of relative

course work:

o California State Radiation License

o Coronal Polish Certificate;

o Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate

o Infection Control Certificate

o Dental Practice Act Certificate!

CERRITOS COLLEGE

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS DIVISION

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

DENTAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Date __________________________________ When completed, return to:

Cerritos College Student Number___________ Health Occupations Division

Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd.

Norwalk, CA 90650

English Clearance ____ yes ____ no Test name _____________________Score _________

Placement Test has been taken ____________________(place) ________________(month, year)

I plan to take the placement test _________________________________ (date)

Typing/Computer Clearance ____ yes ____ no

High School grade: ________ College grade: _________ Verification: _________

Typing/keyboarding proficiency WPM: _________

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

(Last) (First) (Middle) (Other names used)

Address:_________________________________________________________________________

(Number and Street) (City) (Zip)

Home Phone ( ) ______________Work Phone ( ) ____________Cell ( ) _____________

E-mail __________________________________________________________________________

Why do you want to enter into this field? _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

List any special abilities or skills which you believe would make you an asset to this profession:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Related Work Experience: (Submit letter to verify work experience if applicable)

Dates Job Description Employer

________________________________________________________________________________

II. EDUCATION

A. High School (list last high school attended and submit high school transcript)

______________________________________________________________________________

Name Grade completed Year graduated

______________________________________________________________________________

Address City State Zip

B. Colleges: Number of units completed _______________ (submit transcripts)

Number of units in progress _______________

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

Name Major Degree/Units

___________________________________________________________________________

Address, City, State Date G.P.A.

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

Name Major Degree/Units

___________________________________________________________________________

Address, City, State Date G.P.A.

3. ___________________________________________________________________________

Name Major Degree/Units

___________________________________________________________________________

Address, City, State Date G.P.A.

4. ___________________________________________________________________________

Name Major Degree/Units

___________________________________________________________________________

Address, City, State Date G.P.A.

I have read and understand the admission requirements and procedures for application.

It is understood that withholding information or giving untruthful answers to questions on this

application could be cause for non-acceptance or dismissal from the program.

_____________________________________________

Signature

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