The Grossmont Union High School District Health Occupations Center offers a 5-month, in-person Dental Assistant (RDA) program focused on hands-on training and real-world skills. This program is ideal for those looking to gain entry-level employment in dental assisting, combining classroom instruction, lab practice, and a 240-hour internship. Students complete the program eligible for the California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam, a key certification for dental assistants in California.
Program Overview
The Health Occupations Center’s Dental Assistant program is structured to prepare students for a broad range of duties in a dental office, including both clinical and administrative roles. The program includes 560 hours of theory and lab instruction as well as a 240-hour internship at a dental office, providing a balanced mix of classroom learning, hands-on practice, and on-site experience. Students will complete their training ready for the RDA exam and entry into a growing field.
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Program Curriculum
The curriculum covers essential areas in dental assisting, focusing on the skills needed for a successful career:
- Chairside Assisting: Training includes sterilization, instrument maintenance, and assisting dentists during procedures. Students learn patient care skills, including oral hygiene education and post-operative instructions.
- Dental Radiography: This segment trains students in X-ray safety, exposure, and processing, with a requirement to pass the California State Radiation Safety Test before the internship.
- Laboratory Skills: Students gain experience in dental lab tasks such as making impressions, constructing temporary restorations, and managing dental materials.
- Administrative Skills: Training also includes front-office tasks, such as scheduling appointments, patient records, and office management software—all essential for a well-rounded skill set in dental assisting.
Prerequisites
To enroll in the program, students must meet these requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Attend a Medical Orientation
- Attend the first class day for the dental assistant program
- Provide proof of immunizations (list provided at registration)
- Show proof of high school graduation or equivalent (transcript or diploma)
Internship Experience
A cornerstone of the program is its 240-hour internship, which places students in dental offices throughout the community. This experience is invaluable, allowing students to apply their classroom and lab training in real-world settings, making them more confident and ready to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
Facilities and Resources
Training takes place in a state-of-the-art dental lab, completed in 2020, that includes multiple dental chair stations and X-ray rooms. The program uses modern equipment similar to that found in a dental office, funded by federal grants to ensure students train on industry-standard technology.
Cost and Financial Aid
The program costs $1,225, due at registration, with additional expenses estimated at around $300 for items like scrubs, textbooks, fingerprinting, and the RDA exam fee. While direct financial aid is not available, Grossmont partners with organizations such as the San Diego Workforce Partnership to help qualified students cover program costs.
Reasons to Consider This School
Grossmont’s Health Occupations Center offers an affordable, hands-on program that equips students with the skills and credentials needed for the RDA exam and dental assisting jobs. The modern facilities and extensive internship requirement give students valuable experience in dental offices. However, students should consider the lack of direct financial aid options and factor in additional fees for materials and the certification exam.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,225 plus additional fees for scrubs, textbooks, fingerprinting, RDA exam, and Basic Life Support certification |
| Program Duration | 5 months |
| Class Schedules | Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm |
| Admission Requirements | Must be 18 or older, high school diploma or equivalent, medical orientation, proof of required immunizations |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Internship placement provided, job search support available |
| Financial Aid Options | No financial aid; possible fee coverage through San Diego Workforce Partnership and other local organizations |
| Location | 8770 Mast Blvd, Santee, CA 92071 |
| Phone | (619) 956-4300 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | hoc.guhsd.net |
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