The Concorde Career College Dental Assistant Diploma Program offers a 10-month, hands-on curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level dental assisting roles. With 890 contact hours, including 160 clinical hours, this program provides practical training in both chairside and administrative dental assisting. Graduates are eligible to sit for the California State Board Examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Program Structure
Blended Learning Format
The program combines in-person classes with online components, providing flexibility while maintaining hands-on training essential for dental assisting. About 50% of the 890 hours are available online, while the remaining hours are completed in labs and clinical settings.
Key Skills Taught
The curriculum covers skills such as:
- Dental Radiology: Positioning, exposing, processing, and mounting X-rays.
- Chairside Assisting: Assisting dentists during procedures and patient care.
- Infection Control: Sterilizing equipment following OSHA standards.
- Patient Care and Office Management: Managing patient interactions, scheduling, and records.
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Prerequisites
To enroll, applicants must complete:
- Personal interview and campus tour
- Completion of enrollment documentation
- Entrance assessments
- Online Readiness Assessment: Applicants need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent documentation.
Program Objectives
The Dental Assistant Program aims to prepare students to:
- Assist with dental procedures and office tasks.
- Educate patients on dental hygiene and care.
- Handle administrative duties such as recordkeeping.
- Meet California Dental Practice Act standards for dental assistants.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the RDA exam, which is required to practice as a Registered Dental Assistant in California.
Externship Experience
The program includes a 160-hour externship at a dental office or clinic, providing real-world training alongside dental professionals. This externship experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting, offering networking opportunities and hands-on learning in patient care and dental office operations.
Financial Aid and Accreditation
Concorde offers financial aid for those who qualify, including loans, grants, and scholarships. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), ensuring it meets quality educational standards.
Course Outline
Courses include:
- Introduction to Dental Assisting
- Dental Specialties
- Patient Care and Management
- Radiation Safety
- Preventative Dentistry
These courses build a foundational knowledge in dental procedures, patient interactions, and clinic operations, supporting a well-rounded dental assistant education.
Reasons to Consider This School
Concorde Career College’s Dental Assistant program provides a fast-track to certification, combining classroom and clinical training in under a year. The blend of online and in-person classes adds flexibility, though some students may find the intensive schedule challenging. The externship component gives valuable real-world experience, but the cost of the program may vary based on financial aid eligibility, making it important to explore all funding options.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Not specified; financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify. |
| Program Duration | Approximately 10 months |
| Class Schedules | Blended format with both online and in-person classes. |
| Classes Offered | Dental Assistant Diploma Program |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or GED, personal interview, entrance assessments, Online Readiness Assessment. |
| Online Classes? | Yes, partially online with a blend of in-person classes. |
| Job Placement? | Career services and externship assistance available for job placement support. |
| Financial Aid Options | Available; includes grants, loans, and scholarships for eligible students. |
| Location | 4393 Imperial Ave., San Diego, California 92113 |
| Phone | (619) 908-1963 |
| Website | https://www.concorde.edu/dental-programs/dental-assistant/san-diego |
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