
Dental Assisting
Two Pathways to a Dental Assisting Career
Announcements
Dental Assisting Program Info Sessions

Full-Time Student Pathway

Part-Time Student & Employment Pathway
View Side-by-Side Comparison
A Demand for Dental Assistants
View and download photos from the 2019 Dental Assisting graduation ceremony.
The demand for qualified dental assistants is high—to work with dentists, dental hygienists and dental technicians, to deliver dental care in a caring and skilled manner. Plus, the technology field of dentistry is always changing. Digital dental x-rays can be seen on a computer monitor within seconds of the exposure. Titanium implants can be used to replace missing teeth, which are stronger and more stable than dentures or removable partials.
What You'll Learn
Whichever pathway you choose, the Foothill College Dental Assisting Program offers a balance of academic, laboratory and clinical courses to prepare our students to work in this rapidly changing field. You'll learn extended functions of coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealants as well as earn an x-ray certificate.
Students who complete the entire program in a satisfactory manner will
- Be awarded a Career Certificate in Dental Assisting
- Qualify for the California State Registered Dental Assisting Examination.
Dental Assisting Opportunities
Dental assistants can work for a general dentist or in any of the other dental specialties, including oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, children's dentistry, and prosthodontics.
Other job opportunities for qualified Dental Assistants
- Public health educators
- Private industry consultants or sales representatives
- Dental assisting instructors
- Dental office managers
- Consultants for dental insurance companies
Application Process
Only 24 full-time students are admitted into each pathway program each fall. This includes an expanded 48 seats total for fall 2021 to train new dental assistants!
Upon applying, all qualified students will be contacted for an orientation and notified of their acceptance. Review the application process.
Degree & Program Types
Check out this list for a quick view of our dental assisting programs. For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Questions?
Thank you for looking into our Foothill dental assisting program. Our program faculty have many student success stories and would be happy to share them with you or to answer any questions that you may have.
Apply for Fall 2022 Dental Assisting Program
Program: Dental Assisting Degree/Cert: AS/Yes Length: 9 months and 15 months FT/PT: Full-time and Part-time Number Accepted: 24 for each pathway Program Application Deadline: Opened until filled, contact program director for questionsApprox. Cost of Program: $3,500 National Lic./Cert.: Yes State Lic.Cert.: Yes Estimated Annual Salary: $40,000-$60,000 |

Questions?
We're Here to Help!
Cara Miyasaki, RDHEF, MS , Department Chair
650.949.7351
Cara Miyasaki, RDHEF, MS, Director miyasakicara@foothill.edu |
Ram Subramaniam, Division Dean subramaniamram@fhda.edu |
To meet with the dean, contact the Student & Faculty Support Center. |
Biological & Health Sciences Division |
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