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Dental Assisting

About the Program

The demand for qualified dental assistants is significant, as they play a vital role in supporting dentists, dental hygienists, and dental technicians in delivering skilled and compassionate dental care. The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, with advancements like digital dental x-rays, which provide instant imaging on computer monitors, and titanium implants, offering stronger, more stable alternatives to dentures or removable partials.

At Foothill College, our Dental Assisting Program prepares students for success in this dynamic field through a balanced curriculum of academic, laboratory, and clinical courses. Students will gain hands-on experience in advanced functions such as coronal polishing, applying pit and fissure sealants, and earning an X-ray certification.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will:

    • Receive a Career Certificate in Dental Assisting.
    • Qualify to take the California State Registered Dental Assisting Examination.

Job Opportunities:

Dental assistants can pursue roles in general dentistry or specialize in fields such as oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics.

Additional career paths for qualified dental assistants include:

    • Public health educator
    • Dental assisting instructor
    • Private industry consultant or sales representative
    • Dental office manager
    • Consultant for dental insurance companies

The Foothill College program equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-changing dental field.

Application Process

 

The application period opens from November 1 to April 30 each year. To apply, follow these steps carefully:

  1. Apply Online
    Submit an online application for admission to Foothill College to obtain your 8-digit student Campus-Wide ID (CWID).

  2. Read the Application Instructions
    Carefully review the detailed application instructions before submitting your application to the Dental Assisting Program.

  3. Review the Application Sample
    Familiarize yourself with the Application Sample to ensure your submission is complete and accurate.

  4. Submit Your Application
    Complete and submit your application to the Dental Assisting Program through the Allied Health App in MyPortal.

Lottery Selection Process

The program admits 24 eligible students per year through a random lottery selection process. Admission occurs only once annually, so be sure to complete all steps during the application period.

Learn More about the Program

Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH

9 Months/ Full-Time
ESTIMATED ANNUAL SALARY

$52,000-$72,000 (in CA)
UNITS

57 quarter units (Certificate)

90 quarter units (A.S. Degree)
START DATE

Starts either on 3rd or 4th week of September each year
NUMBER OF STUDENTS ADMITTED

24
PREREQUISITES

High school diploma or equivalent
REQUIREMENTS UPON ADMISSION

Statement of acceptance

Background check

Drug testing

Physical exam including current vaccinations

CPR/BLS from American Heart Association

Purchase uniform 

Purchase dental assisting kit

Costs paid by student
APPROX. COST OF PROGRAM

Total: $3500

Tuition: $31.00 per quarter unit (Fees and Tuition)

Other costs associated with the program:

  • Basic fees: appx. $60.00/quarter
  • Parking permit:  $30.00/quarter
  • Books:  $450.00 total
CLASS SCHEDULE

Lectures, labs, clinic sessions held M/Tu/W/Th/F

Synchronous, asynchronous, virtual, face-to-face

8/9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sample Schedule 
EXTERNSHIPS

Unpaid internship

300 hours 
EXTERNSHIP DATES

Tuesday and Thursday for January to June 
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

A.S. DEGREE

Certificate of Achievement

Infection Control Certification

Dental Practice Act Certification

Radiology Certification

Coronal Polishing Certification

Pit & Fissure Sealant Certification

Course Schedule

TERM FULL-TIME STUDENT PATHWAY
FALL

D A 50 Orientation to Dental Assisting (1 unit)

D A 51A Introduction to Chairside Dental Assisting (10.5 units)

D A 53A Introduction to Radiography I (3 units)

D A 58 Specialty Practice Procedures (1 unit)

D A 62A Dental Sciences I (2 units)

D A 71 Infection Control & Hazardous Waste Management (1.5 units)
WINTER

D A 51B Intermediate Clinical Dental Assisting (3 units)

D A 53B Dental Radiography II (2 units)

D A 56 Dental Health Education (1 unit)

D A 57 Office Emergency Procedures (2 units)

D A 60A Dental Office Business Practices I (2 units)

D A 62B Dental Sciences II (2 units)

D A 73 Dental Assisting Supervised Clinic (5.5 units)

D A 100 Law & Ethics for the Dental Assistant (1 unit)
SPRING

D A 51C Advanced Dental Assisting Skills (3.5 units)

D A 53C Dental Radiography III (1 unit)

D A 60B Dental Office Business Practices II (3 units)

D A 62C Dental Sciences III (2 units) 
D A 63 Special Patient Populations (1 unit)

D A 74 Dental Assisting Clinical Practice (5.5 units)

D A 85 RDA Review (2 units)

D A 88 Pit & Fissure Sealants (1.5 units)

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

Program Compliance Public Notice

 

 

APPLY for Admission
Dental Assisting Quick View

Program: Dental Assisting
Degree/Cert: AS/Yes
Length: 9 months

FT: Full-time
Number Accepted: 24

Program Application Deadline:  

Fall 2025: 11/1/24-4/30/25

Approx. Cost of Program: $3,500
National Lic./Cert.: Yes
State Lic.Cert.: Yes
Estimated Annual Salary: $52,000-$72,000 (in CA)

Note: By attending the Dental Assisting Program, you earn 4 extra points toward the Dental Hygiene Application. 
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Questions?
We're Here to Help!

Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support

650.949.7643


healthcareerprograms@fhda.edu


5200

DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM CONTACTS
Office: Building 5200, Room 5211 
Pia Staana, DDS, Interim Program Director
staanapia@fhda.edu
Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean
cheungnancy@fhda.edu
To meet with the dean, contact the Health Sciences and Horiculture Division

Donate to our Dental Assisting Program

Download 2017 CTE Licensure Pass & Placement Rates



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