Our mission is to give MJC Dental Assisting Program students the support to start
a new career with confidence and expanded opportunities. Collaborative partnerships
with Stanislaus Dental Society, Stanislaus County Office of Education, and Stanislaus
County Workforce Development allows MJC to provide the best resources, networking,
learning and career opportunities to thrive.
Externship rotations, 16 hours per week, start after the 8th week of the first semester
and continue throughout the program.
Students have rotations with 3-4 different facilities to give quality experience in
more than one general office/facility and experience in specialty practices.
Three semesters, a total of 12 months. Uniquely designed hybrid program: live online lectures, in-person labs, externships. California Dental Board approved Certifications:
Following DA Program completion, students pursuing an RDA license, can register for
a 1 semester program for RDA exam review and complete a combined 1280 externship hours
with previous DA program externship.
Having an RDA license provides higher starting pay and earlier career growth opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 8% from 2020-2030, faster than
the average for all occupations.
Job Openings
Average of 56,400 job openings per year. Private, corporate, and government practices
hire year round.
Starting Wages
Average starting wages of $38,660 per year, $18.59 per hour. Specialties and private
offices can start at more than the average.
About Our Program
Hybrid online and in-class, evening class sessions to accommodate working students.
Flexible scheduling placement for externship sites. 11-16 hours a week after the 8th
week of class.
3 semesters, a total of 12 months with week-long breaks in between 16 week sessions.
California Dental board-approved courses in:
2 - Hour Dental Practice Act
8 - Hour Infection Control
32 - Hour Radiation Safety
12 - Hour Coronal Polish
Our mission is to give Modesto Junior College Dental Assisting Program students the support to start a new career with confidence and expanded opportunities.
Students will complete real-world clinical experiences while attending the 12-month
program, which prepares for an intro-level position in one of the fastest-growing careers in the
allied health industry.
Students will acquire skills in both the roles of clinical and clerical position,
including Dental Board-Approved Certifications in Infection Control, Dental Practice
Act, Radiation Safety, and Coronal Polish, training of patient care, taking dental
impressions and fabricating dental molds, assisting the dentist and other healthcare
personnel, instrumentation, dental imaging.
Be certified and equipped to begin a career as a professional dental assistant!
