Dental Assisting

Program Information at a Glance

Commitment to Student Success

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, and partnerships with other dental organizations allows MJC to provide the best resources, networking, learning and career opportunities to thrive.
Real World Experience
- Externship rotations, 14 hours per week, start after the 8th week of the first semester and continue throughout the program.
- Students complete clinical rotations with 3-4 different facilities to give quality experience in more than one general office/facility and experience in specialty practices.
One Year Program
Three semesters, a total of 12 months.
Uniquely designed hybrid program: "live" online lectures, in-person labs, externships.
Our dedicated faculty, coupled with our supportive structure within the college which gives us the unique opportunity to partner with other organizations to bring the best dental experience possible to the class room include but not limited to:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Dental Practice Act Certification
- 8-Hour Infection Control Certification
- Radiation Safety Certification
- Coronal Polish Certification
- Guest speakers
- Field trips
- Contemporary dental materials and equipment
Registered Dental Assisting Exam Preparatory Program
- Following DA Program completion, students pursuing an RDA license, can register for the RDA examination prep course in support to our students in successfully completing the RDA exam and becoming licensed dental professionals. Our students shall complete the RDA requirements provided by the Dental Board of California in blended education with work experience.
- Obtaining RDA license provides the opportunity for salary increase, skill enhancements, career growth opportunities in dentistry.

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. 14 hours a week start after the 8th week of class.
3 semesters, a total of 12 months with week-long breaks in between 16 week sessions.

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 shall acquire skills that include but are not limited to roles of the clinical and administrative dental positions, entry level administrative duties, patient records, quality patient care, concepts of infection control prevention and sterilization procedures, taking vitals, radiology principles and techniques, coronal polishing procedure, taking dental impressions, chairside manner, isolation techniques, instrumentation, manipulation of dental materials, fabrication of temporary crowns, temporarily cementation and placement of temporary fillings.

Be certified and equipped to begin a career as a professional dental assistant!