Dental Assisting, Associate in Science
Upon completion of the program, graduates are immediately eligible to take the Dental Board of California licensure examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Graduates will also receive a state Radiation Safety License, Certificates in Infection Control, Coronal Polish, and the application of Pit and Fissure Sealants and a Certificate of Achievement from Monterey Peninsula College. Students who complete additional general education courses can earn an Associate in Science degree.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Perform the duties of a Registered Dental Assistant as identified by the Dental Board of California and necessary to pass the California State Board Examination.
- Expose radiographs on patients according to standards identified by the California Dental Radiation Health and Safety License.
- Perform coronal polishing procedures according to standards identified by the Dental Board of California.
- Perform pit and fissure sealant procedures according to standards identified by the Dental Board of California.
- Implement infection control measures while performing dental assistant procedures according to standards identified by the Dental Board of California and the Dental Practice Act.
Associate Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| DNTL 100 | Orientation to Dental Careers | 2 |
| DNTL 101 | Dental Anatomy | 2 |
| DNTL 102 | Chairside Assisting I | 3 |
| DNTL 103 | Radiography for Dental Assistants | 2 |
| DNTL 104 | Chairside Assisting II | 3 |
| DNTL 105 | Dental Health Science | 2 |
| DNTL 107 | Coronal Polish | 0.5 |
| DNTL 108 | Pit and Fissure Sealants | 0.5 |
| DNTL 111 | Dental Pharmacology and Oral Pathology | 2 |
| DNTL 112 | Office Management | 2.5 |
| DNTL 115 | Dental Specialties | 2.5 |
| DNTL 116 | Supervised Clinical Experience | 5 |
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 27 | |
| Additional Requirements | 33 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| DNTL 100 | Orientation to Dental Careers | 2 |
| DNTL 101 | Dental Anatomy | 2 |
| DNTL 102 | Chairside Assisting I | 3 |
| DNTL 103 | Radiography for Dental Assistants | 2 |
| DNTL 104 | Chairside Assisting II | 3 |
| DNTL 105 | Dental Health Science | 2 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 1A | College Composition | 3 |
| DNTL 107 | Coronal Polish | 0.5 |
| DNTL 108 | Pit and Fissure Sealants | 0.5 |
| DNTL 111 | Dental Pharmacology and Oral Pathology | 2 |
| DNTL 112 | Office Management | 2.5 |
| DNTL 115 | Dental Specialties | 2.5 |
| DNTL 116 | Supervised Clinical Experience | 5 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 16 Recommended) | 4 | |
| MPC GE Area B and Lab (ANAT 5 Recommended) | 4 | |
| LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
| Electives (SPCH 1 or SPCH 2 Recommended) | 3 | |
| Electives | 2 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPC GE Area C | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area D | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area E | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area F | 3 | |
| Electives (ANAT 1 Recommended) | 4 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.
Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.