Sacramento City College
Open tablet menu Close tablet menu×
Open mobile menu Close mobile menu×
Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Overview

The Dental Assisting program is a full-time day program to which students are admitted in August of each year. The curriculum is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and leads to an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting. After successful completion of the curriculum the student is eligible to take the National Board Examination and upon passing becomes a Certified Dental Assistant. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for and take the Dental Board of California examination for state licensure as Registered Dental Assistants.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.S. in Dental Assisting
  • Dental Assisting Certificate

Associate Degree

A.S. in Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting program is a full-time day program to which students are admitted in August of each year. The curriculum is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and leads to an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting. After successful completion of the curriculum the student is eligible to take the National Board Examination and upon passing becomes a Certified Dental Assistant. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for and take the Dental Board of California examination for state licensure as Registered Dental Assistants. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the Dental Assisting Program requires an expenditure of approximately $2,000.00 during the one-year program for uniforms and special supplies. Applicants are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program if this creates a hardship.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
DAST 101 Biodental Science 2.5
DAST 102 Chairside Assisting 6
DAST 103 Patient Assessment 2.5
DAST 104 Dental Anatomy and Morphology 3
DAST 107 Dental Radiology 2.5
DAST 111 Dental Patient Education 1
DAST 112 Registered Dental Assistant Advanced Duties 3
DAST 113 Advanced Patient Assessment and Dental Imaging 2
DAST 115 Registered Dental Assistant Advanced Duty Certifications 2
DAST 116 Practice Management for the Dental Assistant 2
DAST 118 Board Preparation 2
DAST 119 Clinical Experience I 3
DAST 129 Clinical Experience II 31
Total Units: 34.5

1Offered only in summer session

The Dental Assisting Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of DAST 100 with a grade of "C" or better.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Complete the online application (which includes uploading proof of eligibility) between January 1 and April 1 to apply for the fall semester program start.
  • All eligible candidates will be entered into a random selection pool.
  • The first 36 eligible applications will be selected for the program; all others are alternates and will be notified if/when seats become available.
  • Students accepted for enrollment in the Dental Assisting Program will be required to provide documentation of: a) capability to perform essential job-related functions of a dental assistant; b) completed physical examination and immunizations; c) TB test; d) current professional level CPR certification; and e) completion of criminal background check and an 8-panel drug screen test.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • incorporate and apply professional, ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to oral health care services, community projects, and professional activities.
  • integrate and apply health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to oral health care services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.
  • apply critical thinking and self-assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, and professional growth.
  • adapt knowledge of the practice of dentistry to the demonstration of clinical dental assisting skills.
  • exhibit knowledge necessary for successful completion of the California Registered Dental Assistant's Examination and the National Certified Dental Assistant's Examination.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as a dental assistant. The dental assistant works with the dentist in providing patient treatment, including restorations, x-rays, and preventive services. Employment opportunities are excellent, not only in private dental offices, but also in public and private hospitals, clinics and laboratories, dental schools, dental supply houses, and in the armed forces.

Certificate of Achievement

Dental Assisting Certificate

The Dental Assisting program is a full-time day program to which students are admitted in August of each year. The curriculum is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and leads to a Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting. After successful completion of the curriculum the student is eligible to take the National Board Examination and upon passing becomes a Certified Dental Assistant. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for and take the Dental Board of California examination for state licensure as Registered Dental Assistants. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the Dental Assisting Program requires an expenditure of approximately $2,000.00 during the one-year program for uniforms and special supplies. Applicants are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program if this creates a hardship.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
DAST 101 Biodental Science 2.5
DAST 102 Chairside Assisting 6
DAST 103 Patient Assessment 2.5
DAST 104 Dental Anatomy and Morphology 3
DAST 107 Dental Radiology 2.5
DAST 111 Dental Patient Education 1
DAST 112 Registered Dental Assistant Advanced Duties 3
DAST 113 Advanced Patient Assessment and Dental Imaging 2
DAST 115 Registered Dental Assistant Advanced Duty Certifications 2
DAST 116 Practice Management for the Dental Assistant 2
DAST 118 Board Preparation 2
DAST 119 Clinical Experience I 3
DAST 129 Clinical Experience II 31
Total Units: 34.5

1Offered only in summer session

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of DAST100 with a grade of "C" or better.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Complete the online application (which includes uploading proof of eligibility) between January 1 and April 1 to apply for the fall semester program start.
  • All eligible candidates will be entered into a random selection pool.
  • The first 36 eligible applications will be selected for the program; all others are alternates and will be notified if/when seats become available.
  • Students accepted for enrollment in the Dental Assisting Program will be required to provide documentation of: a) capability to perform essential job-related functions of a dental assistant; b) completed physical examination and immunizations; c) TB test; d) current professional level CPR certification; and e) completion of criminal background check and an 8-panel drug screen test.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • incorporate and apply professional, ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to oral health care services, community projects, and professional activities.
  • integrate and apply health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to oral health care services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.
  • apply critical thinking and self-assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, and professional growth.
  • adapt knowledge of the practice of dentistry to the demonstration of clinical dental assisting skills.
  • exhibit knowledge necessary for successful completion of the California Registered Dental Assistant's Examination and the National Certified Dental Assistant's Examination.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as a dental assistant. The dental assistant works with the dentist in providing patient treatment, including restorations, x-rays, and preventive services. Employment opportunities are excellent, not only in private dental offices, but also in public and private hospitals, clinics and laboratories, dental schools, dental supply houses, educational programs, and the armed forces.

Dental Assisting (DAST) Courses

DAST 100 Introduction to Dental Assisting

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the practice of dental assisting. Topics include dental terminology, 8-hours of infection control involving potential exposure to blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious materials, study strategies, and the legal and ethical requirements of the allied dental health professional.

DAST 101 Biodental Science

  • Units:2.5
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Biodental Science includes microbiology and asepsis, disease prevention, infection control regulations, occupational safety procedures, sterilization, and hazardous materials in the dental practice.

DAST 102 Chairside Assisting

  • Units:6
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to basic dental assisting duties and the principles of four-handed dentistry. Basic dental materials and instrumentation are major components of this course.

DAST 103 Patient Assessment

  • Units:2.5
  • Hours:45 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to patient assessment, including communication skills, medical history assessment, pharmacology, dental history assessment, vital signs, and medical emergencies. An emphasis is placed on the relationship between systemic conditions and prescriptive medications and their effects on the oral cavity and subsequent dental treatment.

DAST 104 Dental Anatomy and Morphology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The focus of this course is dental anatomy and morphology including the form, function, and location of the hard and soft structures of the mouth. In addition, the course covers material related to general physiology, oral embryology and histology, and physiology of the head and neck as these relate to the practice of dentistry.

DAST 107 Dental Radiology

  • Units:2.5
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the principles of dental radiology. Topics include theory and techniques, operation of the x-ray machine, biological effects, safety practices, and the practical application of utilizing appropriate infection control while exposing, processing, mounting, and evaluating intraoral dental films.

DAST 111 Dental Patient Education

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DAST 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The focus of this course is the study of nutrition from a whole body concept and its interrelated effects on the oral environment. Students will integrate these concepts with preventive dentistry concepts and the role of the dental assistant in community and public health situations.

DAST 112 Registered Dental Assistant Advanced Duties

  • Units:3
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DAST 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course includes the practical application of advanced dental assisting duties as defined by the Dental Board of California.

DAST 113 Advanced Patient Assessment and Dental Imaging

  • Units:2
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DAST 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course builds on the principles of DAST 103 Patient Assessment. Topics of this course include medical and dental history assessment, treatment planning, head and neck examination, intra-oral inspection of hard and soft tissues, gingival assessment, oral pathology, intra-oral and extra-oral imaging, full mouth radiographs, and case presentation.

DAST 115 Registered Dental Assistant Advanced Duty Certifications

  • Units:2
  • Hours:108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DAST 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides instruction and practice in advanced dental assisting duties including coronal polish, application of pit and fissure sealants, patient assessment, teeth whitening, and caries detection.

DAST 116 Practice Management for the Dental Assistant

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DAST 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course encompasses the principles of dental office management including: administrative procedures, record keeping, scheduling, dental histories, financial arrangements, bookkeeping, insurance procedures, patient communication, patient psychology, and job-finding skills. This course also includes a thorough review of all dental assisting duties allowed by the Dental Board of California and the application process for both the Registered Dental Assistant Exam and the Certified Assistant Exam.

DAST 118 Board Preparation

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DAST 111, 112, 113, 115, 116, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the culmination of all previous dental assisting courses and focuses on the specific requirements and components of both the state and national dental assisting board exams. At the completion of this course, students should be well-prepared to take the Registered Dental Assisting examination of the Dental Board of California, as well as the Certified Dental Assistant examination of the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

DAST 119 Clinical Experience I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DAST 101, 102, 103, 104, and 107 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves performance of dental assisting duties in an assigned dental office.

DAST 129 Clinical Experience II

  • Units:3
  • Hours:162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DAST 111, 112, 113, 115, 116, 118, and 119 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves performance of basic dental assisting duties as well as expanded duties in an assigned dental office.

DAST 295 Independent Studies in Dental Assisting

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Student must be enrolled in the Dental Assisting program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course for those dental assisting students requesting special projects related to their dental assisting education.

DAST 299 Experimental Offering in Dental Assisting

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog