Program Mapper: View course options for these programs, below.
Dental Assisting Certificate = 32 units (2 semesters)
Dental Assisting Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)
Dental Assistant Program Application Dates and Health Science Application Login
Dental Assistant Program Application Information
Dental Assistant Application Checklist and Sample Application
Dental Assistant Workshops Dates
Across the country, there is a profound shortage of qualified Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants. Our program prepares students to satisfy this need. As a Dental Assistant you will be involved in a variety of duties including managing the front office, preparing the patient, taking radiographs, and mixing dental materials.
The Dental Assisting Program is a two-semester program that includes patient care experiences in a fully equipped on-site facility, with students assigned to clinics or dental offices for their externship experiences. Registered Dental Assistants not only are supportive members of the dental team, but also perform important in-mouth, oral procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
After completion of dental assisting requirements, students may also earn a Dental Assisting Associate in Science Degree.
The job market for successful graduates consists of general dentistry as well as specialties in various disciplines such as oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. These office settings vary from private to group practice, but also consist of supportive industries such as dental laboratories, insurance industries sales, and education.
The Cypress College Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The program also is accredited by the Dental Board of California, the Accrediting body for dental professionals in California through the Department of Consumer Affairs.
After successful completion of the Dental Assisting Program, students are eligible for certification in the following areas:
The goal of the Dental Assisting Program is to provide the student with the educational opportunity to attain the academic knowledge and competence necessary to qualify for both the National Certification
Examination and the California State Registered Dental Assistant Examination, and to prepare the student for dental assisting entry-level employment as an integral member of the dental health team.
In Compliance with the Dental board of California and the Dental Practice Act, all applicants for the Registered Dental Assistant examination must:
Dental Assisting Certificate, 32 units
Dental Assisting Associate in Science Degree, 60 units
Depending on the number of prerequisites required and the number of units taken each semester, completing the certificate or the degree can take from two semesters to two years.
The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. The unit cost for the certificate and associate degree will vary depending upon the number of prerequisites needed. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.
Please be prepared to meet the following estimated expense that will be incurred before the program begins and during.
Description | Approximate Cost |
Tuition | $1,472 |
Lab Fees includes all classes | $363 |
Parking Permit-per semester $35 | $70 |
Textbooks for entire program | $610 |
Description | Approximate Cost |
Purchase Blue and Green Teeth | $45 |
Patient radiology fee for 4 patients paid the first semester (4 x $25) | $100 |
Safety Glasses (2) | $6-10 |
Student membership American Dental Assistant Association (ADAA). This includes your student liability insurance for $10 optional. | $45
$10 |
CPR Card (paid at time CPR is taken) | $55 |
Clinical Attire-3-4 sets ($30/set) | With White Socks$90-120 |
Clinical rubber-soled white shoes | $50 |
Required-Hepatitis Vaccine and physical (may be covered by medical insurance or available at Student Health Services By Appointment) | $180 |
3 pairs Rubber Utility Gloves | $10-15 |
Description |
Pocket organizer with appointment calendar |
Large 3-ring binder with index dividers for clinical handouts, grading and charting criteria for reference during clinical. |
2-inch binder with dividers ( for externship paper) |
Plain wristwatch with second hand. Timex nurse’s watch is adequate. |
1 box of 45 gal clear trash bags |
Plastic clipboard with surface that allows for cleaning |
Plastic Container 16½ x 13 x 6¾ inch (for storage of all items) (No bigger) |
Hole punch |
1 box of paper clips |
Pencils and Pens |
1 red and blue pencil (Good quality) |
Small stapler |
1 can of air spray (electronics type) |
1 box of Ziploc bags—sandwich size |
Egg of Silly Putty |
Modeling Clay (3 colors; not play-dough) |
Feminine hygiene items |
Aspirin |
Deodorant |
Hand lotion |
Nail kit |
Toothbrush/paste |
Hair Bands/clips |
Brush |
Upon Completion of your program you are eligible to take the State and National Exams these are the approximate costs. Costs are subject to change at anytime.
Description | Approximate Cost |
(State) RDA Registration Application | $120 |
RDA Written Exam | $38.50 |
(National) CDA-Certified Dental Assistant Exam | $380 |
You’ll be able to work in general dentistry as well as various specialties like oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and andperiodontics. Salaries range from $31,160 to $46,000.
Office settings vary from private to group practice, and supportive industries such as dental laboratories, insurance industries sales, and education.
Dental Assisting Instructor
Program Mapper: View course options for these programs, below.
Dental Assisting Certificate = 32 units (2 semesters)
Dental Assisting Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)
Related Links:
Please consider attending an information workshop about Cypress College Health Science Programs. The Health Science Workshop Schedule and Reservations link is here: http://news.cypresscollege.edu/Documents/health-science/Health-Science-Workshop-Series.pdf