Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assistants work alongside dentists providing patient care during treatments. Responsibilities include taking X-rays, sterilizing equipment, patient scheduling, and maintaining records.

Salary Range: $30,000 - $55,000 annually (based on experience and skills)

• Oral and dental anatomy
• Digital and traditional radiography
• Infection control and sterilization
• Patient charting and emergency procedures
• All dental specialties (prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry)
• Business office procedures
• Hands-on clinical skills

Upon completion, you'll receive:

• A.S. Degree in Dental Assisting
• State Radiation Safety License
• CPR Certification
• Coronal Polishing Certificate
• Pit & Fissure Sealant Certificate
• Eligibility for California RDA Exam
• Eligibility for Dental Assisting National Board (CDA)

Accredited by: Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA) and Dental Board of California

To protect the health and safety of patients, students, and staff, the San José City College
Dental Assisting Program requires specific health clearances before students may
participate in clinical or laboratory activities. These requirements follow the guidelines of
the Dental Board of California, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
and SJCC health and safety standards.

Before the mandatory orientation (January 22, 2026), students must submit the
Vaccination and tests form together with the intake form and the BLS certificate.

Required vaccines and tests:

1.  Hep B vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity.
2. Varicella (2 doses) OR Evidence of history of Chicken Pox disease, OR laboratory evidence of Immunity.
3. Tdap (booster)(within 10 years)
4. MMR (2 doses) OR laboratory evidence of Immunity.
5. Negative IGRA Result: Chest X-ray (if needed)
6. Flu Vaccine (current within 12 months)

Policy Updates

Requirements are subject to change based on public health guidance, clinical site policy,
or state and federal regulations. Students will be notified of any updates and are
responsible for meeting revised health and safety 

View complete immunization requirements

• This is an intensive, full-time program requiring significant commitment
• Daily practice outside class hours is essential
• This is NOT a Dental Hygiene Program
• Counselors available to assist with registration

1. Apply to be a Student at the College: APPLY NOW
2. Visit the SJCC Dental Assisting Website: Go to https://www.sjcc.edu/dept/dental-assisting.aspx and explore the site to learn more about the program.
3. Meet with a Counselor: Schedule an appointment with a Business and Workforce Counselor.
4. Complete the Vaccination Form: Complete the vaccination form (counselor will provide it) and have it verified and signed by a California-licensed medical practitioner or the SJCC Health Services healthcare practitioner.
5. Complete Online BLS Training: Start your Basic Life Support course at American Red Cross BLS.
6. Fill out the New Student Intake Form (counselor will provide).
7. Submit Documents: Bring your documents to the Business and Workforce Division office.
8. Attend the Mandatory Orientation: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 1-4 pm, SJCC Technology Bldg. Room T506

To ensure student success and equitable access to program resources, all students enrolling in the San José City College Dental Assisting program are required to have reliable internet access and a personal computer with the capability to participate in online coursework. In addition to face-to-face instruction, all Dental Assisting courses utilize Canvas, the College’s official Learning Management System (LMS), for delivery of course materials, assignments, assessments, and communications.

Students must be able to:

• Access the internet from a computer (not solely a smartphone or tablet).
• Participate in online learning activities, submit assignments, and communicate through Canvas LMS.
• Maintain compatibility with current versions of common web browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge) and possess basic computer literacy, including file uploads and word-processing.

Failure to meet the above requirements may prevent a student from fully participating in the Dental Assisting program and completing mandatory course elements.

Associate in Science (A.S.) in Dental Assisting

Fall or Spring semester. Must enroll in all 6 courses simultaneously.

30 students maximum with 2 instructors assigned.

The intensive schedule makes outside employment challenging for most students.