Dental Assistant Program
Announcement
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 Dental Assisting Class. The application deadline is May 30th, 2023.
Would you like to see what our clinic looks like? Click on this LINK to watch a video that one of our Dental Assisting Alumni created.
Thank you for your interest in the Dental Assisting Program. For the latest information, visit Information Sessions.
WLAC Dental Assistant Program
Approved by the California Dental Board
Students graduating from the program are eligible to take the Registered Dental Assistant exam upon successful completion of the program.
Admission Information
The printable flyer can be downloaded from here.
To apply to the program, follow the steps below:
1. Become a student of West Los Angeles College
- If you are not yet a student of West Los Angeles College, Sign Up for a free orientation.
- www.wlac.edu/freecollege
2. Attend a Dental Assistant Information Session*
CLICK HERE for current information Session Schedule
- Information will be presented about the educational program and application packet, along with an overview of the dental profession.
- Upcoming information session dates are announced periodically.
- The Dental Assisting application will be provided or print it out from here.
3. Submit Dental Assisting Application to Health Science Division
Complete the Dental Assisting Application form and submit to the Health Science Division (MSB100).
The Dental Assisting Program offers a Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting and Associate Degree in Dental Assistant. Upon completion of the program and approval of the Dental Board of California (DBC) the student will be eligible to take the California State Board Examination to be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Degree Requirements
If you are accepted into the Dental Assisting program you will complete the following:
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN DENTAL ASSISTING:
The Associate in Science in Dental Assisting (ASDA) program provides students with a high quality education that prepares them to be highly competent, professional, and caring licensed dental assistants.
| A.S. Degree Unit Totals | #Units |
|---|---|
| Required Major Courses (Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting) | 29 |
| Electives | 9-10 |
| Plan B General Education Requirements | 22 |
| TOTAL | 60-61 |
Major Course Requirements
(Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting)
| Fall | Units |
|---|---|
| D.A. 001 - Orientation to Dental Assisting | 2 |
| D.A. 005 - Preclinical Chairside Assisting | 5 |
| D.A. 007 - Infection Control for the Dental Setting | 1 |
| D.A. 008 - Introduction to Dental Radiology | 3 |
| D.A. 006 - Dental Sciences for the Dental Assistant | 2 |
| Total Semester Units | 13 |
| Winter | Units |
|---|---|
| D.A. 010 - Intermediate Chairside Assisting | 3 |
| Total Semester Units | 3 |
| Spring | Units |
|---|---|
| D.A. 003 - Dental Seminar | 1 |
| D.A. 009 - Medical Emergencies | 2 |
| D.A. 013 - Practice Management | 2 |
| D.A. 012 - Dental Assisting Clinical Science | 3 |
| D.A. 015 - Advanced Chairside Assisting | 5 |
| Total Semester Units | 13 |
| TOTAL PROGRAM UNITS | 29 |
| Dental Assisting Electives - Choose 9-10 unitsfrom the following: | Units |
|---|---|
| Biology (3A & 3B)* | 4 |
| Cultural Anthropology 102* | 3 |
| Psychology 1* | 3 |
| HOC 62 Skill Set for the Health Care Professional | 2 |
| HOC 63 Basic Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 2 |
| HOC 64 Cultural and Legal Topics for Health Care Professionals | 1 |
| HOC 65 Fundamentals for the Health Care Professional | 2.5 |
| TOTAL ELECTIVE UNITS | 9-10 |
| General Education Recommended Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| A. Natural Sciences: Anatomy 1* | 4 |
| B. Social and Behavioral Sciences: Political Science 1* | 3 |
| C. Humanities: Art, History, or Foreign Langulages | 3 |
| D. Language and Rationality: English 101 (3) AND Math 125 (5) | 8 |
| E. Health and Physical Education: Health 11(3) | 4 |
| TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION UNITS | 22 |
* These courses are prerequisite courses for dental hygiene program.
PLEASE NOTE: To complete the Associate Degree in Dental Assistant students must complete all of the program core requirements, electives, and general education courses. It is recommended that students consult with the Counseling Office to develop a Comprehensive Student Educational Plan. (310) 287-7242.
Health Science Office
Office Location
MSB 100
Contact
Raquel Medina
Email: Medinarm2@laccd.edu
Phone: (310) 287-4464
Phone: (310) 287-4440
EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR RDAs
Dental Assisting Apprenticeship Program
West Los Angeles College partners with dental offices to train their new and current employees to become Registered Dental Assistants.