What will this program do for me?
Graduates of the CCSF Dental Assisting Program will earn the California Dental Radiology License. They will be able to sit for the California Registered Dental Assisting License (RDA) and the Certified Dental Assisting Certificate - the National Certificate for Dental Assisting (CDA). Upon obtaining the RDA, the graduate will also receive the California Coronal Polish and Ultrasonic Stickers.

What kind of job can I get once I complete the program?
Each graduate has at least four employment positions to choose from. Positions may be full- or part-time and can be either clinical and/or business. The Dental Assistant's responsibilities are varied, requiring excellent oral communication skills, high motivation, ability to work independently, excellent customer service skills, good manual dexterity and the ability to prioritize responsibilities. As in all healthcare
para-professional careers, the dental assisting field will be adding new career positions through at least the year 2005.

How much can I earn in this career?
Graduates can earn between $18 - $20 per hour. After 3 years of experience, the average rate is approximately $25 - $30 per hour. Standard benefits include health, dental, vacation, sick, personal, etc. Please refer to Occupational Outlook Handbook for current information on salary and job prospects.

How long will the program take?
The Dental Assisting Program may be completed in either 1 or 2 years. In order to apply to the Dental Assisting Program, a separate application will need to be completed and submitted to the Department. The applicant will be sent a letter of acceptance, prior to the up-coming semester. An applicant for the 1-year program must have completed an A.A. degree (or higher) or successfully completed a college level English class (English 90 or higher) or English-as-a-Second Language (ESL 72 of higher); Science (Biology 9 or Anatomy 14 or Physiology 12) and a typing or computer data course (this course does not have to be at a college level).

Where will classes be held?
The dental assisting classrooms are located at the Phelan Campus. The students receive both lecture and preclinical experience in the classroom laboratories and complete practical clinical experience at both Dental Schools in San Francisco: the University of California, San Francisco and the University of the Pacific, as well as private dental offices.

Where do I get more information?
Call the Dental Assisting Office for the informational packet and application at (415) 239-3479. Or please visit the department Web site: Dental Assisting Department.

What time of day are classes offered?
Classes are held during the day. Please refer to Program Curriculum for specific requirement information.

When do classes start?
Every Fall Semester a new dental assisting class begins with graduation at the completion of the Spring Semester. If the student is completing the program in 2 years, the student completes the program in four semesters. Please refer to Program Curriculum for specific requirement information.

How do I enroll?
Follow normal enrollment procedures for CCSF and complete the program's application (obtained by contacting the Dental Assisting Office). The program's application is submitted directly to the Dental Assisting Department.

What are the requirements for receiving a degree?
Completion of the Dental Assisting Program and submission of the National and State Examination application with required fees. Please refer to Program Curriculum for specific requirement information.

How much money can I expect to spend?
Approximately $1300.00. This fee covers enrollment, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, name tags, safety eye wear, examination fees, etc. Please refer to Tuition Information for specifics on tuition costs. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. You may also call the Financial Aid Office at (415) 239-3576.