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The college will be closed December 20-January 1 for winter break. Spring classes begin on January 26, so let's get ready! Explore the online schedule for in-person, hybrid, and online options.

Spring Schedule
Science & Health

Dental Assisting

Are you interested in a health career? How about the dental field!

The dental assisting program offers you a chance to enter the profession in as little as 10 months. You will get hands-on learning in our Teaching Clinic and as an extern in dental offices. Also, you will be prepared for your RDA license and CDA certificate exams.

Career Opportunities


The dental assisting program will prepare you for work in a variety of occupations and career paths, including:

  • Chairside dental assistant (general and specialty offices)
  • Office administrator


With additional education:

  • Orthodontic assistant
  • Dental sedation assistant
  • Registered dental assistant with expanded functions (RDAEF2)
  • Dental assisting educator
  • Corporate sales representative
  • Registered dental hygienist
  • Dentist

Degrees and Certificates


Change your life with a dental assisting degree and/or certificate. Our program gives you options to explore.

About degrees and certificates


Certificates:
A certificate readily prepares you to enter a particular field or career. It can also give you new skills for advancement in the workplace.

Associate Degrees:
An associate degree requires a broader education for career options in a range of industries. It's a great step towards earning a bachelor degree at a four-year school or entering the workforce sooner.

Associate Degrees for Transfer:
A transfer degree is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. Earning one can guarantee admission to California State Universities, some private and online universities, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). ADTs, along with a transfer agreement guarantee (TAG) with the University of California system can help you achieve your goals for less. Learn about transfer services.

Meet Our Dental Assisting Faculty

Colleen Shipp

Colleen Shipp

Program Director, Dental Assisting
Placeholder graphic silhouette of a person

Angela Chen

Faculty, Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene

Dental Assisting News

Students performing a lab test in the DVC Health Career Academy

From Classroom to Clinic: High School Students Gain Real-World Experience with the DVC Health Career Academy

August 7, 2025

industry partner

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Industry Partners Join Forces with DVC to Cultivate Job-Ready Talent

July 31, 2024



News

Architectural design major and U.S. Army dependent Allyson Chombo working in the SVRC

“These Services Made It Possible” - How DVC’s Support Programs Change Lives

December 11, 2025

DVC library technology student Francis De Vecchi

Turning the Page: DVC Graduates Launch Careers in Library Technology

December 11, 2025

Gaby Wolodarski SR Faculty

Beyond the Canvas: Art Professor Gaby Wolodarski Inspires Creativity and Connection at Ƶ San Ramon

December 11, 2025