
Dental Assisting
Two Pathways to a Dental Assisting Career
Announcement
- The 9-month full time student pathway for Fall 2023 class is full and application is now closed. Applications for the Fall 2024 class will open on November 1, 2023.
- The 15-month Apprenticeship student pathway will be temporarily suspended until sometime in 2024.
Application Process:
The application period is from November 1 - August 1 of each year or until filled.
Step 1 – Apply Online for admission to Foothill College to get a 8-digit student campus wide ID (CWID)
Step 2 – Read the Application Instructions carefully before submitting an application to the Dental Assisting Program
Step 3 – Review the Application Sample
Step 4 – Submit an application to the Dental Assisting Program via Allied Healths App in MyPortal
*** Lottery Selection Process: 24 eligible students are randomly drawn and admitted to the program only once a year. All qualified students will be contacted for an orientation and notified of their acceptance.
Become a Dental Assistant
Learn about Kimberly and Assia's experience and journey at Foothill College
Dental Assisting Program Info Sessions
View Side-by-Side Comparison between Two Pathways
A Demand for Dental Assistants
2019 Dental Assisting graduation ceremony.
The demand for qualified dental assistants is high—to work with dentists, dental hygienists and dental technicians, to deliver dental care in a caring and skilled manner. Plus, the technology field of dentistry is always changing. Digital dental x-rays can be seen on a computer monitor within seconds of the exposure. Titanium implants can be used to replace missing teeth, which are stronger and more stable than dentures or removable partials.
What You'll Learn
Whichever pathway you choose, the Foothill College Dental Assisting Program offers a balance of academic, laboratory and clinical courses to prepare our students to work in this rapidly changing field. You'll learn extended functions of coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealants as well as earn an x-ray certificate.
Students who complete the entire program in a satisfactory manner will
- Be awarded a Career Certificate in Dental Assisting
- Qualify for the California State Registered Dental Assisting Examination.
Dental Assisting Opportunities
Dental assistants can work for a general dentist or in any of the other dental specialties, including oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, children's dentistry, and prosthodontics.
Other job opportunities for qualified Dental Assistants
- Public health educators
- Private industry consultants or sales representatives
- Dental assisting instructors
- Dental office managers
- Consultants for dental insurance companies
Program: Dental Assisting Program Application Deadline: Fall 2023: is now closed Fall 2024: open on 11/1/23 Approx. Cost of Program: $3,500 Note: By attending the Dental Assisting Program, you earn 4 extra points toward the Dental Hygiene Application. |

Questions?
We're Here to Help!
Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support
650.949.7643
5200
Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean cheungnancy@fhda.edu |
To meet with the dean, contact the Health Sciences and Horiculture Division |
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