
Dental Assisting
Two Pathways to a Dental Assisting Career
Attention
Application is now being accepted for the 9-month full-time student pathway. For the academic year starting September 2023, the Dental Assisitng Program department is only accepting students for the 9-month full-time pathway, the 15-month apprenticeship pathway will be temporarily suspended until sometime in 2024.
If you're interested in learning more about the program, you can attend one of the informational sessions via zoom. We meet every Thursday evening from 7 PM - 8 PM, see below for the zoom registration link.
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Announcements
Dental Assisting Program Info SessionsFOR DENTISTS/EMPLOYERSFor most current information, view Employer Info Session Zoom recording. FOR STUDENTSFor most current information, view Student Info Session Zoom recording. |
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: Open now until 9/20/2023. Contact program director for questions at miyasakicara@fhda.edu or (650) 949-7351. Approx. Cost of Program: $3,500 |

Questions?
We're Here to Help!
Cara Miyasaki, RDHEF, MS , Department Chair
650.949.7351
Cara Miyasaki, RDHEF, MS, Director miyasakicara@foothill.edu |
Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean cheungnancy@fhda.edu |
To meet with the dean, contact the Health Sciences and Horiculture Division |
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