Students enrolling in the Dental Assisting Program at San Diego Mesa College will experience courses in the new state of the art Allied Health Building (opened 2009). The program utilizes classrooms designed to give the student relevant dental experience and personal attention. The dental assisting classrooms include a dental clinic with modern dental chairs and equipment such as intra-oral cameras, CAD/CAM dental system and dental software, a dental laboratory classroom where students have their own lighted work area, a radiography room with digital x-ray equipment, a lecture classroom and a computer laboratory classroom. Dental Assisting Class The San Diego Mesa College Dental Assisting Program: Is accredited by the Dental Board of California (DBC) and the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. Is recognized by the local dental community and personnel agencies for skilled dental assistants. Ranks among the top 10 dental assisting programs statewide for passing the California RDA State Board Exams. Enables dental assisting students to immediately apply for the RDA and CDA examinations upon successful completion of the program. Includes required certification courses for the dental assistant and registered dental assistant such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Infection Control, CA Dental Practice Act, Radiography, Coronal Polishing and Pit and Fissure Sealant Placement.

Students who complete the Dental Assisting Program will be able to: Have skills and knowledge to function as a competent dental assistant. Obtain licensure and certifications applicable to dental assisting Acquire professional characteristics to function as a member of the dental health team. Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.