Program Overview

Introduction to the RDA Dental Assistant Program

The RDA Dental Assistant Program is a comprehensive educational program designed to prepare students for a career as a registered dental assistant. The program is located in the William B. Race Health Sciences Building on the Santa Rosa Campus of Santa Rosa Junior College.

About the RDA Dental Assistant

A registered dental assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team, responsible for assisting the dentist during various treatment procedures, taking dental radiographs, and providing patient care. The duties of a California registered dental assistant are diverse and require both interpersonal and technical skills.

Responsibilities of a RDA Dental Assistant

• Assisting the dentist during treatment procedures
• Taking dental radiographs
• Reviewing patient medical history and taking vital signs
• Serving as an infection control officer
• Developing infection control protocols and preparing instruments and equipment
• Providing patient education on oral care and hygiene
• Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study models

Program Details

The SRJC RDA Dental Assistant Program is a two-semester, full-time program that admits 24 students each fall. The program has an excellent reputation within the local dental community, with graduates consistently ranking high in passing the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination.

Program Structure

• The program consists of a combination of science-oriented lectures and skill development laboratories.
• Students learn theory and apply their knowledge in clinical settings.
• Classes are scheduled from 8 AM to 5 PM, four days a week, with approximately 7 hours of outside study required each week.

Program Goals

The Allied Dental Programs curriculum aims to create an environment where students can learn, grow personally, and develop decision-making, ethical, and problem-solving skills. The program goals include:

• Providing an education that reflects academic excellence and serves the needs and abilities of students
• Preparing graduates to assume responsibility for continued professional growth and high professional standards
• Preparing students to pass the Certified Dental Assistant Examination and California State Registered Dental Assistant licensure examination

Program Competencies

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Make ethical decisions and demonstrate problem-solving abilities through independent and critical thinking
• Assist a dentist in all phases of diagnosis and treatment of patients

Career Opportunities

The SRJC Dental Assistant Program is a 2018 CA State Community College Chancellor's Office Gold Star Award winner, recognizing outstanding post-college outcomes in employment, earnings gain, and regional living wage. Graduates of the program achieve:

• 100% employment in their field
• 161% increase in earnings
• 73% attain the regional living wage

Career Paths

• General office setting
• Specialty office
• Hospital
• Community dental clinic
• Dental school
• Dental product salesperson
• Office manager
• Scheduling coordinator
• Insurance clerk
• Consultant
• Teacher in the community college setting

Accreditation and Licensure

After successfully passing the California state RDA exam, graduates are licensed in California by the Dental Board of California. They may also become a Certified Dental Assistant by passing an exam administered by the Dental Assistant National Board.

Licensure Note

The Dental Board of California may deny licensure for crimes substantially related to the practice of RDA dental assistant. It is the responsibility of the applicant to present sufficient evidence of rehabilitation to the DBC prior to licensure application.