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Dental Careers for Adults

Teeth

 

  Course Description

The San Juan Unified School District’s Dental Careers CTE Program is a two-semester program focused on dental assisting and careers in the dental field. Dental Careers is a ten-month program which begins in August and ends in June. The course is taught on the Encina Preparatory High School’s campus in room E-2. Certifications earned during the program include:

 

  • Eight Hour Infection Control
  • California Dental Practice Act (DPA)
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Healthcare Provider Level of CPR
     

All certificates earned during the Dental Careers CTE Program are required by the Dental Board of California for entry level employment as an unlicensed Dental Assistant (DA) and for qualification to take California’s state board examination to become a licensed Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

Dental core and operating procedures taught during the Dental Careers Program include, but are not limited to dental anatomy, restorative and periodontal charting, names and functions of dental hand instruments and equipment, sterilization, disinfection, operatory preparation, performing four-handed dentistry, and assisting the dentist throughout routine dental procedures.

The Dental Radiation and Safety Certification Program is a separate course which is taught during the second semester for an additional fee of $500.00.  Students enrolled in the Dental Careers CTE Program will be required to take the Dental Radiation Safety Program while attending an Internship. Students from the public must complete 8 Hour Infection Control and Dental Practice Act Courses to qualify to take the Dental Radiation Safety Course based on Dental Board of California rules.  

Students need to purchase their own books, uniform, tennis shoes, and vaccinations. Students need an HBV Vaccination and clear TB test to enter internship. Students are required to wear burgundy or black uniforms to match school colors. Tennis shoes can be any color but cannot be open toed. 

 It is best that students have their books and uniforms prior to the beginning of the program so we can start right away. Vaccination records can be turned in any time during the first semester prior to the start of internship.

  •  Orientation (required for all prospective students) 
  •       Tuesday July 22   10am, Encina HS Rm E-2
  • Orientation Link: Dental Orientation
  • Class Dates: August 14, 2025 to June 10, 2026
  • Class Days:  Monday-Friday
  • Class Time:  9:00am to 12:00pm
  • Location:  Encina High School, Room E2  
  • Fee:  $2,050 Price subject to change (includes Laboratory Materials)

  NO REFUNDS-NO EXCEPTIONS once class begins.

Required Books Student will need to purchase, before class starts.

14th Edition of Modern Dental Assisting

 It is a three book package that includes a textbook, workbook, and instrument flashcards book. 

Space is limited and enrollment is on a First-Come, First-Served basis.  

 For specific questions regarding this class, please contact the instructor, Darren Law, directly at:  darren.law@sanjuan.edu. 

 ** A payment plan is available. During registration, you will be given the option to either pay the tuition in full or set up a payment plan contract and register for the class.  You are not considered enrolled until payment is received.  For the payment plan, half of the tuition is due at registration using a credit or debit card only.  The remainder of the tuition is due in monthly installments until paid in full.