Dental Careers for AdultsJob Certificate Program Detail Page

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 Safety 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.