Los Angeles City College offers certificate and associate's degree programs in dental lab technology along with a master ceramist certificate for practicing dental lab technicians. Students wishing to enter either program must have a high school diploma or GED and pass the introductory dental laboratory course. Both programs take two school years to complete and follow the same curriculum, including an internship course in the final semester in which students gain experience at a dental office or laboratory. However, the associate's degree requires 15 extra credits in general education courses selected in consultation with an adviser. The master ceramist certificate is offered in conjunction with UCLA's dental school and focuses on esthetic dental restoration. Students wishing to apply for this two-year program must have previously earned a certificate or degree in dental lab technology and must successfully complete an introductory course and a faculty interview.
Los Angeles City College
855 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323-953-4000
lacitycollege.edu/academic/departments/dentech/laccDentalTech.html
Riverside Community College offers certificate and associate's degree programs in dental lab technology at the March Dental Education Center on the March Air Reserve Base. Students in both programs take courses in areas such as dental anatomy and physiology, dental ceramics, and the design and construction of devices such as dentures and crowns. Up to four credits toward either the degree or the certificate can be earned through work experience in a local dental lab. Students who wish to earn the associate's degree in dental lab technology must complete at least 60 credits, including at least 10 credits in communications, six credits in social science, and three credits each in science and the humanities.
Riverside Community College District
3845 Market St.
Riverside, CA 92501
rcc.edu/academicPrograms/occupationalEd/DentalLaboratoryTechnology.cfm
Pasadena City College offers a two-year program leading to a certificate in dental lab technology. Admission to the program is competitive, and all potential applicants must take a written test and a sculpture test to measure hand dexterity. Once accepted, students take full-time course loads during the school year along with part-time classes during the summer and winter intersessions. The first year of study is a mix of lecture courses on subjects such as dental anatomy, and laboratory courses in the techniques of making crowns and dentures. During the summer, students take math and speech classes along with electives. The second year consists of laboratory courses in more advanced techniques along with classes designed to prepare students for professional practice. During the winter session in the second year of the program, students participate in a clinical practicum in which they work in a dental lab under the supervision of an experienced technician.
Pasadena City College
1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-585-7123
pasadena.edu/divisions/health-sciences/dlt/index.cfm