Southwestern College has an accredited Dental Hygiene Program that admits 36 students each year. The program consists of two years of classroom training and clinical experience, with classes held at the National City Higher Education Center five days per week. Prerequisite science and humanities courses must be completed prior to admission to the program. Admitted applicants must also provide verification of current immunizations and CPR Certification. Classes and clinical practice are meant to prepare graduates to pass the dental hygienist licensure exam, and include topics in preventative dental health and oral wellness such as oral health assessment, x-ray procedures, dental health education and oral cleaning. All clinical practice takes place under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist.
Southwestern College
900 Otay Lakes Rd.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-421-6700
swccd.edu
San Diego Mesa College provides an accredited, two-semester Associate in Science degree or certificate program in Dental Assisting, which prepares graduates to become licensed dental assistants. Within the program, students complete classroom courses and labs in preventative dental care, dental tools and dental radiology, as well as clinical practice in a health care facility. Graduates are qualified to provide chair-side assistance to dentists, sterilize and handle dental materials and operate dental x-ray machines.
San Diego Mesa College
7250 Mesa College Dr.
San Diego, CA 92111
619-388-2697
sdmesa.edu
The San Diego Campus of Concorde Career College also offers a Dental Assistant certificate program. The program is nine months long and focuses on both administrative and clinical training. Clinical training prepares graduates to do x-rays, prepare dental instruments, conduct oral examinations and provide chair-side assistance to dentists, while administrative training teaches students to manage dental charts, appointments, insurance forms and financial accounts.
CoConcorde Career College
4393 Imperial Ave., Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92113
619-220-4177
concorde.edu