Program Overview
The CALS Dental Assisting Program at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education prepares students for an entry-level career as a Dental Assistant working alongside dental providers. The dental assistant is a valuable member of the dental health team who performs many essential duties in the dental office. These duties include preparing the patient for treatment, processing and mounting radiographs (analog); disinfection and sterilization procedures; and basic laboratory procedures. All instruction is geared toward chairside assisting, providing patient care, and related duties.
Industry Certifications
Upon completion of the program, students will obtain the following certifications:
CALS Dental Assisting Certificate
CPR Certification – American Heart Association
Dental Radiation Safety Certification
DPA – Dental Practice Act Certification
Infection Control Certification
These certifications will qualify students to perform the duties of a Dental Assistant (DA). Following graduation from the program, students can pursue continuing education to obtain additional certifications and become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or explore other career advancement opportunities in the dental industry. Please note that all classroom instruction occurs at the COE Annex located at 399 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Pathways to Certification
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is thrilled to provide applicants with two pathways to certification in the dental industry: a full-time, paid apprenticeship or a part-time, fee-based traditional option. Read below and click through the following links to learn more.
Apprenticeship Pathway
The apprenticeship pathway offers a “earn as you learn” approach, integrating paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This full-time program is designed to remove the barriers between education and employment, providing a seamless transition from training to a rewarding career in dental assisting.
Traditional Pathway
The traditional training pathway offers a flexible approach to becoming a dental assistant. This part-time option allows you to balance your studies with other commitments while receiving comprehensive classroom instruction. The traditional pathway provides a thorough education in dental assisting, preparing you for a rewarding career in the field.
