Begin your career in dental healthcare with our exciting, hands-on 10-month Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) program.

Key Details

  • Duration: 10 months
  • Estimated Cost: $10,800
  • Location: San Manuel Gateway College

Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement (500 words or less)

What is a Registered Dental Assistant?

Do you enjoy working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment? Are you someone who solves problems with compassion and care?

Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) support dentists chairside, helping provide high-quality oral care to patients. Their work directly contributes to healthier smiles and improved overall well-being.

What Does an RDA Do Each Day?

RDAs play a vital role in dental clinics by:

  • Assisting dentists during procedures
  • Taking and processing dental X-rays
  • Recording patient oral health data
  • Sterilizing instruments and preparing treatment areas
  • Scheduling patient appointments and maintaining records

Why Choose Dental Assisting?

Dental health is closely linked to overall health. Studies show that strong oral hygiene can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even cognitive decline. And let’s not forget the mental and emotional boost that comes with a confident, healthy smile.

What Will You Learn?

Throughout the program, you will enjoy a mix of classroom learning, hands-on lab activities, and clinical experiences in real dental settings. This approach helps you build the skills you need to assist in both general and specialty dental practices.

  1. Assist chairside during a range of dental procedures, including preventive, restorative, endodontic, orthodontic, and surgical treatments.
  2. Take accurate dental radiographs and follow proper infection control and sterilization protocols.
  3. Communicate professionally with patients, providing education and ensuring comfort during care.
  4. Understand and manage dental materials, equipment, and instruments effectively.
  5. Support front office operations, maintain patient records, and uphold high ethical and professional standards.

View complete program objectives and course descriptions (PDF)

Course Curriculum

GCDA 010 FOUNDATIONS OF DENTAL ASSISTING AND DENTAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
GCDA 015 DENTAL SCIENCE AND ANATOMY
GCDA 080 PRECLINICAL DENTAL SKILLS
GCDA 025 DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY
GCDA 021 ASSIST WITH DIAGNOSIS AND PREVENTION
GCDA 036 ASSIST WITH RESTORATIVE PROCEDURES AND DENTAL MATERIALS
GCDA 038 ASSIST WITH DENTAL SPECIALTIES
GCDA 040 EXTERNSHIP
GCDA 050

REVIEW FOR RDA CERTIFICATION (last month of the program)

 

Certification & Career Path

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the California State Board Exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

Our graduates work in general and specialty dental practices, public health clinics, and even pursue advanced roles in dental hygiene, education, or practice management.