San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield Bakersfield, California

The Dental Assistant program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield prepares students for entry-level positions in dental offices, clinics, and other dental settings. The program likely combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience in a simulated dental environment. Students learn essential skills such as chairside assisting, taking dental x-rays (radiography), sterilization and infection control procedures, dental materials, and office administration. The curriculum often includes coursework on dental terminology, anatomy, physiology, and patient communication skills, vital for providing comprehensive patient care. The program is typically designed to be completed in approximately 9-12 months. A significant component of the program is likely an externship or clinical rotation, providing valuable real-world experience in a dental office. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are often prepared to pursue the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam, increasing their employability and earning potential. Career paths may include Dental Assistant, Chairside Assistant, Sterilization Technician, or Dental Office Administrator.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield on the NCES website.

* Cohort Year represents the year for which students began their studies and applies to Graduation and Transfer Out Rates.
** Net Price is Average Net Price for 2022-2023 generated for full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, net price is generated for the institution’s largest program.
NA (Not applicable) – Graduation rate, transfer-out rate and the net price are not applicable to institutions that do not have full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students in the applicable cohort year or the financial aid year.