Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, California

The Dental Assistant program at Diablo Valley College prepares students for a rewarding career in the dental field. Typically a one- to two-year program (depending on whether it is a certificate or associate degree), the curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations to provide a well-rounded education. Students learn essential skills in chairside assisting, sterilization, radiology, dental materials, and office management. Through hands-on experience in simulated dental labs and actual dental offices, students develop the confidence and competence to assist dentists in various procedures. The program likely equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become eligible for the California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examination and to pursue entry-level positions in general dentistry, specialty practices like orthodontics or periodontics, or public health clinics. Graduates may find employment as chairside assistants, sterilization technicians, or dental office administrators.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Diablo Valley College 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.