DENTAL ASSISTING - RDA

707 476.4214        FAX: 707 476.4419     healthocc@redwoods.edu

The State licensed Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) is an integral part of the modern dental office. RDAs work with the dental office team to provide high quality, efficient, caring service for patients. They work directly with patients in the dental office providing auxiliary services at chair side, and also provide front office clerical and management services. Graduates of the Dental Assisting program are prepared to step right into the dentist's office, having completed courses in the physical sciences, manipulative techniques, business administration, x-ray, expanded functions and dental ethics. All students are given actual "hands-on" clinical experience with patients during the program. Students gain valuable experience in the Eureka campus' dental clinic.

For additional information about this career visit the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Assistant.
 

The Dental Assisting program is a 9-month certificate program. Successful completion of the program qualifies the student to receive a College of the Redwoods Certificate of Completion in Radiation Safety. 

Upon completion of both the program and the California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam, graduates are issued an RDA license and a certificate in coronal polish. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the national Certification Exam (CDA) which qualifies them to hold Certified Dental Assistant status throughout the United States.
A new class is admitted every Fall semester based on open enrollment.

DA Program Packet, Application, and Application Instructions
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College of the Redwoods   DENTAL HEALTH CENTER

The Dental Health Center, located on the CR Eureka Campus, is a training program for Registered Dental Assistants. Your dental care will be provided by local dentists and students in the College of the Redwoods Registered Dental Assisting Program. We hope we can be of help with any dental care you may need.

Our first responsibility is to ensure that the student's requirements are met. In that respect, your dental care needs may not make you a needed "teaching case" for the students.

Patient Information:
We accept patients who are low income. We are not able to accept patients who have dental insurance or a Medi-Cal card.

While our fees are low, service is rendered on a cash basis only.

After your initial examination is completed, the dentist will discuss the conditions present and a treatment plan will be prepared. Also at this visit, further appointments can be scheduled and you will be given an estimate of the cost of the total treatment plan.

Please note that appointments will take longer than normal since some of the dental care is performed by students and each step of the procedure is checked by the instructors and the dentist.