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Dental Assistant Program

Certificate-Level Career Training

Program Highlights
  • 8 Months Program*
  • No Experience Necessary
  • Job Placement Assistance
  • Veteran and Military Benefits

*32 Approved Instructional Weeks

Tuition & Fees
Select Program Available Area First
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable)  $37.50
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) $100.00
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) $75.00
Tuition Fee $14,680.00

 

TOTAL PROGRAM COST*

*Program Fees are subject to change

$14,892.50

Welcome Message from the Program Director

Donna Bega
Dental Assistant Program Director

Welcome to a bright future here at Gurnick. We are as passionate about your success as you are and more than willing to help you achieve your desired goals and dreams. I am Donna Bega, the Dental Assisting Program Director at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Modesto campus.

First, let me say you are in the right place to pursue your goal as a future dental assistant in healthcare. I applaud you for taking the journey to academic greatness. The dental assistant program gives students and graduates the knowledge to be proficient in dental healthcare by providing the right learning environment for a good foundation. 

The dental assisting instructors partner together and put in the required work to ensure that you have a positive learning experience. The instructors combined have spent over 30 years in the dental field. This gives students a well-versed education while bringing different approaches to learning. Thus providing students with comprehensive hands-on instruction. You will reap the benefit of this exciting career-building education.

I am confident we can help you make a difference in healthcare and do great things. I can’t wait for us to unlock your full potential together!

About the Dental Assistant Program

Program Mission

The Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to offer quality allied health and nursing programs that integrate professional skills, career-focused education, and hands-on practical experience by empowering students to develop and achieve their personal and career goals.

Program Description 

Dental Assistants work in a dental office or other dental facility and are considered indispensable partners on the team. Dental Assistants perform various administrative and clinical tasks.

Dental Assistant program students learn the principles of front and back-office dental assisting. They will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology fundamentals of the oral cavity.

Students will practice and become adept at various clinical skills, including patient education, chair-side assistance, X-rays, and coronal polishing. The program includes didactic and hands-on laboratory training and a clinical externship component where each student will be placed in a dental office or facility.

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Dental Assistant Program Goals and Objectives

Graduate students demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of a competent entry-level dental assistant.

Provide quality education and training that develops each student’s potential to become a productive, responsible, and professional member of society and a skilled member of the dental assisting workforce.

Provide our students with open access and a supportive environment that encourages student success in the classroom, laboratory, and externship sites.

Prepare students to organize, prioritize, and delegate care by communicating effectively with the dental team members.

Adhere to professional standards incorporating a Dental Assistant’s legal and ethical responsibilities.

Encourage professionalism, integrity, and high standards in students.

Adhere to professional standards incorporating a Dental Assistant’s legal and ethical responsibilities.

Dental Assistant Program Information, Length, and Schedule

Program length, Months
8
Total Hours
946.5
Quarter Credit Hours
42.5
Clinical Hours
180

*(32 Approved instruction Weeks)

 

The program information, length, and schedule may change. Please read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates. Connect with an Admissions Advisor for details.

 

The Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Dental Assistant program provides a library and classrooms with audiovisual teaching aids, textbooks, and simulators. The Instructor-to-Student ratio is 1:12 in the laboratory, 1:30 during residential lectures, and 1:25 during online lectures. Classes begin every four (4) weeks.

 

The program compromises seven (7) didactic/laboratory courses in 4-week blocks. DA 100-Infection control is taught before the students start any other courses. After completing the DA-100 course, students will complete all courses. DA 200 through DA 205 is offered regardless of the sequence. Students must complete all didactic/laboratory courses before starting the DA 300 Externship course.

 

Students must be available 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday through Friday for didactic and laboratory coursework. Externships may be required to accommodate alternative schedules based on facility placement business during externship hours. Students must be able to complete those special rotations at the schedule provided.

 

Students receive 200 didactic instruction, 384 laboratory instruction, and 180 clinical externship hours. This allows students to apply their knowledge of lecture topics and hands-on lab skills to practical use when placed in a dental facility. Students will take technical courses that may be given on campus, online, or in both formats.

 

182.5 hours is the minimum required outside work time. The curriculum provides students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the dental assisting field. Upon completion of the program, a certificate is awarded. This program’s standard completion time is 32 weeks, excluding holidays and vacation time.

 

Class times can and may be rescheduled on an alternate day of the week (Sunday through Saturday) to ensure program completion is on time and the required program hours are fulfilled.

 

Additional Program Notes

Students may be required to accommodate alternative schedules based on facility placement business hours during the externship. Students must be able to complete their rotations according to the schedule provided.

 

Lab Hours

Lab hours are done with daily theory delivery and are conducted under instructor guidance and supervision.

Clinical Externship

The externship allows students to assist facility staff with daily duties in the front and back office under staff supervision. This marks the transition from being a student to becoming a dental assistant.

Outside Work

Instructors will assign outside work in correlation to daily theory topics and skills. Assignments will vary daily according to tasks done on students’ time and set due dates.

Dental Assistant Program Clinical Training

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience one of the most critical parts of healthcare education. Students will be provided with clinical training at one affiliated clinical site while attending our dental assistant school.

The clinical externship includes student placement in a facility that performs various skills and exposes theory concepts and hands-on practice opportunities. This hands-on training allows students to assist facility staff with daily duties in the front and back office under staff supervision. Reaching this portion of the program marks transitioning from being a student to becoming a dental assistant.

The externship is a practicum without pay to help students apply learned classroom skills. Students will have various tasks to perform and document for verification. Facility personnel verify daily attendance and performance at the site.

Requirements

  • Admission Requirements
  • Performance Requirements
  • Graduation Requirements
  • Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.

    Applicants must:

    • Be at least 17 to be admitted to the program with parent or guardian consent. Applicants must be at least 18 at the beginning of the clinical externship.
    • Submit an essay (no longer than one page, double-spaced, typed, or handwritten) that describes the following:
      • Reasons for applicants’ desire to become a dental assistant;
      • Personal attributes the applicant possesses that will support the applicant’s ability to complete the dental assistant program;
      • The applicant has people, routines, and resources to support their efforts throughout the program.

    Get more Info

  • Each program has physical and non-physical requirements to ensure our students’ and patients’ safety and welfare. Almost all of our students (check with an Admission Advisor if applicable) must be able to:

    • Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
    • Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies using the English language.
    • Communicate effectively with patients and staff using clear English in verbal and written forms.
    • Read and interpret (or learn how to) patient charts and requisitions.
    • Tolerate strong, unpleasant odors.
    • Provide physical and emotional support to the patients during procedures.
    • Report clearly and legibly through progress notes in patient charts.
    • Meet class standards for successful course completion.
    • Collect, interpret, and integrate data about patients.
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to individuals of all ages, genders, and races from socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
    • Cope with heavy workloads, demanding patients, and life-threatening clinical situations.
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to potentially hazardous situations.
    • Demonstrate the physical and emotional capacity to work a 40-hour week on the clinical rotation.
    • Behave ethically, competently, compassionately, and professionally in the classroom and the clinic.
    • Lift/carry:
      • 1–5 lbs. frequently—image receptors, lead aprons, files.
      • 20–50 lbs. occasionally—patient transfers and patient positioning.
      • 50–70 lbs. rarely to occasionally—patient transfers.
    • Stand and walk for up to eight (8) hours per day.
    • Carry a minimum of 20 pounds (9.07 kg) while walking a distance of 100 feet (30.48 m).
    • Bend or flex the upper trunk forward to 45 degrees and the lower torso into a squatting position.
    • Rotate the upper trunk up to 30 degrees to the right and left.
    • Reach at least 72 inches (1.83 m) above floor level or an entire arm’s reach.
    • Use the sense of hearing to communicate with the patients and the healthcare team effectively.
    • Use the sense of vision in all hospital lighting levels, varying from low illumination to bright light.
    • Sit in class for up to six (6) hours per day.
    • Palpate anatomical structures and handle injured body parts without causing injury to the patient.
    • During exercise, give manual resistance to a patient’s arm, leg, or trunk.
    • Move with adequate agility and speed to ensure patient safety.
    • Walk and balance well enough to help patients walk and transfer with or without equipment while preventing injury to patients and themselves.
    • Safely grasp and manipulate small objects and set dials on electrical equipment.
    • Use visual, auditory, and tactile senses to observe patients and collect and interpret data.
    • Respond to warning sounds, machine alarms, and calls for help.

    Get more Info

  • The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Dental Assistant program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations, including tuition and textbook charges, have been met.
    • Students must bring three (3) patients (aged 18 or above) to campus for Coronal Polishing. Each
      patient must complete the documentation to be reviewed and approved by a Dental Assisting
      program faculty member who can participate. The document must be received before the scheduled
      Coronal Polish examination date.
    • Students must bring four (4) patients (aged 18 or above) to campus for a complete set of mouth X-Rays
      (FMX). Each patient must fill out the documentation to be reviewed and approved by a dentist, stating
      they can participate. The document must be received before the scheduled FMX examination date.

    Get more Info

Career Services

We help to create a resume and portfolio
Creating a portfolio resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. At Gurnick Academy, we help you create a professional and polished resume to set you apart from the competition.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a valuable tool to prepare you for the real thing. Gurnick Academy offers mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your interviewing skills before meeting with potential employers.
Support you after graduation
Your success doesn't end at graduation, that's why we offer support for our graduates even after they leave our institution. From career counseling to networking opportunities, we're here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Gurnick Edge
Gurnick Edge is a website geared to professionally enhancing nurses. There are multiple professional building segments with easy to use tutorials. Along with the professional development, Gurnick Edge offers professional profiles that the student creates while in their respective programs.
Professional Development Workshops
Continuous learning is key to professional growth and success, that's why we offer professional development workshops to help our students and alumni stay current in their field. From soft skills to industry-specific training, our workshops provide valuable insights and skills to advance your career.
One-on-One and Interview Coaching
Achieving your career goals can be challenging, but with our one-on-one and interview coaching services you'll have the support you need to succeed. Our expert coaches will work with you to develop your skills, confidence and prepare you for success in job interviews.

Dental Assistant Program Outline

Course NumberTitleClock HoursOutside of School Preparation HoursTotal Clock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
DA 100Infection Control8.02.510.50.5
DA 200Fundamentals of Dental Assisting96.030.0126.06.0
DA 201Sciences of Dentistry/Infection Prevention96.030.0126.06.0
DA 202Foundations of Clinical Dentistry96.030.0126.06.0
DA 203Dental Materials/Coronal Polishing96.030.0126.06.0
DA 204Radiology Safety/Administrative96.030.0126.06.0
DA 205Dental Specialties/Patient Assessment96.030.0126.06.0
DA 300Clinical Externship180.0—180.06.0
Total764.0182.5946.542.5

 

Read the Dental Assistant Program course descriptions.

Certification for Dental Assistants

Find more information about Certification for Dental Assistants in California.

Learn more about becoming licensed as a Dental Assistant in California.

*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has not determined if any programs fulfill the educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification required for employment outside California unless identified by the program below. It is recommended that students located in or planning to relocate to a state apart from where the program’s physical campus is located research any certification or employment requirements for their intended state.

Job Outlook and Salary for Dental Assistants

Apply Now

Accreditation and Approval

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852

ABHES Phone: 301-291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

 

The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370- 7589, option #5, or by visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.

BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834

BPPE Phone: 888-370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is an approved course provider by the Dental Board of California (DBC) to provide eight (8) hour Infection Control, Coronal Polishing, and Radiation Safety certificate courses.

DBC Mailing Address:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550
Sacramento, CA 95815

DBC Phone: 916-263-2300
DBC Email: General
DBC Website: dbc.ca.gov

Financial Aid

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

*for those who qualify

Contact Admissions Department

Catalog and Addendum
2022-2023

Testimonials from Dental Assistant Program Graduates

Emily Valenzuela

Dental Assistant Program

Everyone on campus is committed to helping and guiding you through your new journey, and it makes you want to work even harder knowing that you have a whole army behind you.

I now work in my field and can truthfully say that Gurnick gave me all the tools I needed to be successful as a Dental Assistant!

Mariah Hernandez

Dental Assistant Program

One word to describe the Dental Assisting program Gurnick offers is support. The instructors are there to make sure you understand every concept they teach you.

There is no dumb question or answer. These instructors give endless support, and other admin support people do as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dental Assistant Program

Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs

  • You must be at least 17 years old to be admitted to the program and have parent or guardian consent. Applicants must be at least 18 at the beginning of the clinical externship.

  • We may assist with job placements for all students who complete the dental assistant program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

  • Please find more info about the Program Length and Schedule.

  • Please see this page for more info about accreditation.

  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

    Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

  • More information can be provided by contacting the Admissions Department.

Ask your Question

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Dental Assistant Program Video

The Dental Assistant Program video was filmed at our San Mateo Campus in 2017. Please note the program is currently only offered at our Modesto Campus.

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