Career & Academic Pathways >> Allied Health

Contact Information
Karoline Grasmuck (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4137
kgrasmuck@mpc.edu

For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Dental Assisting
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

Dental assistants play an important role, not only by taking care of patients’ oral health, but by helping them feel comfortable during visits. MPC’s Dental Assisting program provides instruction in dental anatomy and health and chairside assisting techniques as well as supervised clinical experience. Students obtain certificates in Infection Control and the Dental Practice Act, Coronal Polish, and The Application of Pit and Fissure Sealants, as well as licensing in Radiation Safety. Graduates are prepared to take the California license exam to qualify as Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) and launch their careers.

Job Outlook

As the baby boom population ages and as people keep more of their original teeth, demand for dental care continues to grow. Demand for dental assistants is projected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 17% through 2026. There are more than 100 dentists in the Monterey area, giving graduates plenty of local job options, and job skills are transferable statewide wherever you choose to live.

Potential Careers

Medical Office Receptionists	$24,860 - $48,240
Dental Laboratory Assistants	$25,710 - $63,950
Registered Dental Assistants	$34,638 - $53,360
Medical Sales Representatives (may require additional training*)	$46,790 - $165,280
*Dental Hygienists (may require additional training)	$81,390 - $132,930

MPC Degrees and Certificates

Dental Assistant - Associate of Science (AS)
Dental Assistant - Certificate of Achievement (COA)
Pre Dental Hygiene - Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Year 1

FALL	UNITS	SPRING	UNITS
DNTL 100	2	ENGL 1A	3
DNTL 101	2	DNTL 107	0.5
DNTL 102	3	DNTL 108	0.5
DNTL 103	2	DNTL 111	2
DNTL 104	3	DNTL 112	1.5
DNTL 105	2	DNTL 115	2.5
		DNTL 116	5

Total Fall Units	14	Total Spring Units	15

Year 2

FALL	UNITS	SPRING	UNITS
Area A2	4	Area C	3
Math 16 rec.		Area D	3
Area B	4	PSYC 1, SOCI 1 or 2 rec.
ANAT 5 or CHEM 30A rec.		Area E	3
LIBR 50	1	NUTF 1 rec.
MPC Elective	3	MPC Electives	4
SPCH 1 or 2 rec.		ANAT 1 & 2 rec.
MPC Elective	3

Total Fall Units	15	Total Spring Units	16

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling.

Testimonial

Itandehui Rodriguez Arango

This program exceeded my expectations in every way possible. The instructors are excellent, encouraging, and dedicated to ensuring we received the best clinical instruction. I am now working for two amazing periodontists and continue to use the skills I learned in our program every single day.

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