Certificate Program
Dental Assistant
Complete a 12-month, 36-credit Dental Assistant Certificate with blended online and on-campus learning plus a 160-hour clinical externship.
Program Overview
Prepare for Dental Care
This 12-month, 36-credit certificate program combines online coursework, on-campus simulation laboratory practice, and a 160-hour clinical externship to prepare you for safe, organized, patient-centered dental care.
Prepare treatment rooms
Assist chairside
Sterilize instruments
Support patient care
Program Details
12-Month Program Plan
The Dental Assistant Certificate spans three continuous semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students complete 36 credit hours through blended online and on-campus instruction, including simulation laboratory practice and a 160-hour clinical externship.
Open or download the Dental Assistant Certificate Course Plan (PDF)
Semester 1: Dental Sciences & Basic Assisting
- DA 101: Dental Anatomy, Embryology, and Histology — 3 credits
- DA 103: Dental Chairside Procedures I and Infection Control — 3 credits
- DA 105: Dental Radiography & Radiation Safety — 3 credits
- DA 107: Dental Ethics, Practice Acts, & EHR — 3 credits
Semester total: 12 credits
Semester 2: Advanced Clinical & Dental Materials
- DA 201: Dental Materials and Laboratory Techniques — 4 credits
- DA 203: Dental Chairside Procedures II & Specialty Assisting — 4 credits
- DA 205: Dental Pharmacology & Emergency Management — 3 credits
- DA 207: Preventive Dentistry & Oral Pathology — 4 credits
Semester total: 15 credits
Semester 3: Practice Management & Externship
- DA 301: Dental Office Management and CDT Coding — 3 credits
- DA 303: DANB Board Review and Career Seminar — 2 credits
- DA 305: Dental Assistant Clinical Externship (160 Hours) — 4 credits
Semester total: 9 credits
Program total: 36 credit hours
Start Your Dental Career
Take the next step toward a 12-month Dental Assistant Certificate at USJ.