Dental Assisting
Certificate
Pima’s Dental Assisting Certificate prepares you to enter directly in to the workforce AND, if you're interested, continue on the pathway to becoming a Dental Hygienist. At Pima, you will learn to assist dentists and other dental professionals in patient care. You will complete at least 336 hours of clinical work in dental clinics or offices.
Limited Admissions Program: Students must meet the preparatory coursework and any other prerequisites and apply to the program. Depending on available spots, students may be placed on a waiting list before starting the program. See Program Admissions or an advisor for details.
Accreditation: This program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Title IV Financial Aid eligible: Yes
Location
West Campus
Contact Information
Division of Education & Biomedical Programs
Dean: 520.206.5105
Lead Faculty: 520.206.6916
Program Information
Similar Programs
Careers
Completing this program can lead to employment in a variety of different careers. Here are some examples of occupations related to this program with associated Pima County-based annual median wages. Some careers may require additional education or training. Source: EMSI
| Occupation | Annual Median Wage |
| Dental Assistant | $36,927 |
Academic Options
Continue your studies by taking courses toward the Dental Hygienist AAS degree.
Program Requirements 2020-2021
Course substitutions are not accepted in the Dental Assisting program.
Preparatory Coursework
Students must have completed the following requirements before starting the program:
| Requirements | Credits | |
| REA 112HP or REA 112 or Accuplacer Reading assessment score of 92 or higher | 0-4 | |
| High school or college biology course | 0-4 | |
| Subtotal | 0-8 | |
Required Core Courses
A grade of C or better is required for graduation.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| DAE 159 | Introduction to Health Care for Dental Assisting | 2 |
| DAE 160 | Orientation to Dental Care | 1 |
| DAE 161 | Biomedical Dental Science | 3 |
| DAE 162/162LB | Dental Assisting I | 3 |
| DAE 163/163LC* | Oral Radiography | 3 |
| DAE 164/164LB* | Dental Materials | 3 |
| DAE 165/165LC | Dental Assisting Procedures I / Dental Assisting Procedures Clinical I |
2 |
| DAE 166 | Dental Assisting II | 3 |
| DAE 167 | Dental Assisting III | 3 |
| DAE 169/169LC | Dental Assisting Procedures II / Dental Assisting Procedures Clinical II |
6.5 |
| Total credits (not including preparatory coursework) | 29.5 | |
| Total credits (including preparatory coursework) | 29.5-37.5 | |
* DHE 116/116LC will substitute for DAE 163/163LC if completed within the last three years. DHE 132/132LB will substitute for DAE 164/164LB if completed within the last three years. See academic advisor or faculty for information regarding course substitution.
Dental Assisting Interest Program/Major Codes: PREPDAEP/9DAE - Same requirements as AA General Concentration (AOAALA/ALA1/ALAG).
Dental Assisting Program/Major Codes: CRTDENTASSIS/DAE
www.pima.edu/dental-assisting-cert