Dental Assisting Program
Selective Admissions
All our health career pathway programs are selective admissions with qualification and selection criteria for program entry. Students must meet eligibility requirements and complete a program application by the posted deadline. Program admissions is on a best qualified basis and students must be in good academic standing (overall GPA of 2.0 or higher) at Kapiʻolani CC. Priority selection is given to Hawaiʻi state residents. Non-residents can apply and will be considered after all qualified residents have been accommodated per Board of Regents Policy 5.211.
Admissions Procedures
- Apply and complete steps to become a Kapi‘olani CC student if you are currently not a student of the UH system. For assistance with getting started at the College, contact kapstart@hawaii.edu.
- Meet the program faculty and counselors to learn more about the program. Register for the mandatory Health Careers Info Session to join an upcoming session. Connect with the Health Careers Counseling Center for advising support as needed.
- Complete program requirements and apply to the program. For more information download the following links:
- DENT Admissions and Advising (pdf)
- DENT Application (pdf)
Program Overview
The Dental Assisting Program offers two certificate options. The Certificate of Competence (CO) is a one-semester, daytime only, curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in private dental offices, hospital outpatient clinics, state and federal agencies, insurance companies and dental supply houses. Students receive instruction in basic dental operatory and laboratory skills and dental terminology. Students are accepted in the Fall semester.
Students who complete the Certificate of Competence may choose to go on for the accredited Certificate of Achievement (CA) program. The CA courses are offered in the Spring semester.
Contact Information
- Program & Clinical Director/Coordinator, Mark Nartatez, marknart@hawaii.edu, (808) 734-9260
- Academic and Counseling Support: Health Careers Counseling Center
Degree & Certificates
Certificate of Achievement – Dental Assisting (28 credits)
The Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting is a 2 semester, 28 credit program that has been awarded accreditation by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADACODA). The Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting program prepares individuals to work as clinical and administrative assistants in dental offices, clinics or other dental practice settings. The curriculum is aligned with standards of the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADACODA) as well as the Hawai‘i Administrative Rules of the Board of Dental Examiners. Graduates of the accredited program will be immediately eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA)
Certificate of Competence – Dental Assisting (15 credits)
The Dental Assisting program is a one-semester, daytime only, curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in private dental offices, hospital outpatient clinics, state and federal agencies, insurance companies and dental supply houses. Students receive instruction in basic dental operatory and laboratory skills and dental terminology
Program Information
Program Accreditation
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval with reporting requirements”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Currently, the state of Hawai‘i does not require dental assistants to be certified, unlike 38 mainland states. Certified Dental Assistants are sought after by Federal Agencies such as the military.
Certification
The Dental Assisting National Board offers an examination to students who graduate from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or have worked more than 3500 hours as a dental assistant (subject to employer verification).
Currently the state of Hawai‘i does not require dental assistants to be certified, unlike 38 mainland states. Certified Dental Assistants are sought after by Federal Agencies such as the military.
Potential Careers and Employers
- Careers: The purpose of the Dental Assisting program is entry-level preparation of dental assistants to work in private dental offices, hospital outpatient clinics, state and federal agencies, insurance companies, and dental supply houses. The career outlook nationwide remains positive.
- If you are a team player; exhibit personal and professional self-assurance and compassion; have a friendly disposition, manual dexterity, and think logically; and above all a sincere desire to provide care to dental patients. For more information go to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Then select ‘advanced search’ and type in your health science program of choice
Mission Statement
The mission of the Dental Assisting Program is to follow the Health Education Unit as well as to serve the needs of the Dental health community by:
- Preparing students to meet patients’ needs in the dental office
- Preparing students to apply basic dental operatory and laboratory skills
- Practicing and implementing CDC-recommended infection control procedures and adhering to OSHA workplace safety standards
- Understanding and implementing basic dental radiology
- Assisting in community health by providing clients with oral health information
“Kapi‘olani CC Dental Assisting Program offers discounted services, quick pathway to workforce”
Cameron Enomoto, Staff Writer for Kapio News
(Photo courtesy of Mark Nartatez)
Health Careers Info Session
Program Information sessions are held monthly and provide potential applicants with program details and requirements, application procedures, and career outlook. Attending an information session is recommended before you start your academic journey. Attendance of a program information session within one year of the application submission is mandatory when applying to a Health Science and EMS program.
Health Careers Counseling Center
Support for Health Career Pathways
Learn about admission requirements and criteria, program curriculum, program cost, financial aid, application for licensure/certificates, and transfer to baccalaureate programs.
Health Career Counselors/Advisors
hlthsci@hawaii.edu | (808) 734-9224, Kauila 106
STAR Balance Virtual Kiosk Hours
Mondays through Thursdays, excluding holidays
9:00-11:30am & 1:00-3:00pm
STAR Balance Kiosk is available for UH system students. For information about our health programs, attend a program information session. Email kapstart@hawaii.edu for assistance with getting started at Kapiʻolani CC.