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

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
Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technician, the student should be able to:

  • Perform routine clinical laboratory procedures within acceptable quality control parameters in Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology, and Microbiology under the general supervision of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Pathologist.
  • Demonstrate technical skills, social behavior, and professional awareness incumbent upon a laboratory technician as defined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
  • Effect a transition of information and experiences learned in the MLT program to employment situations and performance on the written examinations conducted by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and/or the National Certifying Agency for Clinical Laboratory Personnel.
  • Apply systematized problem-solving techniques to identify and correct procedural errors, identify instrument malfunctions and seek proper supervisory assistance, and verify the accuracy of laboratory results obtained.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, utilizing appropriate quality control and safety procedures.
  • Perform within the guidelines of the code of ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and the restrictions established by state and local regulatory groups.
  • Recognize and participate in activities that will provide current knowledge and upgrading of skills in laboratory medicine.

MLT Program Outcomes (2021)

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
Dental assisting students learn necessary terminology and applicable skills to provide highly discounted whitening services and free x-rays to community patients

“Kapi‘olani CC Dental Assisting Program offers discounted services, quick pathway to workforce”

Cameron Enomoto, Staff Writer for KapioNews
(Photo courtesy of Mark Nartatez)