PUA for Dental Assistants
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Required Notice
Program runs – February 6th, 2023 to May 18th, 2023
This is an apprenticeship program that combines work experience and classroom training for upskilling. All students need to be currently working in a dentistry setting with approval from their employer to enroll
Online classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm via Zoom
The HANA Career Pathways grant is available to those who qualify. More info will be shared at the scheduled information sessions
Degree and National Certification
Students successfully completing the 1000 to 2000 hour paid apprenticeship and the related training 145-hour campus course will earn a Certificate of Competence from Kapi‘olani Community College. Graduates will be prepared for the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Program Overview
The Professional Update & Advancement (PUA) program is a four-month program that prepares dental assistants for the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The program is open to those already working as dental assistants with approval from their employers to enroll.
All dates, times, and other information may be subject to change with or without prior notice.
Contact Information
- Program Coordinator: Martin Chong (808) 734-9540
Course Schedule
We reserve the right to cancel the course due to insufficient enrollment or for other reasons.
All dates, times, and other information may be subject to change with or without prior notice.
Program Admission
Admission into the program is on a FIRST QUALIFIED, FIRST ACCEPTED basis. The program has limited enrollment and you are strongly encouraged to register early to secure a seat. Employer recommendation is required for entry into this program.
Please attend a mandatory information session conducted online through Zoom on one of the following dates and times. No appointment is needed. If you do not have the Zoom application on your device, please be sure to download and create your account
Zoom Meeting
Zoom meeting ID: 930 4729 9098
- January 4, 2023, Wednesday 4 pm-5 pm Via Zoom
- January 18, 2023, Wednesday 4 pm-5 pm Via Zoom
- February 1, 2023, Wednesday 4 pm-5 pm Via Zoom
Financial Aid
The HANA Career Pathways grant is available through the UH system for those who qualify. More information will be provided at the information sessions. Those who qualify will be able to enroll at no cost.
Degree and National Certification
Students successfully completing the course will earn a Certificate of Competence from Kapi‘olani Community College. Graduates will be prepared for the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate proficiency at a level sufficient to pass the DANB exam in:
- Infection Control
- Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office
- Dental Sciences Foundation
- Dental Materials
- Dental Instruments
- Dental Radiography
- Imaging Techniques