Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to complete the Dental Assisting Program?
A: The Dental Assisting Program is a one-year program and runs from August to August of each year.

Q: How many students does the Dental Assisting Program accept?
A: Positions in this Program are limited to 24 students per year.

Q: Do I have an option of being a full-time or part-time student?
A: No, this is a full-time Program.  Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday.  Most classes are scheduled  from 9 a.m. -  4 p.m.  There are a few classes each semester that start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. 

Q:  Are classes offered in the evenings and/or weekends?
A: No, there are no evening and weekend classes. The classes are offered only during the weekdays.   

Q: Do I need to apply to Del Mar College before applying to the Dental Assisting Program?
A: Yes, you need to submit a formal online application to Del Mar College. Admission requirements of the College is accessed here. 

Q: If I am transferring course work from another College/University, how will I know if the courses will transfer?
A: In addition to applying to Del Mar College, you must also submit to the Registrar's Office a Transcript Evaluation Request Form (TERF).  Students who have completed course work at another college or university and wish to have that credit evaluated for use on a degree plan at Del Mar College must provide official college and/or university transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions. After all transcripts have been received by the Student Enrollment Center and a completed Transfer Evaluation Request Form (TERF) has been submitted, the Registrar's Office can begin the evaluation process.

Q: If I am transferring course work from another College/University outside the boundaries and territories of the United States, how will I know if the courses will transfer?
A: If you are a student who has earned credits from an institution outside the boundaries and territories of the United States toward a certificate or degree from Del Mar College, a course-by-course evaluation must be completed. If you would like your coursework evaluated, see the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) for an approved agency. These agencies are independent and not affiliated with Del Mar College. Del Mar College reserves the right to determine acceptability and/or placement of international academic credit. Evaluation by an international evaluation agency does not guarantee acceptance or use at Del Mar College.

Q: What is the application deadline for the Dental Assisting Program?
A: Before July 1st of the year admission is desired.  

Q: How do I apply to the Del Mar College Dental Assisting Program?
Access the application process here.

Q: What is the criteria and selection process?
A: The selection process is based on a point-system.  Access the criteria and selection process here.

Q: Do I need to submit any documents to the Dental Assisting Program office?
A: Yes, you must submit the following documents: 

• a Dental Assisting data sheet 
• official high school or GED transcripts 
• official college transcripts, if applicable 
• copies of all required immunization records
• copy of TB test results (must be current within a year) 
• copy of confirmation page for PreCheck, Inc. background check and drug screening

Access the application process here.

Q: When will I know if I am accepted into the Del Mar College Dental Assisting Program?
A: All applicants will be notified by email, of the Selection Committee's decisions, by July 15th.  All applicants will receive either a notice of acceptance, alternate, or denial.  All acceptance notices are "conditional."

Q: Why do I have to do a background check and drug screening?
A: Background checks and drug screening are required on incoming students to insure the safety of the patients treated by students in the clinical education program. You must pass a background check and drug screening through PreCheck, Inc., at your expense.  Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon a “clear” background check AND a “clear” drug screening. 

Q: What if I receive an email that states I’m an alternate?
A: Based on your alternate ranking, identified on the notice, you can be notified of any changes as late as the first day of class for the Fall semester.  Please notify the Dental Assisting Program of any change of address, phone number, and email where we can reach you at (361) 698-2858 or email acanales43@delmar.edu.

Q: Does the Program require letters of recommendation and/or observation hours?
A: Although dental assisting observations are highly encouraged, NO letters of recommendation and observation hours are currently required for application to the Program. 

Q: What if I have questions that are not answered in this FAQ?
Access the Dental Assisting web pages here. It is also highly recommended that you schedule an advising appointment with a Dental Assisting Advisor.  To schedule, please call (361) 698-2858 or email acanales43@delmar.edu. Advising appointments are offered in-office and virtual (email, phone, or online).