General introduction to the exciting field of Dentistry, including your orientation to our clinic and dental terminology.
About our Program
Dental Assisting
Course Outline
• WEEK 01 •
• WEEK 02 •
Four-handed dentistry, instrumental transfer, isolation techniques, suctioning (HVE), local anesthesia, patient positioning, handpiece maintenance, sealants and coronal polishing.
• WEEK 03 •
Radiology theory and practice of intraoral and extraoral X-ray techniques, X-ray safety, darkroom procedures.
• WEEK 04 •
Amalgam and composite materials, instruments, mixing, curing, tubs, trays.
• WEEK 05 •
Cements and liners, alginate impressions (upper arch), model pouring and trimming, X-ray quiz. CPR Training.
• WEEK 06 •
Midterm exam. Oral surgery, periodontal instruments and materials, sterilization procedures, alginate impressions (lower arch).
• WEEK 07 •
Crown and bridge instruments and materials, making temporary restorations, bite registration.
• WEEK 08 •
Endodontic materials and instruments, orthodontics, job interview skills.
• WEEK 09 •
Office management, front desk operation, appointments, billing dental insurance, office management software, OSHA regulations. Review and practice for final exam.
• WEEK 10 •
Final exam and practical exam. Pediatric dentistry, final written exam, X- ray practical clinical exam.
Graduation!
Meet The Team
Dr. Joanne Young
Dr. Joanne Young has been a general dentist for over 38 years. She has over 33 years of private practice experience, with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Young was raised in the San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles. She attended UCLA, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychobiology. After graduation from UCLA, Dr. Young attended the USC School of Dentistry (now known as the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry,) where she received her D.D.S. degree in 1987. After a successful career as owner of her own practice in the Santa Clarita Valley, Dr, Young retired and moved to the San Diego area.
Dr. Young has remained active in local organized dentistry, with membership in the San Diego County Dental Society, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. She has served on the CE Committee and Legislative Committee for the SDCDS, as well as the Gala Committee for the San Diego County Dental Foundation. She is currently a delegate to the CDA House of Delegates.
Volunteering and giving back to the community are important tenets for Dr. Young. She has supported organizations such as the Children’s Dental Health
Foundation and Healing California by contributing her time and skills to help underserved children and Veterans. She continues to strive to improve all aspects of dentistry, including quality of care, access to care, and education of the next generation of providers.
Angela Landsberg
Angela Landsberg is the Executive Director of the San Diego County Dental Society and a respected leader in community-based nonprofits and professional associations. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to every initiative.
Angela has been instrumental in launching the Academy of Learning, helping shape its mission and direction. She is dedicated to expanding access to education, supporting professional growth, and ensuring that SDCDS continues to provide meaningful value to its members and the broader dental community.
Katherine Hobday
Katherine Hobday is the Administrative Project Coordinator for the San Diego County Dental Society. She plays a key role in supporting projects across the organization, with a focus on logistics, communication, and marketing. Katherine has been closely involved in the development of the Academy of Learning, helping to manage program operations, support student communications, and contribute to the growth of the school.