Orthodontic Assistant (OA) $1,400

California Dental Educators is proud to offer our Dental Board of California–approved Orthodontic Assistant Permit course (Provider Approval: OA144), designed for dental assistants ready to expand their skills and advance their careers in orthodontics.

Under current California Dental Board regulations, dental assistants no longer need six months of work experience to enroll in an Orthodontic Assistant course, and they no longer need twelve months of work experience to apply for their Orthodontic Assistant Permit. There has never been a better time to begin your orthodontic training and move forward in your dental career.

This comprehensive program combines flexible home study with hands-on preclinical and clinical instruction to prepare students for real-world orthodontic assisting procedures and readiness for the State Board OAP Examination.

The course includes:

• 24 hours of didactic home study lecture

• 28 hours of lab and preclinical instruction at our Rocklin facility

• 32 hours of clinical experience completed at your orthodontic office

Course materials are emailed at least two weeks before the start of the preclinical sessions, giving students valuable time to study and complete the required didactic training while balancing work and personal schedules. These materials are also an excellent resource when preparing for the State Board Orthodontic Assistant Permit Examination.

Preclinical Schedule

Two weekends of hands-on instruction so you can take the course and continue to work during the week.

First Weekend:

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Second Weekend:

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Upon successful completion of all coursework, clinical requirements, and documentation, students will receive their Orthodontic Assistant Permit certificate from California Dental Educators and will be eligible to apply for the State Board OAP Examination.

Skills Covered in This Program

Students will receive training in:

• Types of malocclusions

• Corrective orthodontic treatments

• Orthodontic diagnostic records

• Placement of separators

• Sizing, fitting, and cementation of orthodontic bands

• Removal of excess cement

• Ultrasonic scaling for cement removal

• Tooth preparation for bonding

• Placement and ligation of archwires

• Patient care and post-treatment instructions

Prerequisites

Students must provide:

• Current 8-Hour Infection Control certificate

• 2-CE California Dental Practice Act certificate

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

If you hold a current RDA license, your 8-Hour Infection Control certificate must have been completed within the past two years.

Students must also be employed in an orthodontic office in order to complete the required clinical skills portion of the program.