About Our Program

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About Our Program

Information About Our Program

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Authorization

Authorized by the esteemed California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, our program is a beacon of excellence and quality in dental assistant education. Rest assured, your educational journey is supported by a strong foundation of credibility and excellence.

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Program Structure

Unlock the doors to a comprehensive and blended curriculum that seamlessly integrates online learning with invaluable in-person sessions.

Your pathway consists of:

  • 10 Remarkable Weeks: A fast-tracked, intensive program designed to catapult you into your new career.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Classes convene once a week, on Saturdays, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, accommodating your unique needs and schedule.
  • Hands-on Experience: Dive deep into real-world dental assisting practices with engaging laboratory and operatory exercises.
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Blended Learning Experience

Harness the power of online and offline worlds:

  • Online Convenience: Engage with 25 hours of captivating online content, accessible anytime, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
  • In-Person Mastery: Revel in 80 immersive in-person hours, fostering a space for practical mastery and enriched learning experiences.
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Admission Criteria

Our doors are open to passionate individuals ready to soar. Here are the only requirements:

  • Age: students should be over 18 years of age.
  • Educational Qualifications: a high school diploma or its equivalent.
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Career-Ready Certifications

Graduate with a prestigious certificate enabling you to apply to the California Board of Dentistry as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), marking a monumental step in your career trajectory.

Along with your DANB (Dental Assisting National Board] radiology and Basic Life Support (BLS) certificates.

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Robust Support System

We stand by you, not just as educators, but as unwavering supporters of your dream:

  • Job Application Assistance: Benefit from personalized coaching, resume crafting, and remarkable interview preparation.
  • Salary Negotiation Skills: Arm yourself with essential negotiation strategies to secure rewarding compensation packages.
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Dental Assisting

Course Outline

• WEEK 01 •

General introduction to the exciting field of Dentistry, including your orientation to our clinic and dental terminology.

• 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 9•

Externship



• WEEK 10 •

Externship


Graduation!

Meet The Team

Dr. Christensen Sicat Hsu, School Director | Oral Surgeon | Instructor 

Dt Christensen HSu, in a white coat, is sitting in a chair in front of flowers.

Dr. Christensen Hsu was raised in San Diego, California, and graduated from El Camino High School in Oceanside. She earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology at UCLA and then pursued her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at New York University College of Dentistry. She served in the Navy Dental Corps and the Army Dental Corps for a combined 21 years of active-duty service. While in the Army, she successfully completed an arduous 4-year hospital-based training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. After 9 years of general dentistry, Dr. Hsu has been specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery for the past 18 years. She is a retired Army Colonel and has extensive experience in training dental and surgical assistants.


After her successful military career, Dr. Hsu returned back to her hometown of Oceanside, California to be closer to family. In September 2021, Dr. Hsu established a private solo oral surgery practice in the nearby town of Bonsall. She works closely with many of the general dentists in the surrounding communities of San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County. Dr. Hsu is a community leader and a member of the Bonsall Chamber of Commerce. She is also an active member of numerous professional organizations to include the American Dental Association, the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.


Dr. Hsu is an advocate for providing job opportunities in the dental profession. Over the course of her dental career, Dr. Hsu has been directly involved in the training of over a hundred dental and surgical assistants. She is best known as a leader who will coach, teach, and mentor others to reach their career goals. Her goal with ODAAB is to recruit eager and talented individuals who are committed to the dental profession. As the Instructor Lead, Dr. Hsu will work together with Instructor Yvonne to ensure a successful curriculum understanding for the dental assisting students. She will also provide additional hands-on training in oral surgery to help students be prepared for assisting in surgical procedures.


Dr. Hsu is married to Army Veteran (Retired Lieutenant Colonel) David Hsu. She is a dedicated mother to three talented and fun children who all play the piano, love eating sushi, and enjoy camping in the country's national parks. 


Dr. Christine Castro, General Dentist | Instructor

Dr. Christine Castro, DMD, MBS is a highly accomplished general dentist and the proud private dental practice owner of Smiles of Cardiff by the Sea, where she has built a thriving practice focused on comprehensive patient care. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Castro serves as the Director of Philanthropy for 37C Charities, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged and disenfranchised communities. She is active in various dental organizations and also held the position of President of the Tri-County Filipino-American Dental Association, reflecting her commitment to leadership within the dental community. With a rich background in dental education, Dr. Castro previously taught at Unciano Colleges in Manila Philippines Dental School, sharing her expertise with future dental professionals. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and two beloved dogs, Truffles and Nugget.

Dr. Nancy S. Welch, General Dentist | Instructor

Dr. Nancy Sabalboro Welch was the proud owner of a private family dental practice in Sacramento, California for 24 years. She served her community with comprehensive dentistry such as traditional orthodontics, invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, restorative, and implantology. Dr. Welch is married with three children and four grand-children. She loves traveling and learning about other cultures. She loves working on her small farm raising tropical and indigenous fruits. Dr. Welch loves to serve and educate people. She volunteered as a health and welfare services missionary in Ecuador shortly after graduating from dental school and served there for eighteen months. She has participated in numerous dental missions in the Philippines and is currently involved with Fallbrook Smiles Project working with elementary school children and volunteers dentistry at the Veterans Village of San Diego.


Yvonne, Instructor | Externship Coordinator


Yvonne, our instructor and externship coordinator is smiling for the camera in front of a bush.

Yvonne has over 12 years as a clinical assistant in the dental profession and recently joined Dr. Hsu's oral surgery practice in 2023. She is a talented and dedicated staff who quickly promoted to Clinical Operations Manager at SicatHSU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. She has years of experience as a dental assistant in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Yvonne has an excellent working relationship with many of Dr. Hsu's referring dental practices. Towards the last two weeks of the 10-week course, students will work closely with Yvonne to get assigned a clinical externship with one of the many dental pract ices in the nearby communities. She is a reliable instructor who will ensure a positive working environment throughout the 10-week course. Yvonne will make the ODAAB experience a rewarding one for all the students.



Yvonne is a local resident of Bonsall and enjoys exploring new places with her families on the weekends.



Tomas, Admissions Clerk


Tomas, OPDA admissions Officer is smiling for the camera.

Tomas is the Admissions Clerk for ODAAB and is the Operations Coordinator at SicatHSU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. He has been a valuable member of the Dr. Hsu's team since July 2021 and has experience in both administrative and clinical duties. Tomas is a talented artist who graduated from Temple University in Tokyo, Japan. He uses his talent to create promotional brochures and Dr. Hsu's newsletter. He has certifications in both Basic Life Support and Infection Control. He is excited to help students navigate through the admissions process at ODAAB and provide tours of the clinic. 


After hours you will usually find him spending time at a horse ranch in Fallbrook caring for over a dozen horses. He also enjoys serving those in need and participated in his first humanitarian mission to the Philippines in February 2024.


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