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Application & Deadlines

Application Period*Semester Admission Decisions**Current Status
June 1-30, 2024Fall 2024
Classes start August 26, 2024.		July 2024Online Application will open on JUNE 1.

*Application period for every Fall semester is from June 1-30.
** All students will receive a notification via email, regardless of the admission decision.

RDA Program Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses DA 50 and DA 57 as well (or equivalent) with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete the corequisite course ENG 100 (or equivalent) with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Show proof of high school graduation or equivalent by submitting a copy of diploma, final transcripts, or proof of a passing score on the General Education Development test (GED).
  • Meet academic requirements as specified in the Palomar College Catalog.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (Cumulative GPA from all college coursework)
  • Be a minimum age of 18 years.
  • Complete and submit the Palomar College RDA Application for Admission.
  • Complete the Application Checklist.
  • Contact the Dental Assisting program if contact information changes.
  • Check College student email regularly and respond to messages in a timely manner.

Admitted students will be required to submit medical, immunization, vision, and dental clearances and proof of current CPR certification by established deadlines.

Completion of or Eligibility for ENG 100 or  ESL 110 with a ‘C’ or better is required to graduate from the RDA Program and to be eligible for RDA License.

RDA Program information including costs, contact information, pass rates, and the Program Policy Manual can be found at www.palomar.edu/dental.

RDA Application Packets for Fall 2024 will open on JUNE 1, 2024.

RDA PROGRAM APPLICATION CHECK LIST & INSTRUCTIONS

Submit your application packet online during the posted application period. All documents uploaded need to be in PDF format.

RDA Program Application packet must include:

  • Dental Assisting Program Application
  • Dental Assisting Program Application Checklist
  • Proof of High School Graduation or GED or College Degree
  • Unofficial transcripts
    • If admitted, students will submit official transcripts directly to the Palomar Records Office

Important Notes:

  • If you have not already passed DA 50 and DA 57, you are not eligible to apply for the program at this time.
  • Acceptance is offered on a first come first serve basis for complete and eligible application packets.
  • Completion of ENG100 or ESL103 or ESL110 course with a ‘C’ or better is required to graduate from the RDA Program and to be eligible for the licensing exams.
  • If admitted, students will attend a mandatory on-boarding meeting.
  • Participating students will be required to meet medical, dental, vision, immunization, and CPR requirements.
  • Students cannot enroll into program courses until all on-boarding requirements are met.

Academic Standards

To remain enrolled in the program, students must earn a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in each of the required courses. Students must pass all laboratory and clinical evaluations at 75% competency or a substandard grade will be assigned for the course. A student may fail a dental assisting course on the basis of clinical practice even though grade in the lecture portion of a class may be a “C” or higher. Re-entry within two years will be considered upon a space available basis.