Dental Assisting Faculty
Lydia Cosio, R.D.A, C.D.A., B.S.
Cerritos College Dental Assisting
Professor, Program Director and Department Chairperson

Contact: lcosio@cerritos.edu
Office: 562-860-2451 x2587
Ms. Lydia Cosio is an alumna of the Cerritos College Dental Assisting program, and holds her Associate of Arts degree from Cerritos College. She has also earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University Long Beach.
Ms. Cosio has over 25 years of chairside experience in general, private practice and has been an instructor at Cerritos College for over 28 years.
Due to COVID-19, we are working remotely. Please communicate through email and not my office phone extension.
Marisol Saucedo, R.D.A., C.D.A., B.S.
Dental Assisting Instructor
Contact: msaucedo@cerritos.edu
Marisol has earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Vocation Education from California State University, Long Beach. She also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Cerritos College.
With over 20 years of experience in the dental field, Marisol currently works in a general practice dental office as well as an oral surgeon's office.
Here at Cerritos College, Marisol has been teaching for more than 10 years and currently teaches Advanced Chairside Assisting and Introduction to Operatory procedures.
Teresa Hurtado, R.D.A., C.D.A., B.S.
Dental Assisting Instructor
Contact: thurtado@cerritos.edu
Teresa has been a Registered Dental Assistant for 14 years. She has worked in General practices, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry offices, in addition to 8 years of teaching experience. She received her Teaching Credential in Career Technical Education from The Commission on Teaching Credentials of California in Health Science and Medical Terminology. Ms. Hurtado is a member of the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers, has earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Career and Technical Education from California State University, San Bernardino.
Anne Contreras, CDA, COA, RDA, OA, M.Ed.
Dental Assisting Instructor
Contact: acontreras@cerritos.edu
Anne has been in the dental profession for approximately 22 years. She received her Associates of Science Degree in Dental Assisting from Cypress College, CTE Teaching Credential from University of San Diego, earned her Baccalaureate Degree in Sociology from Chapman University and was awarded her Masters Degree in Education from the University of San Diego.
Ms. Contreras has taught at several private colleges, high schools, adult education and community college dental assisting programs for over a decade. She teaches courses in dental materials, advanced chairside techniques, orthodontic assisting, coronal polishing, infection control, pit and fissure sealants, radiology and ultrasonic scaling. In addition to her passion of teaching students, she is also an active chairside orthodontic assistant at a private practice and BLS Health Care Provider CPR Instructor for the American Heart Association. She is a member of several dental and teacher associations and gives back to the community by volunteering at free clinics.
Ms. Contreras is a previous Subject Matter Expert, writing and editing the written portion of the Registered Dental Assisting examination and is currently serving her term as Chair on the Dental Board of California, representing dental assistants.
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