Southern California Dental Assisting Programs

American Career College – Dental Assisting
ACC offers quality healthcare career training that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to find a career upon graduation.

Campus locations:

• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• Inland Empire
• Ontario, CA

>> Request information from America Career College

UEI College – Dental Assistant
UEI believe that by teaching the skills necessary to succeed in today’s changing world, they help students achieve success. The CA campus is located in Huntington Park, San Diego, and Ontario.
>> Request information from UEI College

>> Request information from Concorde Career College

Charter College – Dental Assistant Diploma
Each program has its own industry advisory board to ensure our students are receiving the training and skill sets employers need.
>> Request information from Charter College

Bay Area and Northern CA Dental Assisting Programs

Heald College – Dental Assisting
Heald College offers real-world education to last a lifetime with 18-month associate degree programs in Healthcare. Campus located in Stockton, Concord and Hayward, CA.
>> Request information from Heald College

San Joaquin Valley College – Dental Assisting
At San Joaquin Valley College, you get a balance of hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare you for the demands of the real world. Campus located in Rancho Cordova, CA.
>> Request information from San Joaquin Valley College

San Diego, CA Dental Assisting Schools

Kaplan College – Dental Assisting
At Kaplan College you can train for one of many satisfying careers in just a matter of months.
>> Request information from Kaplan College

About California Dental Assistant Careers

Our teeth are one of the most important parts of our bodies. We would have a difficult time surviving without teeth and healthy gums. Dental assistants work with dentists to help millions of people keep their teeth in healthy condition. You will find most dental assistants working for a group of dentists, one dentist or in a hospital dental clinic.

Dental assistant graduates are entering a career with the one of the highest demands in the country. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for dental assistants will continue to rise by 29.2% through 2016.

Dental Assistants Key Responsibilities

Dental assistants work directly under the supervision of a dentist. They help perform oral surgery and other complex procedures. Dental assistants sterilize and organize the dental instruments and tools for each specific treatment. In addition, they record results, take x-rays and prepare compounds for making impressions of the patient’s teeth.

California does not require a dental assistant license but it does restrict unlicensed dental assistant duties.

Some of the tasks that unlicensed dental assistants are allowed to do include:

Evaluate orthodontia for flaws
Apply fluoride treatment
Expose completed x-rays
Give tools to an oral surgeon or a dentist during procedures

A licensed dental assistant can perform these additional tasks:

Examine teeth using mirrors and tools
Insert dressings after oral surgeries
Prepare temporary crowns
Remove sutures

Dental Assistant Salaries In California

In San Francisco, dental assistants earn an median salary of $39,073. Licensed dental assistants usually earn 5% to 10% more in pay.

Dental Assistant Education Requirements

Dental assistant training usually takes about 1 year. Here are some of the standard courses that you can expect to take in dental assistant programs:

Chair side Assisting
Dental Anatomy
Dental Assisting Seminar
Dental Materials and Tools
Safety Measures and X-Ray Techniques

In addition, it is recommended to take the exam for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The CDA certificate can provide you with more job opportunities.

Financial Aid

No matter what your academic level is, the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help provide you with a grant, student loan, work-study program or a scholarship. School financial aid offices may have more sources of student aid as well.