California Dental Assistant Schools & Training Programs
To become a dental assistant in California, it is important to receive dental assistant training from a certified institution. A number of dental assistant schools in California offer professional education and training to equip you for the job. This job involves multiple tasks and responsibilities ranging from record keeping to patient care in a dentist’s office.
Find dental assistant schools in cities like San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and others.
Dental Assistant Schools in California (CA)
Everest College
Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Campus
- Reseda
- Ontario
- Anaheim
- San Jose
- Gardena
- City of Industry
- San Francisco
- West Los Angeles
- San Bernardino
- Alhambra
- LA Wilshire
Programs
- Dental Assistant
Heald College
Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in healthcare, business, legal and technology. Heald takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Heald provides career services assistance for life. We help locate employment opportunities anytime throughout our graduates’ careers. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. High school diploma or GED required.
Campus
- Concord
- Modesto
- Hayward
- Stockton
Programs
- Dental Assisting
Carrington College California
Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.
Campus
- Pleasant Hill
- Citrus Heights
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Antioch
- San Leandro
- Stockton
- Pomona
Programs
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
West Coast University
West Coast University (WCU), with campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, offers Bachelor and Master’s level degree programs that are designed to help you reach your educational and professional goals while balancing an already busy life and work schedule. We want to help you advance in the health care industry through higher education.
Complete information about West Coast University, including its academic programs, campus locations, admissions policy, and tuition, is located at westcoastuniversity.edu.
Campus
- Orange County
Programs
- BS in Dental Hygiene
Kaplan College
A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career! Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!
Campus
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Vista
- Riverside
Programs
- Dental Assisting
UEI College
For over 25 years, UEI has served as a top choice for career preparation and training, and our tradition for excellence in education continues to grow. We dedicate our reputation for success to a single standard: the success of our students. At UEI, experience relevant, real-life instruction you can use to make a meaningful impact in the career you choose. Select from our programs in high-demand fields that include Business, Healthcare, Computer Technology, Automotive Technology and Criminal Justice. Build your confidence in our innovative, student-centered learning environment. Once you’ve prepared for the workplace, benefit from our job placement assistance and the dynamic relationships we’ve built with local employers who’ve hired our graduates.
Campus
- Bakersfield
- Stockton
- Huntington Park
- Anaheim
- Fresno
- San Marcos
- Gardena
- El Monte
Programs
- Dental Assistant
American Career College
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.
Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Campus
- Orange County
- Long Beach
- Inland Empire
Programs
- Dental Assisting
Milan Institute
We believe that each student at Milan Institute holds the key to his or her own success. Our staff and instructors strive to help each student develop the professionalism that will open a world of creativity and knowledge. Milan Institute offers a college atmosphere conducive to learning and individual growth. Excellent training and job placement assistance enable our students to become enterprising professionals.
Campus
- Sparks
- Palm Desert
- Visalia
Programs
- Dental Assistant
- Registered Dental Assistant
San Joaquin Valley College
San Joaquin Valley College is an accredited private junior college committed to the professional success of its students and graduates. Founded in 1977, SJVC has campuses located throughout California – including an Online division – and offers a variety of accelerated Certificate and Associate of Science degree programs in the business, medical and technical fields. Students benefit from a balance of classroom instruction, hands-on training and learning the skills they need to go straight to work in today’s competitive job market.
Campus
- Visalia
- Fresno
- Bakersfield
Programs
- Dental Assisting
Charter College
What sets Charter College apart from other career focused colleges is our focus on individualized student support. Everyone’s journey to success takes its own course and our instructors, counselors and staff are there to make sure you find your way there. We hire teachers who are working in their fields. We build facilities that provide up-to-date equipment and hands-on training. Whether you want to learn on campus or want an accredited online college to fit your schedule, contact Charter College to learn more about our programs.
Campus
- Canyon Country
- Oxnard
Programs
- Diploma - Dental Assistant
- Certificate - Dental Assisting
Dental Assisting in California
Dental assistant job description in California may vary from one dental office to another. In any case, the job description must be within the parameters laid out under the state law. California dental assistant schools prepare students for most of the tasks that they may be expected to perform on the job.
Some of the typical tasks of a dental assistant in the state would include working with patients to put them at ease in the dental chair, sterilizing the dentistry instruments, setting up the work area for the dentist, helping the dentist during the procedure with tasks such as handing over the instruments or holding suction hoses to keep the patient’s mouth dry.
California dental assisting schools will also impart knowledge on basic things such as dental hygiene so that on the job they may instruct the patients properly. Other tasks usually include lab chores and processing of X rays under the dentist’s direction, maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and helping patients with billings and payments.
California Dental Assistant Training
Dental assisting schools in California offer formal education and training to fully equip the students for the job, and minimize the need for on-the-job training. Dental assistant certification can help the candidates get a job with a dental office or another dental facility. A dental assistant must clear the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board.
To appear for this examination, the dental assistant should have studied at one of the recognized dental assistant schools in California or graduated high school and finished the minimum required on-the-job training. Such training typically involves learning new assistant dental terminology, performing everyday tasks, interacting with patients, and helping in other activities to ensure the dental office runs efficiently.
California Dental Assistant Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual dental assistant salary in May 2010 stood at $33,470. The top 10 percent earners during that period received a pay of $47,090 or higher, while the bottom 10 percent earners received a pay less than $22,680 during the same period. Training from leading dental assistant schools in California can help the candidates achieve better salaries.
A large number of the jobs on offer for dental assistants in California are full time jobs. However, in 2010, nearly two in five dental assistants worked part time. Some of the candidates may have to work over the weekends or in the evenings. This will depend on the hours of operation at the dental office where they work.
It is a fabulous and prudent idea to receive formal education at one of the recognized California dental assistant schools,considering the improving job prospects in this field. Between 2010 and 2020, job growth for dental assistants is expected to be 31 percent, which is higher than the average for all occupations, certainly considering that much of this time has been blanketed by a recession that continues moving forward.
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