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.

Schools in California

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  Heald College

  Heald College has a long history. Over 145 years ago, Edward Payson Heald opened the first Heald College in San Francisco, California. His mission was, and continues to be, to prepare students for business careers by providing them with career education that focused on practical, hands-on learning. Heald College has persevered since 1863, always remaining true to its original mission. As the needs of the workplace changed, the Heald College curriculum evolved from business courses to include technology, healthcare and legal degrees. As Heald College heads toward its 150th anniversary, we look back on a proud history as the first business college in the western United States.

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  Charter College

  Charter’s philosophy is to direct you not only to the highest level of academic achievement and performance, but also strives to nourish your personal and professional growth. We have an obligation to you and a potential employer in this community to produce competent graduates who can succeed in an ever-changing, richly diverse workplace.

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  Everest College

  At all Everest College campuses, we maintain a well-defined program philosophy: provide a quality education that emphasizes practical skills; employ a highly skilled and dedicated faculty; cater to students seeking a strong knowledge base and the experience needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Our programs emphasize real-world training that is tailored to meet the needs of potential employers. The fields of study focus on industries that offer solid, long-term career opportunities for graduates.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Summit College

  The Mission of Summit College is to provide adult learners the skills and technological knowledge necessary to achieve success in their chosen vocational field. We recognize that education is vital in developing opportunities for the student to become a productive part of society and is essential in promoting the individuals sense of worth, values, and high ethical standards. The College is committed to offering quality education that meets the needs of its students and assisting them in pursuing their educational goals.

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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  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!

  Kaplan College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.

  Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

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  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.