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Dental Assistant Schools in California

20 accredited Dental programs in CA

20

Schools in CA

$44,820

Avg. Salary

9-12 months

Program Length

13

Cities

Dental Assistant Schools in California

American Career College - Anaheim

1200 N Magnolia Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801

American Career College's Dental Assistant program in Anaheim prepares students for both clinical and administrative positions in dental practices over nine to twelve months. The curriculum readies graduates for recognized certifications including the CDA and RDA. This program suits individuals seeking entry into the dental field with practical, hands-on training.

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4.4 (64)

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9-10 months

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American Career College - Los Angeles

4021 Rosewood Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004

American Career College's Dental Assistant program in Los Angeles prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices through hands-on training in a modern facility. The curriculum covers patient care, chairside assistance, and office procedures to prepare graduates for dental assistant certification. This program suits individuals seeking entry into healthcare with a focus on direct patient interaction.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (44)

$16,500

9 months

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American River College

4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841

American River College's Dental Assistant program prepares students to support dentists and hygienists in clinical and administrative settings. The curriculum covers patient care, instrument sterilization, radiography, and chairside assistance over approximately nine to twelve months. Graduates are equipped to pursue CDA or RDA certification and enter the dental workforce.

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4.3 (23)

$3,000

12-24 months

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Carrington College - Sacramento

8909 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95826

Carrington College Sacramento's dental assisting program prepares students for chairside and administrative duties in dental offices within nine to twelve months. The curriculum covers patient care, radiography, and sterilization techniques needed to support dentists and hygienists. Graduates are equipped to pursue CDA or RDA certification and enter the growing dental healthcare field.

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4.3 (32)

$14,500

9 months

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Carrington College - Stockton

1313 W Robinhood Dr Bldg B Suite 200, Stockton, CA 95207

Carrington College's Stockton campus offers a nine to eleven month Dental Assistant certificate approved by the California Dental Board. The program covers dental X-rays, impressions, coronal polishing, and chairside assisting techniques. This training prepares students for entry-level dental office positions and eligibility for certifications like the CDA and RDA.

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4 (65)

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9-11 months

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Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

Cerritos College's Dental Assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices and clinics. The curriculum covers patient care, instrument sterilization, radiography, and chairside assistance. Graduates are equipped to pursue CDA certification and enter the workforce as competent dental support professionals.

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4 (46)

$1,346

18-24 months

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Concorde Career College - San Bernardino

201 E Airport Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Concorde Career College's Dental Assistant program in San Bernardino can be completed in approximately ten months and is approved by the California Dental Board. The curriculum prepares students for the state licensing examination and covers clinical and administrative dental skills. This diploma program suits people seeking entry-level positions in dental offices or specialty practices.

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4.1 (62)

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10 months

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Concorde Career College - San Diego

4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92113

Concorde Career College - San Diego prepares students for entry-level dental assistant roles through hands-on training in patient care, chairside assistance, and office procedures. The program typically runs nine to twelve months and can lead to certification credentials like the CDA or RDA. Graduates are ready to support dentists in clinical settings at dental practices throughout the region.

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4.1 (64)

$42,000

21 months

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Cosumnes River College

8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95823

Cosumnes River College's dental assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices. The curriculum covers patient care, chairside procedures, radiography, and sterilization techniques, equipping graduates for entry-level positions or pursuit of professional certifications. This program suits individuals interested in healthcare who want to complete training in under a year.

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4 (20)

$1,288

12-24 months

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North-West College - Riverside

Riverside, CA

North-West College's Riverside campus offers a 9-to-12-month Dental Assistant program designed for students pursuing immediate entry into healthcare careers. The curriculum prepares graduates for California Dental Board licensure exams and common certifications including CDA, RDA, and DANB Certification. This program suits candidates seeking hands-on training in dental patient care and clinical procedures.

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4.2 (58)

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9 months

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Pasadena City College

1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106

Pasadena City College's dental assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices. The curriculum covers patient care, sterilization procedures, and chairside assistance over approximately nine to twelve months. Graduates are ready to pursue CDA or RDA certification and work directly with dentists and dental hygienists.

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4.3 (60)

$2,200

9 months

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Pima Medical Institute - Chula Vista (San Diego)

780 Bay Boulevard, Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Pima Medical Institute's Chula Vista campus offers hands-on dental assistant training designed for students seeking entry into clinical dentistry. The program prepares graduates to support dentists in patient care, sterilization, and office management. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to pursue the CDA or RDA certification, opening pathways to employment in dental practices throughout San Diego.

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4.2 (45)

$16,500

9 months

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Sacramento City College

3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822

Sacramento City College's dental assistant program prepares students for direct patient care in dental offices within nine to twelve months. The curriculum covers clinical procedures, radiography, infection control, and chairside assistance, preparing graduates for certification exams like the CDA or DANB. This program suits those seeking entry-level dental healthcare roles in the Sacramento area.

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4.2 (59)

$2,200

12-18 months

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UEI College - Bakersfield

3737 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308

UEI College's Dental Assistant program in Bakersfield prepares students for entry-level roles in dental offices through hands-on training completed in under a year. The curriculum covers clinical and administrative tasks that support dentists and hygienists. Graduates are equipped to pursue dental assistant certification and begin careers in general or specialty dental practices.

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4.5 (31)

$19,900

10 months

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UEI College - Chula Vista (San Diego area)

1261 3rd Avenue, Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91911

UEI College's Dental Assistant program in Chula Vista prepares students for chairside support and office management in dental practices within nine to twelve months. The curriculum covers patient care, instrument sterilization, radiography basics, and administrative duties needed for entry-level positions. Graduates are equipped to pursue CDA or RDA certification and support dentists in clinical and front-office settings.

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4.2 (21)

$17,000

10 months

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UEI College - Fresno

3602 N. Blackstone Ave, Suite O268, Fresno, CA 93726

UEI College's Dental Assistant program in Fresno trains students for entry-level roles in dental offices through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on lab work. The hybrid format lets working students balance their schedule while learning sterilization, patient care, and chairside support over approximately ten months. Graduates gain the foundation to pursue certification exams like the CDA or RDA.

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4.3 (67)

$19,900

10 months

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UEI College - Gardena

661 West Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247

UEI College in Gardena offers a dental assistant program designed for students seeking hands-on training in patient care, chairside support, and dental office operations. The curriculum prepares graduates for entry-level positions in dental practices and qualifies them to pursue the CDA or RDA certification. With flexible hybrid scheduling, the program accommodates working adults who want to transition into healthcare within ten months.

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4.1 (27)

$19,900

10 months

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UEI College - Huntington Park (Los Angeles area)

6055 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, CA 90255

UEI College's Huntington Park campus prepares students for entry-level roles assisting dentists and hygienists. The nine to twelve month Dental Assistant program covers clinical and administrative skills needed in dental offices, positioning graduates to pursue certifications like the CDA or RDA. This accelerated program suits people seeking quick entry into the healthcare field.

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4.3 (45)

$17,500

10 months

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UEI College - Riverside

1860 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

UEI College's Riverside campus offers a dental assistant program that typically runs nine to twelve months and prepares students for certifications including the CDA, RDA, and DANB Certification. The hands-on training suits individuals looking to enter dental offices in a supporting clinical role. Graduates gain skills needed for patient care and chairside assistance in dental practice settings.

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4.2 (39)

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9 months

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UEI College - Stockton

4994 Claremont Ave, Stockton, CA 95207

UEI College's Stockton campus offers a dental assistant program that typically takes 9 to 12 months to complete. The curriculum prepares students for certifications including the CDA, RDA, and DANB Certification. This program suits individuals seeking entry-level positions in dental offices and clinics.

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4.2 (51)

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9 months

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Dental Assistant Training in California

California offers excellent opportunities for aspiring dental assistants. With 20 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average dental assistant in California earns around $44,820 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 8% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Dental programs in CA take 9-12 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as CDA, RDA, DANB Certification, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Dental Training

Dental Assistant programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like CDA and RDA that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.