Dental Assistant Programs in San Diego

California Dental Certifications offers a four-week dental assistant training program in San Diego. With both in-person classes held on weekends, students can quickly earn up to 10 certifications, including dental assistant, X-ray, and CPR certifications. This program aims to equip students with essential dental skills and industry-required certifications in a condensed format, ideal for those seeking to start a dental career promptly.

The program is free for eligible students who are unemployed or underemployed; otherwise, it costs $2,500. Along with a high 99% job placement rate, the course provides hands-on training that includes both practical and theoretical elements, setting students up for immediate employment. Located at 1059 First Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, this program is a good option for those wanting to enter the dental field affordably and efficiently.

Concorde Career College’s Dental Assistant Program offers a 10-month course designed to prepare students for dental assisting roles. The program includes a blend of in-person and online classes, covering patient care, radiology, and dental office procedures. An externship provides hands-on experience in a real dental setting.

Located in San Diego, the program enables graduates to sit for the California RDA exam. Financial aid options and job placement support are available, making this program accessible to those pursuing a fast path to a dental career.

The Dental Assistant School of San Diego offers a 13-week training program designed to prepare students for a career in dental assisting. The curriculum provides hands-on learning, covering essential skills such as patient care, lab work, and office duties. Students gain real-world experience through an internship, equipping them with practical knowledge to start working immediately after graduation.

The program also includes CPR training and offers job placement assistance to help graduates find employment quickly. Scholarships may cover part or full tuition for eligible students. For scheduling and tuition details, prospective students are encouraged to contact the school directly.

The Grossmont Union High School District Health Occupations Center offers a 5-month Dental Assistant program focused on providing hands-on training in essential dental assisting skills. This in-person program covers chairside procedures, radiography, front office tasks, and includes a 240-hour internship in a dental office to ensure practical, real-world experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam in California.

With training conducted in a state-of-the-art dental lab, students gain familiarity with the latest equipment and technology. The program's all-inclusive curriculum prepares students to handle tasks like x-rays, sterilization, and patient management. Upon completion, students can pursue roles in various dental settings, with support available for internship placement and job search assistance.

Howard Healthcare Academy’s 10-month Dental Assistant Program provides hands-on training in clinical and administrative dental skills, preparing students for entry-level positions. The program includes an externship at local dental practices, helping students gain real-world experience.

Located in San Diego, the academy offers flexible class schedules, career support, and scholarships for those who qualify. Graduates are eligible to take the state exam for dental assistant certification, with additional job placement resources available.

Indigo Career College offers a 12-week Dental Assisting program that combines online coursework and hands-on clinical training. With 96 hours of clinical sessions held at dental offices and 120 online hours, this program prepares students for an entry-level role as a dental assistant. Each class session is aligned with real job opportunities, ensuring students gain relevant skills that meet industry demands.

Graduates of the program receive dental assistant certificates recognized by the Dental Board of California, along with job placement support, ensuring a pathway to employment within six months. The program's flexible schedule includes both online and in-person learning, making it accessible for students balancing other responsibilities.

Palomar College’s Dental Assisting program offers an Associate of Science Degree, training students to become Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) and Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). With hands-on classes and externships, students gain practical skills in radiography, infection control, and patient management, preparing them to take the California RDA and DANB exams.

Accredited by the Dental Assisting National Board and the Dental Board of California, this 10-month, in-person program supports students with career services and financial aid. With a history of high exam pass rates, Palomar College provides a solid foundation for dental assisting careers.

Pima Medical Institute’s Dental Assistant Certificate program provides students with practical skills in patient care, dental procedures, and office management. The 9-month program includes hands-on lab work and the option for a hybrid schedule, blending on-campus and online learning.

Located in Chula Vista and San Marcos, this program prepares graduates for entry-level dental assisting roles with opportunities for externships and career services. Financial aid and scholarships are available to qualifying students.

Professional Dental Enterprises (PDE) offers a 6-week dental assisting program that provides key certifications needed to pursue a career in dental assisting. With weekend classes, students learn essential skills in areas such as X-ray, infection control, and coronal polishing, all taught by experienced instructors. This program is certified by the Dental Board of California, ensuring that graduates meet industry standards.

PDE also provides job placement assistance through connections with local staffing agencies, helping graduates secure positions in dental offices. The course costs $2,495 and is eligible for price matching with competitor programs. Conveniently located in San Diego, PDE’s program is designed for individuals aiming to quickly enter the dental field with the required certifications and skills.

The San Diego Dental Careers program provides an 11-week dental assisting course, followed by 15 months of paid on-the-job training. This program is designed for individuals who want hands-on experience in a real dental office environment. Training includes a dental assisting certificate, X-ray license, and CPR certification, covering essential skills to get started in a dental assistant role.

Students can attend classes on Saturdays or during evening sessions, offering flexibility for those balancing other commitments. Located at Hust Dental Care in San Diego, this program emphasizes practical learning and allows participants to earn income while gaining experience. Payment plans and military discounts are available to help with tuition costs.

San Diego Mesa College’s Dental Assisting Program offers both a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate of Science Degree, designed to equip students with the skills needed for dental assisting roles. The 10-month program includes hands-on training in labs with modern dental equipment and covers core skills like radiography, infection control, and office management.

Accredited by the Dental Board of California, this program allows graduates to sit for the California RDA and CDA exams. With flexible class schedules and financial aid options, Mesa College provides a cost-effective pathway into dental assisting careers.

The San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Dental Assistant Bootcamp offers a free, four-week accelerated training to prepare participants for entry-level dental assistant roles. With a blend of 10-12 hours of in-person and 20 hours of online instruction weekly, students also gain hands-on experience through on-the-job training, giving them exposure to real-world practices.

Participants earn a certificate upon completion, covering essential skills like patient intake, infection control, and foundational chairside techniques. The program supports job readiness with interview prep and onboarding assistance, equipping graduates with essential dental skills and confidence for the job market.

San Joaquin Valley College’s Dental Assisting program trains students in essential dental skills, focusing on patient care, office responsibilities, and laboratory tasks. With hands-on training, students learn to assist during procedures, handle X-rays, and apply infection control protocols, preparing them for entry-level roles in dental offices.

The program can be completed in 11 months, leading to a Certificate of Completion. Multiple campus locations across California make it accessible to students statewide, and financial aid options are available for those who qualify. Graduates also have the option to pursue further study with an Associate of Science in Health Studies for expanded career opportunities.

SDSU Global Campus offers an online Clinical Dental Assistant Training Program designed to prepare students for a career as a dental assistant. The program combines 300 hours of coursework over a 12-month period and includes training in essential dental procedures, patient care, radiology, and administrative duties. This online, self-paced course allows flexibility, letting students begin at any time and learn at their own pace.

Upon completion, students receive vouchers to sit for parts of the Dental Assisting National Board exams and can apply for optional clinical experience. This training pathway is ideal for those looking to enter the dental field with a solid foundation in practical and theoretical skills. Tuition assistance may be available through the Workforce Partnership for qualifying students.

UEI College’s Dental Assistant Program equips students with hands-on and online training, preparing them for entry-level roles in dental care. The 10-month program includes lab work and an externship, giving students experience in real dental settings. With classes offered in hybrid formats, it provides flexible options for busy schedules.

Available at both Chula Vista and Oceanside campuses, this program covers essential skills, from radiography to chairside assisting and office duties. Financial aid and career services are accessible for eligible students, supporting them throughout the program.