Online Dental Assistant Programs in San Diego

Pima Medical Institute, one of the largest dental assistant programs in the country, offers a 9-month hybrid Dental Assistant Certificate program, combining online coursework and practical lab sessions in a hybrid format.

The online classes cover foundational topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, and patient care. Through a structured curriculum, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for clinical practice. Online modules include interactive lessons and instructional materials, which are complemented by in-person labs on scheduled days.

In addition to online and lab work, students complete an externship, allowing them to practice in real-world settings. This externship enhances the practical aspects of their training, bridging the gap between online study and on-site dental practices. At the program’s conclusion, students are prepared to pursue their Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license in California if desired.

The UEI Dental Assistant Program delivers its coursework through a hybrid format, combining online classes and hands-on lab training at both the Chula Vista and Oceanside campuses. The program runs for approximately 10 months, designed to fit the needs of students who require flexibility.

The program covers essential skills in dental science, medical emergencies, chairside assisting, radiography, dental materials, and preventative dentistry. Classes are structured to include both virtual learning sessions and in-person lab work, which ensures that students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. The 170-hour externship provides real-world exposure, placing students in dental clinics to apply their skills directly with patients and dental professionals.

The curriculum is structured into specific courses, such as Dental Science, Radiography, and Prosthodontics, covering a broad range of dental assisting functions, from sterilization and patient care to managing appointments and maintaining records.

Howard Healthcare Academy offers a 10-month online Dental Assistant program that combines virtual classes with real-world externship opportunities at affiliated dental offices. The program includes core dental assisting skills, covering anatomy, dental procedures, and patient care, along with administrative and leadership training to manage the front office.

In addition to the primary dental assistant curriculum, Howard Healthcare Academy offers a variety of continuing education courses designed to expand the professional skills of dental assistants. These courses, accessible online or in hybrid formats, include specialties like Infection Control Certification, California Dental Practice Act, and Pit and Fissure Sealant. The academy also provides advanced certifications, such as the Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF), which allows licensed RDAs to perform advanced procedures like placing permanent fillings and adjusting crowns. Other offerings include OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training, Orthodontic Assistant Certification, and Special Needs Dental Assistant Training.

San Diego Mesa College’s Dental Assistant Program provides students with an online class component for certain lectures, allowing them to complete a portion of their studies remotely. Classes are “partially online,” with practical lab sessions conducted in person. Lab-based classes and hands-on clinical practice are held on campus, ensuring students gain essential technical skills directly in a dental office setting.

The program includes two main tracks: a Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting, which requires 37 units, and an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting, which requires additional coursework to reach 60 units. Key courses cover topics like Dental Radiography, Clinical Business Management, and Infection Control, preparing students for roles as registered and certified dental assistants. Graduates are also eligible to take the California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.

Mesa College’s program is accredited by the Dental Board of California and the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Indigo Career College’s Dental Assistant Program offers a structured 12-week hybrid curriculum that combines 120 hours of online coursework with 96 hours of in-person clinical practice. The online component covers foundational knowledge in dental assisting, including infection control, dental radiography, and patient care skills, allowing students to engage with theoretical content remotely.

In addition to online lectures, students attend weekly hands-on clinical sessions held at affiliated dental offices within Indigo’s network. These in-person labs focus on practical skills, such as chairside assisting and dental instrument sterilization. Students also complete a 170-hour externship, where they gain real-world experience under the supervision of professionals.

Upon program completion, graduates are prepared to take the state exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in California. Indigo offers extensive job placement support, leveraging its network of dental offices to assist students in finding entry-level roles.

This fully online Clinical Dental Assistant Training program offered through SDSU Global Campus is structured to be flexible and self-paced, allowing students to complete 300 course hours within a 12-month period. Designed to cover essential dental assisting knowledge, the program includes modules on dental anatomy, patient care, infection control, radiology, and preventive dentistry, among others.

Students are given access to video tutorials for Dentrix Practice Management software, commonly used in dental offices, to help them gain familiarity with managing dental records digitally. The course also covers topics like dental ethics, communication skills, and emergency management. Optional virtual lab simulations provide hands-on practice in radiology and anesthesia setup.

The program includes exam vouchers for the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) portions of the Dental Assisting National Board exams, preparing students for certification. Students can enroll at any time, as the course operates on open enrollment, and complete each section at their own pace.