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Weekend Dental Assistant Schools in San Diego

  • 5 min read

In San Diego, weekend dental assistant programs offer a flexible solution for those needing to balance work, family, or other weekday commitments. These programs provide the same comprehensive training as traditional weekday classes but are condensed into weekends, making them a practical choice for busy students. 

Class schedules can be subject to change, so it’s advisable to always check for the most current offerings by visiting our All Dental Assistant Programs page for a comprehensive list.

Here are some of the current available options:

  • Professional Dental Enterprises

    6-week program with classes on both Saturdays and Sundays, focusing on hands-on training in a real dental office setting. This program is ideal for those looking to quickly transition into the field without compromising on the quality of their education.

  • San Diego Dental Careers

    11-week program that meets every Saturday. This program includes 15 months of paid on-the-job training, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom directly to the workplace.

  • California Dental Certifications

    4-week accelerated program that covers necessary certifications over the weekends. This program is tailored for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, with potential eligibility for free tuition.

For more details on costs, duration, class schedules, locations, certifications offered, and general program focus, explore the more detailed summaries provided for each school.

Browse Schools:

1. Professional Dental Enterprises

Professional Dental Enterprises (PDE) offers a unique weekend schedule for its Dental Assistant program, ideal for students who cannot commit to weekday classes. The 6-week program is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed in dental assisting, focusing on practical, hands-on learning during weekends. Classes run both Saturdays and Sundays, ensuring that students can complete their certification in a compressed time frame without disrupting weekday obligations.

Each weekend, students immerse themselves in intensive sessions that cover a range of necessary skills from X-ray certification to infection control. The program’s structure allows for immediate application of learned skills in real-world dental settings, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practical application. This setup not only accelerates the learning process but also prepares students for quick entry into the dental field.

The total cost of the program is $2,495, which includes all necessary certifications required to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). PDE’s program is recognized by the Dental Board of CA, ensuring that the certifications are compliant with industry standards and state requirements. The program’s weekend format is particularly tailored to those who need to balance education with other life commitments, providing a flexible yet rigorous pathway to a dental assisting career.

CategoryDescription
Cost$2,495
Program Duration6 weeks
Class SchedulesWeekend classes (Saturdays and Sundays)
Online Classes?No
Location3251 Adams Ave Ste A, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone(619) 584-6262

2. San Diego Dental Careers

San Diego Dental Careers offers a weekend Dental Assistant program structured to accommodate students who prefer or need to attend classes outside of traditional weekday schedules. The program takes place over 11 weeks of intensive Saturday classes from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This setup allows students to complete the necessary theoretical and practical training while maintaining commitments during the regular workweek.

The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive dental assistant training, including chairside assisting techniques, X-ray certification, and CPR training, condensed into consecutive Saturday sessions. This arrangement is paired with 15 months of paid on-the-job training, which starts simultaneously, ensuring that students apply their classroom knowledge in real-world dental settings right from the beginning.

The course fee of $4,305 covers all aspects of the training, with financial plans available to spread the cost over time. The program is hosted at San Diego Dental Careers’ facilities located at 4690 Genesee Avenue, offering modern equipment and a fully operational dental practice environment for hands-on learning. For more details about enrollment and program specifics, prospective students can contact the school at (858) 352-0077 or visit their website.

CategoryDescription
Cost$4,305
Program Duration11 weeks, plus 15 months of paid training
Class SchedulesSaturdays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Online Classes?No
Location4690 Genesee Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117
Phone(858) 352-0077

3. California Dental Certifications

California Dental Certifications offers a streamlined weekend Dental Assistant program that spans four weeks, each Saturday and Sunday. This accelerated format is designed to deliver comprehensive training quickly and efficiently, maximizing weekend time without sacrificing depth of education. Students engage in hands-on and theoretical instruction necessary for dental assisting, with courses meticulously planned to cover essential skills and knowledge in a condensed period.

The program is priced at $2,500 unless eligibility criteria for free tuition are met, aimed at those who are unemployed or underemployed. It includes multiple certifications that are crucial for entering the dental assisting profession, such as X-ray certification and CPR. All classes are held at their downtown San Diego location, providing easy access for most students. The compact nature of the program ensures that students can achieve certification quickly, making it ideal for those eager to enter the workforce or enhance their skills without long-term schooling.

CategoryDescription
Cost$2,500, free if eligible
Program Duration4 weeks
Class SchedulesWeekends, Saturday and Sunday
Online Classes?No
Location1059 First Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone(858) 722-8504

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