Dental Assistant Schools in California

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant growth in demand for dental assistants across the country and a similar growth for these professionals in California. The state is already a wonderful place to work as a dental assistant, with a straightforward path for residents looking to start this career journey as quickly as possible.

To make the journey even more enjoyable, we have provided a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how to become a Californian dental assistant below. The guide contains the educational prerequisites, training options, certification considerations, and top programs.

Readers will also learn what figures to expect concerning their annual earnings on the job and how to scale them year to year.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in California

Below are the steps involved in becoming a dental assistant in California.

Obtaining Formal Dental Assistant Training

All aspiring dental assistants in California must receive formal training. There are various ways of obtaining such training, including getting it from a board-approved dental assistant program, completing 15 months of on-the-job training, and completing 4 months of a training program combined with 11 months of experience learning on the job.

Most candidates attend an approved certificate program, which provides a strong platform for classroom training in fundamental topics. Obtaining this certificate allows students to qualify for training programs on the job, leading to real-world experience and even permanent job placement.

Receive Training in Related Fields

Candidates are advised to complete the Dental Practice Act, Infection Control, and dental assisting training. Even candidates who would be okay working as unlicensed dental assistants in California must still complete the California Dental Practice Act course and infection control.

Another important training course is the life support course. Candidates must receive such training from a destination that is approved by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Several high-quality training destinations provide such training, including those we highlight later in the guide.

Employment

After completing the above steps, prospective dental assistants in California may proceed to secure employment and consider the certification process highlighted below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become a medical assistant in California

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification and licensing are not compulsory for dental assistants in California. However, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers nationally recognized credentials useful for California candidates.

These credentials provide credibility, help professionals improve themselves, and leverage several networking avenues to facilitate career growth. To become certified by the DANB, candidates must complete an examination of three key sections.

The first section deals with the General Chairside Assistant, while the second and third sections test candidates’ knowledge of Radiation Health and Safety and Infection Control, respectively.

Candidates who pass this exam will officially be called Certified Dental Assistants.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in California

The following are the top programs for prospective California dental assistants.

Notable Mentions

Other notable destinations to receive training as an aspiring dental assistant in Los Angeles include Concorde Career College, with locations in San Diego and San Bernardino; UEI College, with locations in Fresno, San Marcos, Bakersfield, and Chula Vista, among others; Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa; Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hills; Palomar College in San Marcos; and Pasadena City College in Pasadena.

Explore dental assistant schools in California by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Los Angeles

Salary & Career Outlook

Most dental assistants in California will be mid-point earners. A survey of thousands of dental assistants in the state revealed that they will earn an annual average salary of $78,789.

However, this figure can be higher or lower thanks to factors like experience, location, establishment of employment, and credentials, among others. For those who fall below and are in the lowest-paid category, the annual average salary to expect is around $60,426.

For those who have managed to scale to be among the highest-paid dental assistants in California, $102,732 is usually the annual average salary to expect.

The locations within the state where dental assistants earn the most are San Francisco, with an annual average salary of $93,218; San Jose, with an annual average salary of $88,449; and Concord, with an annual average salary of $87,233.

The top five also consists of Vista, with an annual average salary of $81,698, and San Diego, with an annual average salary of $80,425.