The National School of Dental Assisting in Galt, California, offers a 12-week (152-hour) dental assisting program. Upon completion, students will have earned a certificate in dental assisting. The Dental Hygiene Committee of California reviews and accredits all coursework. Within this program, students are taught using theoretical coursework as well as hands-on laboratory courses within a working dental office. Coursework includes radiography techniques, dental anatomy, dental specialties, restorative dental work and impressions, as well as an eight-hour externship. Applicants must hold a high school diploma, or GED. To apply, students must fill out the online application, or print the application from the National School of Dental Assisting website. As of 2010, this program cost $3,300. Students are able to pay this tuition in full or establish a payment plan directly with the school.
National School of Dental Assisting
580 C St.
Galt, CA 95361
209-403-6483
schoolofdentalassisting-stockton.com
The City College of San Francisco offers a Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting. This four-semester program requires completion of 33.5 units to graduate. The American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits all courses. These include dental roentgenography, introduction to dental procedures, advanced dental procedures, applied dental sciences and dental office management. Along with classroom lectures, students are involved in clinical chair-side courses to learn techniques from a licensed dentist. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED; type a minimum of 45 words-per-minute and be admitted into the City College of San Francisco. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Licensure Examination. As of 2010, the tuition for all students (in-state and out-of-state) was $26 per unit. Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.
City College of San Francisco
50 Phelan Ave.
Cloud Hall, Room 304
San Francisco, CA 94112
415-239-3479
ccsf.edu
Anthem College, also known as High-Tech Institute of Sacramento, is a vocational college in Sacramento, California, and in other states throughout the country. This program offers a diploma in dental assisting, which takes an average of one year to complete. It teaches foundational knowledge to work within a dentist office as an assistant, combining theoretical knowledge with a required externship. The program has the accreditation of both the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. To apply, a high school diploma or GED are required, as well as passing an entrance examination covering basic reading, writing and mathematic skills.
Anthem College (High Tech Institute of Sacramento)
9738 Lincoln Village Dr., Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95827
800-322-4128
hightechinstitute.edu