Dental Assisting Programs | Dental Assistant School in California

Dental Assisting Program Overview

Dental Assistants are at the heart of any thriving dental practice, providing vital support and bridging the gap between dentists and patients. If you’re someone who thrives in hands-on roles and is passionate about patient care, our hybrid (in-person & online) Dental Assisting program can be your gateway to a fulfilling career. At Unitek College, you can earn your Dental Assisting diploma in as little as 10 months.

What makes our program stand out is its distinct advantage: efficiency: Dental Assisting requires significantly less schooling than many healthcare professions, paving the way for rapid entry into the field. This lets you gain hands-on experience sooner and opens doors to potential management roles, additional certifications, and specialty areas.

Our comprehensive curriculum delves into the critical areas of the profession, from sterilization techniques and dental X-rays to handling medical emergencies and mastering dental instruments.

Are you eager to embark on a meaningful and growing career as a Dental Assistant? Begin your journey today. Submit our contact form, and a friendly admissions representative will be delighted to guide you every step of the way.

Career Training

Dental Assisting

10 Months

Accelerated Program

Hybrid-Online

For the Busy Adult

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Unitek College offer a Dental Assisting program near me?

Incoming Dental Assisting students are welcome to enroll at any one of our campus locations in California:

What is a Dental Assistant?

Dental Assistants are valuable members of the healthcare team. They increase the dentist’s efficiency in delivering first-rate care and perform various tasks. These can range from assisting patients to taking X-rays, record keeping, and scheduling appointments.

What is the difference between Dental Assistants and a Dental Hygienists?

Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists are two separate professions. Dental Assistants work under the supervision of dentists in their day-to-day activities, while Dental Hygienists complete a more comprehensive range of job duties and responsibilities. If you’re considering a career in the dental field, becoming a Dental Assistant or Dental Hygienist are both very rewarding career paths. Click here to learn more about the differences between Dental Assistants vs. Dental Hygienists.

What are the advantages of enrolling in a Dental Assistant program?

Enrolling in a Dental Assistant program offers several advantages. These include shorter duration and affordability, high demand, job opportunities, career growth, versatility, collaboration, job satisfaction, and patient interaction. Unlike Dental Hygienist programs, Dental Assistant training takes much less time and is more affordable. For instance, the Dental Assisting program at Unitek College can be completed in as little as 10 months. Most Dental Hygienist programs require about three years of your time.

(Click here to learn more about the Advantages of Enrolling in a DA Program.)

Are Dental Assistants in high demand?

Employment of Dental Assistants is expected to increase steadily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Dental Assistants will likely grow by 8% by 2031. This progression is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for preventive dental services, which the large baby-boomer population will need as they age.

How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant?

The time it takes to become a Dental Assistant depends on the type of training you’d like to pursue. The length of a Dental Assisting program can range from nine months to a year. Some aspiring Dental Assistants will also be required to pass an exam before being considered for employment.

At Unitek College, we offer online classes to protect our students and staff during the pandemic.

Click here to read our DA registration disclosure.

How much do Dental Assistants make?

Dental Assistant salaries depend on several factors. These might include location, experience, and education. As of May 2022, the average salary for Dental Assistants was about $45,000.

Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 1/5/2023)

What education is needed to become a Dental Assistant?

There are quite a few education paths aspiring Dental Assistants can take. Some states require DAs to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. Some states do not require Dental Assistants to receive formal training; instead, they acquire the skills they need through on-the-job training. However, many employers will not take the risk of hiring untrained applicants.

How long is the Dental Assisting program?

The Dental Assistant program at Unitek College can be completed in as little as 10 months. Students will build a strong foundation for their desired careers, gaining the skills and experience needed to succeed as Dental Assistants. The curriculum also includes a supervised externship.

How much is the Dental Assisting program?

Like most healthcare programs, the fees paid by each student can vary depending on their individual situation. A variety of financial aid options are available to students at Unitek. For more information, please reach out to a friendly admissions representative.

What certifications are related to the Dental Assisting program?

Students who graduate from the Dental Assisting program at Unitek College will receive certificates in Infection Control, Dental Practice Act, HIPAA, Radiology, Coronal Polishing, and Pit & Fissure Sealants. These certificates are not required for initial employment but may be of value depending on a student’s career goals. Students who do not graduate from the program are ineligible to receive any of these certificates.

Graduates of the program may also be qualified to take various professional certification exams, including the California Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) exam and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. Such credentials are not required to graduate or to gain initial employment but may be of value depending on a student’s particular career goals. Our faculty is available to advise students seeking to take such professional certification exams.

The staff is very helpful and genuinely cares about you and your success with the program. I look forward to obtaining my certification, conquering my goals, and living life working in a profession that I am passionate about.

– Karah Y.

Dental Assisting Curriculum (27.5 Credits)

In as little as 10 months, our hybrid program will prepare you for an entry-level position as a Dental Assistant. You will learn how to perform clinical tasks in a dental office, physician’s practice, or other healthcare settings.

Our curriculum will provide you with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits of a Dental Assistant. It focuses on the treatment-room care of dental patients through in-class instruction, hands-on labs, and externship experiences.

By the end of our program, you will complete 27.5-semester credits and a 200-hour externship at a nearby healthcare facility. Class topics include dental terminology, chairside assisting for general and specialty dentistry, dental materials and prevention, dental radiology, and more.

Course Totals	Credit Hours
Course Totals	27.5

Course	Credit Hours
DA101-T - Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis Techniques - Theory	1.5
DA101-L - Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis Techniques - Lab	1
DA102-T - Chairside Assisting for General and Specialty Dentistry - Theory	2
DA102-L - Chairside Assisting for General and Specialty Dentistry - Lab	1
DA103-T - Dental Materials and Prevention - Theory	2
DA103-L - Dental Materials and Prevention - Lab	1
DA104A-T - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Theory	2
DA104A-L - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Lab	1
DA104B-T - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Theory	2
DA104B-L - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Lab	1
DA105-T - Dental Radiology - Theory	2
DA105-L - Dental Radiology - Lab	1
DA106-T - Dental Practice Management - Theory	2
DA106-L - Dental Practice Management - Lab	1
DA107-T - Clinical and Lab Duties - Theory	2
DA107-L - Clinical and Lab Duties - Lab	1
DAC108 - Clinical Externship	4

Get in Touch with Unitek College

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP

It can be overwhelming to apply for college. There are questions that range from course schedules to financial aid, career services, employment, and more. Aspiring students have a lot to consider before choosing a school. At Unitek College, our staff and faculty are committed to helping answer all your questions.

Dental Assisting Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition costs for the Dental Assisting program can vary depending on your situation. However, we offer several financial aid options to qualifying students. In fact, many Unitek students use some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of their education.
This is why we offer personalized counseling from a student finance advisor to help make your college experience more affordable. Please reach out to a financial aid representative for more information.

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So happy that I decided to attend this school. Amazing staff, amazing college. Always there for you!!

– Mandeep S.

A Career in Dental Assisting

Dental Assistants (DAs) play a significant role in dental health. From disinfecting instruments to taking dental X-rays and assisting the dentist during exams, Dental Assistants must juggle multiple responsibilities on any given day. It’s their job to help dental offices run smoothly. Dental Assistants are often the first and last face a patient will see during their visit. They work in various healthcare settings, including dentistry facilities, hospitals, and clinics.

Dental Assistants have excellent interpersonal skills and prefer to work with their hands rather than in front of a computer all day. They are responsible for putting their patients at ease while encouraging them. Furthermore, Dental Assistants must also have an eye for detail while maintaining impressive dexterity in supporting their dentists or treating their patients.

Dental Assisting can offer a steady source of income. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average salary of Dental Assistants is about $45,000. According to the BLS, demand for Dental Assistants is expected to grow by 8% by 2031.

Dental Assisting Admissions Requirements

Our admissions team is eager to help you understand all the options surrounding your education. During your enrollment period, an admissions representative will guide you through every step of the admissions process. Our goal is to help you feel confident and ready to succeed before your first semester.

1 Schedule a career-planning session and admissions interview

2 Submit proof of high school education or equivalent

3 Complete the entrance assessment test

4 Submit an admissions application and enrollment agreement

5 Complete FAFSA & financial aid interview

6 Submit proof of vaccinations

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1111 Howe Avenue
Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95825

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San Jose

6800 Santa Teresa Blvd
Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95119

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Concord

1401 Willow Pass Rd
Concord, CA 94520

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Accreditation

Unitek College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Dental Assisting program is programmatically approved by the Dental Board of California.

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Dental Assisting
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Graduate in as little as 10 months.

Dental Assisting Program Overview

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What You’ll Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Assisting Curriculum (27.5 Credits)

Get in Touch with Unitek College

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP

Dental Assisting Tuition & Financial Aid

A Career in Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting Admissions Requirements

Enroll Before Our Next Start Date

Sacramento

San Jose

Concord

Get Started

Accreditation

The Unitek Advantage

Latest News

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

10 Advantages of Enrolling in a Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist

The 20 Highest Paying Cities for Dental Assistants in 2023

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