Through our dental assistant program, you can train to assist dentists in real-life dental care settings. Learn to prepare dental procedures, keep patient dental records up to date, and instruct patients on proper dental hygiene.
Choosing the right dental assistant school can be a difficult choice. At ACC, we emphasize hands-on training and real-world preparation. Although it is not required to work as a Dental Assistant in California, graduates have the choice to pursue the RDA credential. Upon successful completion of the RDA and state exams, students are awarded the Coronal Polish Certification and Pit and Fissure Certification. The program also consists of the requirements necessary for students to pursue the California Radiation Safety Certificate (limited to dental X-ray).
Do you have a dental assistant program near me? The dental assistant program is offered at our three campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County.
This program is taught in a blended format combining online classes and only 2 days a week of in-person instruction.
The Dental Assisting programs in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ontario are approved by the Dental Board of California.
As a dental assistant, you'll support dentists with patient procedures, sterilize and prepare instruments, manage patient records, and advise patients on proper dental hygiene.
Here are some things you may do:
1 California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Dental Assistants in California
Dental assistants perform a wide range of patient, clinical, and laboratory procedures, including x-rays, dental impressions, and coronal polishing. Students in our dental assisting program will be trained to do the following:
1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Dental Assistants
If you love working with people and are good at making them feel at ease, you might enjoy being a dental assistant.
Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great dental assistant:
Active listening – Dental assistants need to be able to communicate with both patients and dentists, understanding what is being said and asking the right questions.
Instructing – Dental assistants should be able to educate patients on oral health, delivering information in a way that’s easy to understand and easy to remember.
Service orientation – A great dental assistant is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.
Social perceptiveness – Dental assistants should be aware and understanding of patients’ reactions in order to provide the best possible patient-centered care.
Critical thinking – A dental assistants’ ability to make sound decisions can help them provide optimal care for each individual patient.
Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including:
1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Dental Assistants
The Dental Assisting curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, the ACC curriculum then provides you with hands-on experience through a 180-hour externship that will be arranged for you at an appropriate dental facility.
Class Modules for the American Career College Dental Assisting program include:
For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.
Students can earn their diploma to become a dental assistant in as little as 10 months.
Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the dental assistant school cost and help you explore financial aid. To learn more about ACC’s Dental Assistant program cost, access our tuition info.
Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Yes! ACC's dental assisting program includes a 180 hour externship which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.
Our classes are modeled after real-life situations, using the same medical equipment you'll come across in your first job. That way, you're prepared to jump in on your very first day.
"I went from being a receptionist to working full time as a Dental Assistant, and it's all because of American Career College. My ultimate goal is to become an Orthodontist, but for now, I really enjoy what I'm doing."
- Tammy R. '10
Ontario Campus: Voted Best Trade School in the 2022 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards.
LA Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2022 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.
OC Campus: Voted Favorite Career College in the 2022 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.