Top Dental Assistant Programs in Victorville CA

Choosing the right dental assistant program can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in Victorville CA. This article highlights the top programs in the area, providing crucial information on course details, costs, and training opportunities.

Whether you’re just starting or seeking to advance your career, find out where to get the best education and training.

Hesperia Adult School – Registered Dental Assistant Program

The Hesperia Adult School – Registered Dental Assistant Program equips students with the essential skills needed for a dental assistant career in Victorville, CA. This program offers a structured path to becoming a registered dental assistant with programs starting in July or February.

Key Features

• Schedule: Classes run from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, making it ideal for individuals balancing various commitments.
• Cost: The program costs $6,250, but there is no charge for residents of Hesperia Unified School District. Additionally, flexible payment plans are available.
• Instructors: Experienced professionals Kelly Schoffstall and Susan Dahn lead the program.
• Eligibility: Open to students aged 16 or older or current high school juniors.
• Externship: A clinical externship provides hands-on experience, critical for practical learning.

Curriculum Highlights

The program delves into vital areas such as dental anatomy, radiography, dental software, and office management. Students gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art practice lab.

Attending this program can be your first step towards a rewarding career as a dental assistant.

Victor Valley College – Dental Assistant Program

Enhance your skills through the Victor Valley College Dental Assistant Program, which offers a robust curriculum focused on comprehensive dental assistant training.

Key Features

• Prerequisites: Prospective students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete specific coursework in Health Sciences.
• Curriculum: Courses cover essential topics such as dental anatomy, radiology, dental software, and practice management.
• Career Paths: Graduates have pathways to various roles, including Health Care Administration and Physical Therapy.

Learning Experience

The program emphasizes hands-on learning and includes extensive lab work, offering students practical experience in dental settings. This practical approach ensures you’re well-prepared for real-world scenarios.

Victor Valley College’s program also prepares you for the Dental Hygiene Aptitude Test (DHAT), adding value to your learning journey.

San Joaquin Valley College – Dental Assisting Program

The San Joaquin Valley College Dental Assisting Program offers a fast-paced, 11-month program that provides all the essential training needed for entry-level dental positions.

Key Features

• Duration: Complete the program in as few as 11 months.
• Certifications: Earn certifications in Dental Radiation Safety, CPR, Infection Control, and Dental Law and Ethics.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education.

Curriculum Highlights

Students receive thorough training in dental anatomy, radiology, and office management. The practical training includes an externship, helping students gain invaluable hands-on experience.

Graduates also benefit from job placement assistance and career services, ensuring you’re ready to enter the workforce confidently.

San Joaquin Valley College – Dental Assisting

Another excellent option is the SJVC Victor Valley Dental Assisting Program, lasting 11 months and featuring a robust curriculum suited for aspiring dental assistants.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Training: Includes dental software, coronal polishing, preventive dentistry, and practice management.
• Certifications: Graduates gain credentials in essential areas like Dental Radiation Safety and CPR.
• Externship: A 160-hour externship provides a hands-on learning experience that prepares students for the Dental Board of California Examination.

Career Preparation

The program emphasizes practical skills through its externship and thorough coursework. Financial aid is available to eligible students, making it accessible to many.

By enrolling in this program, you’re on the path to becoming a competent and confident dental assistant, ready for the professional environment.

UEI College – Dental Assistant Program

The UEI College Dental Assistant Program in Ontario, CA, offers a holistic approach to dental assistant training with a focus on hands-on learning through externships.

Key Features

• Flexible Scheduling: Designed to accommodate students with varying schedules, making education accessible.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
• Experienced Instructors: Taught by professionals with real-world experience, ensuring high teaching quality.

Curriculum and Training

The program includes comprehensive training in dental science, radiography, and patient care. Specialized areas such as prosthodontics and preventive dentistry prepare students for diverse roles within dental offices.

Financial aid options and student support services further enhance the program’s accessibility and value, equipping you to succeed in your dental assistant career.

Chaffey College – Dental Assisting Program

The Chaffey College Dental Assisting Program in Victorville, CA, provides both a certificate in Dental Assisting and an Associate in Arts degree, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Key Features

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Dental Board of California and the Commission on Dental Accreditation, guaranteeing high educational standards.
• Cost: Approximately $800 per semester, making it cost-effective.
• Curriculum: Extensive coursework in dental anatomy, radiography, sterilization techniques, and office management.

Hands-On Experience

Internships offer valuable practical experience, preparing students for the Dental Assisting National Board examination and the RDA Combined Exam. Graduates enjoy a high pass rate on the RDA exam, reflecting the program’s effectiveness.

Chaffey College also conducts information sessions, providing insights into career prospects, application processes, and more, supporting your journey from education to employment.

Continue exploring more options in the following sections.

Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Program

The Concorde Career College Dental Assistant Program in San Bernardino offers a robust path for those seeking a career in dental assisting.

Key Features

• Duration: Complete the program in as few as ten months.
• Certifications: Upon graduation, students are eligible for the California State Board Examination for Registered Dental Assistants.
• Hands-On Training: Includes a 160-hour externship that provides practical experience in dental settings.
• Accreditation: Approved by the Dental Board of California.

Curriculum Highlights

Students will explore dental terminology, patient care, infection control, and radiology. Practical skills such as coronal polishing are also emphasized. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities, along with career support services, ensure you can focus on your studies without financial stress. By enrolling in Concorde Career College, you’re setting yourself up for success in the dental field.

Hesperia Unified School District – Dental Assistant Program

The Hesperia Unified School District Dental Assistant Program at the Adult Education Center in Hesperia, CA offers a well-rounded curriculum for aspiring dental assistants.

Key Features

• Schedule: Convenient classes held from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
• Cost: The entire program costs $6250, with payment plans available.
• Prerequisites: Open to individuals with at least a 10th-grade education level.

Curriculum and Experience

The program covers dental office management, dental anatomy, radiography, and sterilization techniques. A clinical externship ensures students gain essential practical skills. Graduates receive a certificate in Dental Assisting, enhancing their job market competitiveness. By completing this program, you position yourself for a fulfilling career in dental assistance.

Western Dental/Brident University – Dental Assistant Training Program

The Western Dental/Brident University Dental Assistant Training Program in Victorville provides a unique training experience for those with a completed dental assistant program background or equivalent work experience.

Key Features

• Reimbursement: Includes RDA license fee reimbursement.
• Career Growth: Offers promotion tracks within the dental industry.
• Training: Gain practical experience in well-equipped offices.

Additional Benefits

The program covers medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and a 401K plan. You’ll also receive tuition reimbursement for additional certifications. This program is ideal for those looking to advance within the dental field. By choosing Western Dental/Brident University, you’re opting for a program that invests in your long-term professional growth.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry – RDAEF Expanded Duties Program

The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry RDAEF Expanded Duties Program in Victorville is designed for RDAs and RDAEFs seeking to expand their skills and functions.

Key Features

• Duration: Spans 318 to 410 hours, covering three detailed modules.
• Tuition: Fees range from $4,700 to $7,000 per module.
• Comprehensive Training: Includes didactic teaching, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences with live patients.

Curriculum and Professional Growth

Led by experienced dental professionals, this program meets California Dental Board requirements. Graduates must pass the State Board Examination for certification. Payment plans and funding options are available, making it an attractive option for those committed to advancing their dental careers.

American Career College – Dental Assisting Program

The American Career College Dental Assisting Program in Victorville offers a blend of online coursework and in-person practical training.

Key Features

• Duration: The program lasts 10 months.
• State-of-the-Art Labs: Features simulation labs that provide real-world experience.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Curriculum and Support

Students gain skills in dental procedures, equipment usage, patient care, and record-keeping. The program is designed to be flexible, accommodating various student schedules. Financial aid options are available to help make the program accessible. By enrolling in American Career College, you’re choosing a comprehensive education that prepares you for immediate entry into the dental field.

Choosing the Best Dental Assistant Program in Victorville CA

Selecting the best dental assistant program in Victorville requires careful consideration of various factors:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program meets high educational standards.
2. Curriculum: Look for comprehensive coverage of essential topics, including radiology, dental anatomy, patient care, and dental software.
3. Hands-On Training: Seek programs that offer externships or lab work for practical experience.
4. Faculty: Assess the qualifications and expertise of the instructors.
5. Cost and Financial Aid: Make sure the program fits your budget and offers financial aid options.
6. Job Placement Rates: Consider programs with high job placement rates and support services.
7. Reputation: Research the institution’s reputation and read student reviews.

Thoroughly evaluating these aspects will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.

Conclusion

Finding the right Dental Assistant Program in Victorville CA can set the foundation for a successful career in the dental field. Each program highlighted above offers unique benefits and specialized training to prepare you for your future role.

Take the next step towards your rewarding career by choosing a program that fits your needs and start your journey today.