Dental Assistant Programs in San Francisco CA

Want to jumpstart your career in dental assisting?

This guide explores the top Dental Assistant Programs in San Francisco CA, giving you a clear view of the best educational pathways. Whether you’re seeking flexible online courses or hands-on experience, we’ve got you covered.

San Francisco State University – Dental Assisting Program

Discover the San Francisco State University (SFSU) Dental Assisting Program, a well-rounded online course designed to equip you for entry-level positions in dental assisting. This program integrates both administrative and clinical education, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the dental field.

The curriculum encompasses:

• Dental History and Legal Perspectives: Understand the evolution and legal framework guiding dental practices.
• Oral Anatomy and Dental Equipment: Gain detailed insights into the structure of teeth and commonly used dental tools.
• Sterilization Procedures and Infection Control: Learn the best practices to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Radiology and Tooth Structure: Dive into advanced topics like dental radiography and the intricacies of tooth anatomy.

This program also prepares you for the Dental Assisting National Board certifications, notably the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam and the Infection Control Exam (ICE), positioning you for better career opportunities.

Key Highlights:

• Flexible Online Format: Study at your own pace with a six-month access window.
• Clinical Externship: Gain 40 hours of hands-on experience in a dental practice.
• Support Services: Benefit from 24/7 access to instructors and online resources.

However, it’s essential to note that while this program lays a robust educational foundation, it doesn’t meet the California State Board Licensing requirement for becoming a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). For further details on enrolling, visit the SFSU Dental Assisting Program.

City College of San Francisco – Dental Assistant Program

Explore the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) Dental Assistant Program, crafted to prepare you for varied dental assisting career paths. This program offers comprehensive training to transition you into Registered or Certified Dental Assistants roles across diverse settings.

Curriculum Overview:

• Intra-Oral Dental Functions: Master direct chairside patient care operations.
• Diagnostic Aid Production: Learn to create essential diagnostic tools.
• Patient Oral Health Education: Receive training to impart effective oral hygiene instructions.
• Business Office Management: Get equipped with skills to manage a dental office efficiently.

Post-graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the state licensure examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and the national examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), enhancing your credentials significantly.

Program Features:

• Schedule: Classes run from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Professional Guidance: Ongoing support from program director Tiffany Ren.
• Licensure Preparation: Strong track record in state and national board exam pass rates.

The CCSF program is ideal for those aspiring to make a significant impact within private practices, specialty dentistry, hospitals, clinics, or educational institutions. Learn more about this opportunity at the CCSF Dental Assistant Program.

San Francisco State University – Online Dental Assistant Program

The San Francisco State University (SFSU) Online Dental Assistant Program caters to those seeking a flexible yet rigorous training approach. Designed for busy individuals, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of dental assisting through a blend of online modules and practical training.

Key Areas Covered:

• Dental Anatomy and Tooth Charting: In-depth understanding of oral structures and charting techniques.
• Infection Control: Best practices to prevent infection in dental settings.
• Dental Radiology: Advanced training on taking and analyzing dental X-rays.
• Administrative Skills: Efficient handling of dental office tasks and patient records.

An optional clinical externship offers hands-on experience, enhancing your practical skills. Additional benefits include:

• Six-Month Access: Flexibility to complete the course at your own pace.
• 24/7 Instructor Support: Immediate assistance whenever needed.
• Career Resources: Guidance on job placements and resume writing.

Suitable for those with or pursuing a high school diploma or GED, this program is an excellent way to gain valuable skills while balancing other commitments. Find more details about this flexible option by visiting the SFSU Online Dental Assistant Program.

SFSU – Dental Assistant Program by Health Ed Today

Opt for the SFSU Dental Assistant Program by Health Ed Today for an engaging online vocational training experience. This program focuses on preparing you for entry-level roles in dental assistance with a detailed curriculum.

What You’ll Learn:

• Dental Office Procedures: Effective management of daily dental practice operations.
• Legal Aspects: Understanding the legalities involved in dental care.
• Oral Anatomy: Comprehensive study of oral structures and functions.
• Dental Operatory: Skills to manage the dental operatory efficiently.

This course is enriched with:

• Mobile-Ready Video Lessons: Flexible learning on-the-go.
• Comprehensive Study Materials: Access to textbooks and online resources.
• 24/7 Learner Support: Continuous support to resolve any queries.

A clinical externship enables real-world experience at a local dental practice, enriching your learning journey. Certifications from DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and the National Workforce Career Association’s Dental Assistant Clinical Certification (DACC) are achievable upon completion.

With a tuition fee of $1,399 and flexible payment plans, this program ensures affordability and quality. Explore the specifics of this course at the SFSU Dental Assistant Program by Health Ed Today.

The University of the Pacific – Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) Program

The University of the Pacific’s Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) Program offers a detailed and specialized training for currently licensed RDAs. This program aims to enhance your capabilities, making you competent for advanced tasks in dental care.

Program Structure:

• In-Person Lectures and Online Modules: Engage in both classroom-based and online learning to maximize your education experience.
• Hands-On Laboratory Training: Practical sessions to develop your capabilities in real-world scenarios.
• Oral Health and Endodontic Procedures: Learn to conduct thorough oral evaluations and perform pivotal endodontic tasks.
• Fitting and Cementing Fixed Partial Dentures: Acquire specialized skills that elevate your proficiency.

Classes are held at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco across various weekends. The program’s faculty-to-student ratio is kept low to ensure personalized attention and mentorship. A supervising dentist is required to assist with clinical experiences and participants must also provide professional liability insurance.

Investment:

• Tuition: Ranges from $16,995 to $20,995 depending on the specific participant status.
• Certification Preparedness: This program gears you up for the California State Board exam.

Graduates of this program consistently praise its depth and practical approach. For further details, visit the University of the Pacific RDAEF Program.

JVS – Foundations in Dental Assisting Program

The JVS Foundations in Dental Assisting Program offers comprehensive training tailored for individuals in San Francisco and Alameda Counties. This hybrid program combines online learning with in-person training.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Learning Model: A blend of 10 hours of self-study and 20 hours of live or virtual in-person sessions each week.
• 5-Week Paid Internship: Experience hands-on training with a stipend to ease your financial burden.
• Radiation Safety and Infection Control Certifications: Critical courseload to prepare you for real-world dental assisting tasks.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: An essential skill for any healthcare provider.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Residency: Proof of residence in appropriate counties.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Health Records: Immunization records and COVID-19 vaccination proof.

Participants gain practical experience handling full-mouth X-rays and working directly with patients. Career pathways post-training include roles like Registered Dental Assistant, Orthodontic Assistant, and Dental Laboratory Technician.

Learn more about this versatile program at the JVS Foundations in Dental Assisting Program.

College of San Mateo – Dental Assisting Program

The College of San Mateo (CSM) Dental Assisting Program offers a rigorous two-semester curriculum accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The program prepares students for both State RDA and National CDA exams.

Program Overview:

• Core Courses: Includes Dental Science, Dental Materials, Occupational Safety, and Chairside Assisting.
• Clinical Experience: Hands-on training at the University of California, San Francisco Schools of Dentistry, and local dental offices.
• Units: Comprehensive coverage of 37.5 units.
• Examinations: Prepares students for respective state and national licensure exams.

Enrollment Requirements:

• Minimum GPA: 2.0 or higher.
• Placement Tests: Completion of the CSM English Placement Test.

Applications are open from early February through May 1. This program’s combination of classroom instruction and practical training ensures you are well-prepared for professional exams and your future career.

Further information can be found on the College of San Mateo Dental Assisting Program page.

How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Program in San Francisco

Finding the right dental assistant program is crucial for your career growth. Here’s how to evaluate the best fit for you:

1. Accreditation:
2. Curriculum:
3. Costs:
4. Flexibility:
5. Career Support Services:
6. Reputation:

By carefully assessing these aspects, you can select a dental assistant program that aligns with your career aspirations and life circumstances.

Conclusion

Embarking on a career in dental assisting starts with choosing the right educational path. San Francisco offers a variety of top-notch programs to suit diverse needs and schedules. Whether it’s the structured learning at the University of the Pacific, the hybrid model from JVS, or the accredited coursework at the College of San Mateo, you’ll find a program that prepares you adequately for state and national certifications.

As you pursue these respected dental assistant programs in San Francisco, CA, take advantage of the training, mentorship, and career resources available. Each program is designed to ensure you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in this rewarding field.