Dental Assistant Programs in Inglewood CA

Have you been thinking about a career as a dental assistant but unsure where to start? Choosing the right program is crucial for your success.

This guide to Dental Assistant Programs in Inglewood CA will help you find the best options, covering top institutions and what they offer to set you on the path to a rewarding career.

1. West Los Angeles College – Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Program

Located just minutes from Inglewood, West Los Angeles College (WLAC) in Culver City offers a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) program designed to set you on the right path toward a career in dental assisting. This program achieves success through a multidisciplinary approach.

• Program Duration: The RDA program spans 9 months, incorporating both online lectures and in-person labs. Classes meet four days a week, providing a balanced blend of theoretical and practical instruction.
• Credentials Earned: Upon completing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Dental Assisting, which becomes your ticket to sit for the California Dental Board’s RDA exam.
• Enhanced Qualifications: Many students also choose to pursue an Associate of Science in Dental Assisting (ASDA) degree, further enhancing their qualifications.
• Continued Education: Besides the core RDA program, WLAC provides an Orthodontic Assistant (OA) course, available every spring, and board-approved continuing education courses such as radiation safety and infection control.

The program draws on robust partnerships with local dental societies, ensuring a seamless transition from education to employment. Through these connections, you gain valuable networking opportunities and practical insights into your future career.

2. UEI College – Dental Assistant Program

The UEI College Dental Assistant Program, offered at their Gardena campus near Inglewood, is structured to imbue you with essential skills required for a successful career in dental assisting. The program follows an engaging format designed with your professional growth in mind.

• Program Length: This 10-month program amalgamates online lectures with in-person lab training, providing a flexible yet rigorous educational experience.
• Curriculum Focus: The curriculum spans eight comprehensive modules, covering topics such as chairside assisting, radiography, and various dental specialties. The inclusion of an externship module ensures you garner real-world clinical experience.
• Career Opportunities: Upon graduation, you can look forward to roles such as Certified Dental Assistant and Orthodontic Assistant, supported by a robust employment placement assistance service.
• Accreditation and Financial Aid: The program enjoys the accreditation of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), ensuring recognized qualifications. Financial aid is available for eligible students, offering you a financially viable path toward your career.

3. Glendale Career College – Dental Assistant Program

With its holistic approach, Glendale Career College offers a Dental Assistant Program that equips you with practical and administrative skills crucial for a dental assisting career.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program is divided into eight modules, covering essential skills such as patient scheduling, record keeping, chairside assistance, x-rays, coronal polishing, and the use of dental office management software.
• Hands-on Experience: An integral part of the program is a 180-hour clinical externship. This hands-on experience in a real dental office setting prepares you for immediate employment upon graduation.
• Certification: Graduates receive certificates for x-rays and coronal polishing, adding significant value to their professional credentials.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), the program ensures you are industry-ready.

The growing demand for dental assistants and the practical, real-world training provided by Glendale Career College make this an attractive choice for anyone looking to enter the dental field with confidence.

Explore more about the exciting opportunities each of these programs offers as you embark on your journey to becoming a dental assistant in Inglewood, CA.

Concorde Career Colleges – Dental Assistant Diploma Program

The Concorde Career Colleges North Hollywood campus offers a Dental Assistant Diploma Program aimed at equipping you with proficiency required for an entry-level dental assistant.

• Program Content: The curriculum covers essential skills such as dental terminology, patient care, radiology, infection control, and coronal polishing, ensuring a well-rounded expertise in dental assisting.
• Hands-On Training: The program includes 160 hours of externship, where you gain practical, real-world experience in actual dental settings, bridging the gap between studies and employment.
• Certification Readiness: This program prepares you meticulously for the California State Board Examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant, enhancing your credentials and employability.
• Program Duration: This comprehensive training can be completed in as few as ten months, fast-tracking your journey toward a successful career.
• Financial Assistance: Concorde offers various financial aid options, ensuring that eligible students can access the program without financial barriers. Furthermore, Concorde pays the examination fees for eligible graduates.

Accredited by the Dental Board of California, this program provides a rigorous and recognized education pathway, setting you up for a successful career as a dental assistant.

American Career College – Dental Assisting Program

The American Career College (ACC) offers an extensive Dental Assisting program that balances both practical and theoretical learning, ensuring you are well-prepared for a rewarding career in dental assisting.

• Program Duration: The 10-month program is structured to cover eight comprehensive modules, giving you a robust education in all areas of dental assisting.
• Curriculum Focus: You will learn essential skills such as x-ray processing, patient care, equipment management, and coronal polishing. This ensures you are fully equipped to handle various tasks in a dental office.
• Practical Experience: The program includes an externship component that provides real-world clinical experience, allowing you to apply your learning in professional settings.
• Credentialing: Upon successful completion, you earn 55 quarter credits and receive multiple certifications, increasing your employability in the dental field.
• Accreditation and Support: ACC’s program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the Dental Board of California. Beyond education, ACC offers career guidance, although employment is not guaranteed.

With ACC’s reputation and strong alumni network of over 50,000, you are joining a well-respected institution that supports you through your educational journey and beyond.

How to Choose the Right Dental Assistant Program

Choosing the right dental assistant program in Inglewood, CA involves several key considerations to ensure the best fit for your career goals and personal circumstances.

1. Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized body. Accreditation guarantees that the program meets industry standards and makes you eligible for certification exams.
2. Program Length: Consider the duration of the program. A shorter program may get you into the workforce faster, but a longer program may offer more extensive training and qualifications.
3. Schedule Flexibility: Look for programs that offer flexible schedules, including online components or evening classes, to balance education with other commitments.
4. Tuition Costs and Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost of the program and the availability of financial aid. Financial assistance can make a significant difference in managing educational expenses.
5. Job Placement Rates: Research the program’s job placement rates and partnerships with dental practices. High placement rates and established network connections can increase your employment prospects.
6. Hands-On Training: Prioritize programs that include practical experience such as externships or clinical hours. Hands-on training is vital for gaining the skills needed to excel in real-world scenarios.
7. Student Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from former students. Their feedback can provide insights into the program’s quality, the effectiveness of the instructors, and the overall learning environment.

By considering these factors, you can choose a program that aligns with your professional aspirations and provides a solid foundation for a successful career in dental assisting.

Conclusion

Inglewood, CA offers several exceptional options for dental assistant programs, each designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career. Whether you choose the comprehensive offerings of West Los Angeles College, the flexible schedules at UEI College, the hands-on experience at Glendale Career College, the thorough training at Concorde Career Colleges in North Hollywood, or the robust program at American Career College, you are poised to enter a rewarding and growing field. Explore these programs and take the next step in your journey toward becoming a skilled dental assistant.