3 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Oakland, CA

Indigo Career College is a top-tier training center for dental assistants.

It provides a 12-week accelerated program, providing students with an affordable path in a booming job market.

The success of their students is vital, and Indigo’s unique approach ensures job placement through the Indigo Network—a collaborative effort with local dental offices.

It guarantees job offers or externship opportunities within six months of graduation, demonstrating their dedication to student success.

The Indigo Network, comprising leading dental offices, actively shapes the curriculum, hosts externships, and posts actual job positions.

The Indigo Promise reinforces the school’s dedication to employment results, crediting 50% of tuition if a job offer or externship isn’t secured within the specified timeframe.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Indigo Career College’s Dental Assisting Program is an accelerated curriculum designed by industry experts.

It’s a unique hybrid teaching approach, ensuring students will receive a comprehensive education that sets them apart.

The program combines 96 clinical hours, 120 online hours, and an externship, equipping students with the skills needed by dental experts.

Aside from technical skills, the program also guides students in advancing their careers.

It emphasizes the path to becoming a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) for increased earning potential and expanded job opportunities.

Here are some of the skills students will acquire through the program:

• Ensure patient comfort in the dental chair.
• Prepare patients and work areas for treatments.
• Sterilize dental instruments.
• Assist dentists during procedures.
• Use suction hoses to dry patients’ mouths.
• Provide instruction on proper oral hygiene.
• Process x-rays.
• Complete lab tasks under the dentist’s direction.
• Maintain records of dental treatments.
• Manage patient appointments, billing, and payment coordination.

Upon completion, graduates receive certifications in Basic Life Support, Dental Practice Act, Infection Control, and Radiation Safety.

Pacific Dental Assisting is an educational institution offering an expedited path to a fulfilling career as a Dental Assistant in 10 weeks.

The school understands the high demand for the dental assisting profession, leading them to create a program that meets the demands.

Its program focuses on a fast and efficient approach, allowing individuals to enter the workforce and earn income without the burden of lengthy student loans.

Pacific Dental Assisting understands the challenge of breaking into the field and ensures that graduates have the knowledge and the tools to secure employment.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The comprehensive training offered by Pacific Dental Assisting encompasses education and hands-on experience.

It ensures graduates are well-prepared for the job demands.

The program’s commitment extends beyond the classroom.

It has additional support for resume building and guidance to connect graduates with dental practices in their preferred locations.

The 10-week instructor-guided sessions feature hands-on clinical training within a state-of-the-art dental office.

It provides a comprehensive and practical learning experience.

The program has two flexible payment options: paying the tuition of $3,250 before the class begins.

Or opting for a $1,800 down payment followed by 10 installments of $145 each.

To enroll in the Pacific Dental Assisting course, applicants must undergo an admissions interview and facility tour, ensuring a personalized program understanding.

Students must be 18,  have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and acquire clinical scrubs for class attendance.

Students must also complete a CPR – Basic Life Support class.

College of Alameda is an educational hub serving a diverse community through comprehensive programs and resources in Alameda.

Its vision is to support and empower the learning community to enrich an inviting, creative, ethical, and inclusive environment.

The school aims for budgetary competence by offering services within real-world constraints.

As responsible stewards of public resources, it emphasizes responsible budgeting, creative resource supplementation, and identifying opportunities for innovation while aligning with its vision.

It offers outstanding career and technical programs, such as Apparel Design and Merchandising, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Automotive Technology, Dental Assisting, and more.

The school holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, ensuring high-quality educational standards.

About The Dental Assisting Program

College of Alameda’s Dental Assisting Program is an extensive program that runs for two consecutive semesters, fall and spring.

It is a full-time study equipping students with the skills necessary to acquire a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) license.

The program blends lecture and laboratory practice. Clinical experience is conducted in the dental clinics of the University of California in San Francisco and private dental offices.

Here are the following skills students will acquire in the program:

• Critical thinking skills for dental settings.
• Ability to work successfully in a dental team.
• Comprehensive dental assisting care for diverse backgrounds.
• Skills for back office, front office, insurance, and financial aspects of dental practice.
• Responsibility for disease transmission prevention and understanding radiation safety.
• Legal and ethical dental assisting functions.

Successful completion of the courses leads to a Certificate of Achievement.

Students also qualify for the DANB Certification Examination, State of California RDA examinations, and responsibilities in various dental procedures.