5 Best Dental Assistant Schools in San Jose, CA

San José City College was established in 1921 and is rooted in community support.

It offers accessible, affordable education with high transfer rates to universities, including UC and CSU campuses.

As the oldest community college in Santa Clara County, it provides diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments.

SJCC has evolved into a world-class educational hub with a strong focus on career education, university transfers, and lifelong learning.

Rooted in inclusivity and affordability, SJCC offers over 68 degrees and certificates, including career technology programs, with most courses being CSU/UC transferable.

San José City College holds full accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

About The Dental Assisting Program

San José City College’s Dental Assisting Program provides a comprehensive education in dentistry.

The program’s crucial dental assisting areas offer students a well-rounded understanding of the field.

It emphasizes hands-on clinical training, allowing students to work with modern equipment and gain real-world exposure.

Students can practice clinical skills using advanced equipment, including intraoral cameras and digital radiography tools.

The program develops team-building skills through group practices and cooperative learning.

It allows advanced students to work in community dental offices and gain valuable clinical expertise in a professional setting.

The curriculum covers the following:

• Patient Charting
• Oral, Dental Anatomy, and Physiology
• General Dentistry
• Dental Specialties
• Nutrition
• Infection Control
• Radiography
• Emergency Procedures
• Business Office Procedures and more…

Upon program completion, graduates become eligible for the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and the Dental Assisting National Board.

Additionally, students can acquire a State Radiation Safety License and CPR certification.

The certificates specialized procedures such as coronal polishing and pit & fissure sealant application.

Unitek College is a private institution delivering high-quality education in healthcare and nursing, established in 2002.

It operates on seven campus locations in California, including Fremont, San Jose, Hayward, Concord, South San Francisco, Sacramento, and Bakersfield, along with an additional campus in Reno, Nevada.

The school is committed to providing its graduates with comprehensive healthcare career training, professional development, clinical placement, and employment assistance.

It offers diverse programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic fields of healthcare and nursing.

Unitek College holds accreditation and approvals from organizations such as BPPE, CCNE, ACCSC, BRN, and BVNPT.

It also received prestigious awards, including the School of Excellence and School of Distinction accolades from ACCS.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Unitek College’s Dental Assistant Program is an accelerated 10-month program.

It equips students with the necessary skills for entry-level positions in the dental field.

The program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences covering essential aspects of dental assisting, including sterilization techniques, dental X-rays, oral surgeries, and more.

The program covers various subjects, including:

• Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis Techniques
• Dental Materials and Prevention
• Dental Radiology
• Clinical and Lab Duties
• Chairside Assisting for General and Specialty Dentistry
• Dental Practice Management
• California Dental Assisting with Expanded Duties Lab
• Clinical Externship

The student support team collaborates closely, offering assistance in resume refinement, mock interviews, creating employer connections, and beyond.

Carrington College has been dedicated to transforming lives through education for over 50 years.

It offers career-focused baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs in healthcare, trades, and industrial majors across seven western states.

With a commitment to providing equitable and inclusive access to diverse students, Carrington College ensures hands-on training through onsite, online, and blended modalities.

Its experienced professionals and instructors bring real-world insights to the classroom, delivering practical knowledge.

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges accredits Carrington College.

It emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and professionalism.

About the Dental Assisting Program

Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program is comprehensive training in a dental practice’s patient care, office management, and laboratory duties.

It equips students for success with real-world skills, flexible learning options, and an affordable tuition structure.

Here are the skills students will acquire upon completing the program:

• Guarantee patient comfort while seated in the dental chair.
• Set up patients and the treatment area for procedures.
• Sterilize dental instruments.
• Pass instruments to dentists during procedures.
• Use suction hoses and other equipment to dry patients’ mouths.
• Educate patients on correct oral hygiene practices.
• Handle the processing of X-rays and fulfill lab tasks under the dentist’s guidance.
• Maintain detailed records of patient treatments.
• Coordinate and schedule patient appointments.
• Assist patients with billing and payment processes.

Students can choose from blended programs with online lectures and on-ground labs.

They can also uplevel their education with available degree completion options.

Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) is a specialized high school program focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

It offers a comprehensive selection of 25 courses, 21 of which are UC “a-g” approved; SVCTE is dedicated to preparing students for college and future careers.

The institution’s mission centers on providing cutting-edge programs led by industry professionals.

These programs engage students in rigorous academics and skill development, fostering success in both college and future careers.

It holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring the quality of instruction and the acceptance of coursework credits by various institutions, including colleges and universities.

The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), oversees this accreditation, collaborating with educational organizations and authorities to uphold academic standards.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The Dental Assisting program at SVCTE provides comprehensive preparation and internship opportunities for students aspiring to pursue careers as dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists.

This program equips students with essential chair-side assisting skills, laboratory techniques, and x-ray capabilities.

Successful program completion allows qualified students to earn state radiation safety and infection control certification.

Here are some vital areas covered in the program:

• Taking impressions
• Processing and mounting both standard and digital X-rays
• Pouring and trimming study models
• Seating patients and setting up treatment trays
• Sterilizing instruments to OSHA standards
• Utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques while working with dentists
• Assembling bleaching trays
• Developing employability skills and resume writing

Upon completing the program, students will gain certificates such as:

• Class completion certificate
• California State Radiation Safety Certificate
• California State Infection Control Certificate
• CPR

The qualified students to enroll in the program are 10th, 11th, and 12th grade and individuals who aspire to pursue career paths in the dental field.

Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE) is part of the Metropolitan Education District (MetroED).

It Offers adult education classes free or at a low cost; it caters to individuals 18 and older.

Its comprehensive adult school covers health, technology, and trades careers, including ESL, ABE, HSE (GED, HiSET) preparation, and HSD subject courses.

It also offers customized computer training, English Language Workplace Literacy, and business operations support.

The Schoolwide Learner Outcomes focus on goal-setting, technology access, and effective communication in English.

SVAE aims to empower students to reach their potential in a supportive learning environment, creating success in local and global societies.

The California Department of Education recognizes that our Adult Basic Education is a Program of Excellence.

Metropolitan Education District programs hold WASC accreditation, ensuring the quality and transferability of credits.

About The Dental Assisting Program

SVAE’s Dental Assisting Program is an extensive program shaping proficient dental assistants.

The program explores the core principles of dental assisting, covering the dental team’s multifaceted roles, ethics, and jurisprudence.

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of facial and oral anatomy, infection control, tooth morphology, and ethical considerations that relevant laws and regulations outline.

The program goes beyond theoretical understanding, emphasizing practical application and hands-on experience.

Upon completing the program, students will gain the following certificates:

• Certificate of Completion: Validate your mastery of essential dental assisting skills, showcasing your commitment to professional development.
• California State Radiation Safety Certificate: Learn and apply safe radiation practices, ensuring the well-being of patients and staff in compliance with state regulations.
• California State Infection Control Certificate: Master infection control protocols, contributing to a sterile and secure dental environment, a crucial aspect of dental practice.
• CPR Certificate: Acquire life-saving skills through CPR training, enhancing your preparedness for emergencies in the dental setting.