Earn Your California Dental Assistant Diploma with Hands-On Training & Job Support
Ready to start a healthcare career that’s always in demand? National Career College’s Dental Assistant program in California trains you for a stable, rewarding career in just 9 months. You’ll gain hands-on clinical skills, earn California Dental Board certifications, and graduate job-ready for dental offices across Los Angeles and beyond.
California dental assistants earn competitive salaries with strong job growth projected through 2034. It’s a recession-resistant healthcare career where you can make a real difference in patients’ lives and start earning sooner with our accelerated 9-month program.
đź’ˇ Get trained, certified, and working in California dental offices in as little as 9 months. Our graduates often receive job offers before completing the program.
California Dental Assistant Program at a Glance:
| Credential | Diploma |
| Program Length | 9 months (includes 160-hour externship) |
| Location | On our campus in Panorama City, Los Angeles, CA |
| Schedule | Day classes (Mon-Thu)Â Evening Hybrid (Mon-Tue in-person, Wed-Thu online) |
| Total Credits | 39.5 credit hours |
| Accreditation | ABHES-accredited, California Dental Board-approved certifications |
What You’ll Learn in NCC’s California Dental Assistant Program
Our California-approved curriculum prepares you for real dental office environments with both clinical and administrative training:
| Clinical Skills: | Administrative Skills: |
| Dental Terminology & Oral Anatomy | Patient Scheduling  |
Infection Control & Sterilization (OSHA/CDC protocols) | Front Office Procedures |
Dental Radiography (X-ray techniques, digital imaging, radiation safety) | Electronic Health Records Management |
Chairside Assisting | Billing & Insurance Processing |
| Dental Materials & Instruments | HIPAA Compliance |
160-Hour Externship: Apply your dental assisting skills in real practices with actual patients | |
California Dental Board Certifications (Included in program):Â
âś“ Radiation Safety CertificationÂ
âś“ Infection Control CertificationÂ
âś“ Coronal Polishing Certification
After graduation and gaining experience, you’ll be eligible to pursue the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
licensure through the California Dental Board.
👉 Want the complete curriculum breakdown? View our full Course Catalog
Why Choose NCC’s California Program?
- Graduate in 9 Months – Start earning sooner with our accelerated timelineÂ
- Hands-On Training – Practice in fully-equipped dental labs that mirror real officesÂ
- California Certifications – Earn three California Dental Board-approved certificationsÂ
- Real Clinical Experience – 160-hour externship in actual dental officesÂ
- Flexible Scheduling – Choose day or hybrid evening classesÂ
- Job Placement Support – Resume help, interview prep, and employer connectionsÂ
Many Students Get Hired Before Graduation. Our Career Services team provides resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search support. Many students receive job offers from their externship sites before completing the program.
Admissions Requirements
Getting started at NCC is straightforward:
You’ll Need:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET)
- California residency (required)
- Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) score of 12+ (50 questions, 12 minutes)
- Personal interview and campus tour
- $75 registration fee (non-refundable)
Ready to apply? Start Your Application
Program Cost & Financial Aid
| Tuition: | $16,500.00 |
| Materials & Supplies: | $1,456.50 |
| Books & Uniforms: | $560.00 |
| Registration Fee: | $75.00 |
| Estimated Total Cost: | $18,591.50 |
| Financial Aid Options for California Residents: | |
| Federal Pell Grants | Direct Parent PLUS Loans |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) | Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) |
| Cal Grants (California residents) | Private loans and scholarships |
đź’µFinancial aid is available for those who qualify. Our financial aid team helps you explore every funding option.Â
đź’° Calculate your actual cost: Use our Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate based on students like you.
Ready to Start Your Dental Assistant Career?
The demand for trained dental assistants in California isn’t slowing down. With NCC’s 9-month program, you can be working in a dental office by this time next year—earning a stable income in a recession-resistant career you can feel good about.
Our Campus:
National Career College 14355 Roscoe Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Convenient location with accessible public transportation and ample parking.
We serve students throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Southern California.
Call us at 888-988-2301 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in California?
No. You can begin working immediately after completing your training and earning your certifications. However, you will need Radiation Safety and Infection Control certifications (both included in NCC's program) to perform certain tasks. After gaining experience, you can pursue Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure to advance your career.
Can I work while attending the program?
Yes! NCC offers flexible scheduling with day classes (Monday-Thursday) or hybrid evening classes (Monday-Tuesday on campus, Wednesday-Thursday online) to accommodate working students.
What certifications will I earn?
You'll graduate with three California Dental Board-approved certifications: Radiation Safety, Infection Control, and Coronal Polishing. These certifications are highly valued by California dental employers.
What happens during the 160-hour externship?
You'll work in real dental offices under supervision, applying your clinical and administrative skills with actual patients. This hands-on experience is where many students receive job offers before graduation. The externship bridges classroom learning with real-world practice, building your confidence and professional network.
Will NCC help me find a job after graduation?
Yes. Our Career Services team provides resume assistance, interview preparation, job search support, and employer connections. Many of our graduates receive job offers from their externship sites before even completing the program.
Learn More About Dental Assisting Careers
Explore our Dental Assistant blogs for salary guides, career tips, day-in-the-life stories, and step-by-step guides to becoming a dental assistant in California.
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