How to Become a Dental Assistant in California

Are you interested in dentistry and passionate about helping people? Then a dental assistant career could be for you. Dental assistants work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists. They have excellent interpersonal, organizational and listening skills.

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care and administrative duties. They take x-rays, schedule patient appointments and assist dentists during dental procedures. They’re different, however from dental hygienists. The biggest difference between the two is that dental hygienists have less supervision and work more frequently with patients.

For those curious about dentistry and eager to gain practical experience, becoming a dental assistant is a great place to start. This guide covers the following topics as they relate to dental assistant careers:

• Job outlook
• Necessary skills
• Licensure and certification
• What to look for in education programs
• Jobs and relevant organizations

Why Become a Dental Assistant in California?

The job outlook for dental assistants is bright.¹

Employment of dental assistants is related to the need for dental care. The BLS notes two possible causes increasing the demand for dental care and preventative services. The first is continued research tying oral and general health together. The second has to do with the baby boomer population; as they age and keep their original teeth, the need for dental care increases. As the need for dental care and practices grows, dentists will need to hire more dental assistants to work efficiently.

Becoming a dental assistant can also lead to additional career opportunities. If you want to further your dental career and continue working with patients, you can work toward a career as a dental hygienist or dentist.

Career Benefits

Dental assistants are critical members of dental care teams and enjoy many career benefits. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) notes the following advantages of dental assistant careers:²

• Variety: Dental assistants must be versatile and willing to take on different tasks.
• Flexibility: Dental assistants enjoy the career flexibility of being able to pursue full- or part-time positions.
• Superior working conditions: As a dental assistant, you’ll work in a clean, pleasant, people-oriented environment.
• Personal satisfaction: Dental assistants can gain personal satisfaction from helping patients through their one-on-one interactions.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants provide patient care and support dentists through a variety of tasks. Their duties vary by job but typically include:³

• Help patients feel comfortable for their dental appointment
• Prep patients and the dental work area
• Clean dental instruments and provide them to dentists during procedures
• Educate patients regarding oral hygiene best practices
• Take x-rays and accomplish lab tasks, under dentist supervision
• Maintain dental records
• Schedule appointments
• Assist patients with billing and payment

During a procedure, a dental assistant helps dentists by passing equipment like suction hoses, syringes, probes, matrix bands, etc. While dental assistants are highly involved in the preparation and execution of dental procedures, they cannot actually perform dental procedures; that is the role of the dentist.

Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist

Dental assistants perform several roles related to patient support, administrative, and clinical work. Some of which involves performing office management duties, assisting the dentist during treatment procedures, and sterilizing equipment.

Dental hygienists focus on the cleanliness of a patient’s orthodontic health. Their responsibilities might include cleaning or polishing a patients’ teeth, performing dental health examinations, and educating patients on at-home dental safety.

They also prepare patients for dental care and procedures by documenting their medical history, blood pressure or pulse. Additionally, dental assistants explain dental hygiene to patients and play a critical role in making patients feel at ease before a procedure.

What to Look for in a Dental Assisting Program

Choosing a dental assisting program is a big decision. The best dental assistant programs provide a combination of classroom knowledge and hands-on training to prepare you for a dental assistant career. Consider the following when choosing the best dental assisting program for you:

• Hands-on training: Does the program offer clinical observation and hands-on experience? Gaining practical experience at a dental assistant school will prepare you for your future career.
• Location: If you want to pursue an on-campus dental assisting program, location is a critical factor to consider. Think about how far you’re willing to commute and explore programs in your area.
• Duration: Program duration depends on whether you’re pursuing an associate degree or certificate. Generally, completing an associate degree takes longer than a dental assisting certificate.
• Cost: Studying dental assisting is an investment. How much are you able to spend on a program? Check for available financial aid, scholarships and payment plans.

If you want to start working as a dental assistant sooner rather than later, pursuing a certificate is a great way to do so while setting yourself apart from other entry-level applicants. If you plan on using your dental assistant education as a stepping stone toward a long-term goal of becoming a dental hygienist or dentist, associate degree programs may be worth researching.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

Becoming a dental assistant can take anywhere from nine months to two years, depending on the dental assisting career path you pursue. Certificate programs generally last nine to eleven months, while associate degree programs take about two years to complete.

Dental Assistant Classes

Dental Assisting program classes are generally tailored to meet national certification and state-specific licensure requirements. You can expect your dental assist courses to cover topics such as:

• Oral anatomy
• Dental equipment
• Radiation safety
• Infection control
• CPR and/or basic life support training
• Dental law and ethics
• Coronal polishing
• Dental software programs
• Patient management
• Dental office management

There are many dental assisting jobs in California. According to the BLS, California has the highest employment level of dental assistants.⁸ Additionally, per the BLS, it has the third “highest concentration of jobs and location quotients” of all states.

Some major dental companies in California, according to IBISWorld’s 2018 market report, include:⁹

• California Dental Group
• Hospitality Dental & Orthodontics
• Western Dental & Orthodontics
• West Coast Dental and Orthodontics

Launch a Career in Dental Assisting With SJVC

Are you interested in dental assistant careers? SJVC’s Dental Assisting program offers training in patient care, office and laboratory duties. Through our program, you’ll earn certifications in Dental Radiation Safety, CPR, Infection Control and Dental Law and Ethics. With the completion of coronal polish and pit and fissure sealants, students are eligible to take the Dental Board of California Examination for state licensure. SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program. You can complete SJVC’s Dental Assisting program in as few as 11 months.

SJVC’s Dental Assisting Students and Faculty

SJVC is committed to the personal, academic and professional success of its students. Our faculty bring years of knowledge and experience to the classroom. They’re passionate about helping you succeed. Whether you’re preparing for your first job out of college or a career switch, there’s a place for you here.

SJVC’s students range from those just out of high school to people looking to change careers later in life. We take pride in making sure staff knows your story so you can get the individual help and attention you need to succeed.

Dental Assistant FAQ

How long is dental assistant school?

You can earn dental assistant certification in as little as 11 months.