How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Assistant in California?

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In California, it can take about a year to become a Dental Assistant, longer if you pursue Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure. While you may be able to complete some training programs in just nine months, you then need to go through the state licensure process in California, which can add more time. How long it takes you to begin working as a Dental Assistant really depends on the pathway you choose. Consider which works best for you.

Complete a Dental Assisting Certificate in as Few as 10 Months

One pathway to dental assisting is through a California Dental Assisting certificate program that you can complete in as few as 10 months. In a certificate program, you learn the skills you need to work in the field including:

  • Chairside assisting
  • Dental instruments and tray setup
  • Infection control and sterilization
  • Dental anatomy basics
  • X-ray basics
  • Patient care and communication
  • Dental materials handling
  • Digital charting and records
  • Scheduling and front office skills
  • OSHA and safety protocols
  • CPR and basic life support

Dental Assisting On-the-Job Training: 15-18 Months

In California, you may also become a Dental Assistant by working in a dental office under the supervision of a licensed dentist. This pathway takes at least 15 months (1,280 hours) and once completed, you need to complete required certifications (like infection control, X-ray safety). You also need to pass RDA exams.

Complete a Registered Dental Assistant Program in 1-2 Years

If you want an expanded scope of practice, you can pursue a registered dental assistant (RDA) program, which can take one to two years to complete. As an RDA, you can perform additional tasks such as coronal polishing, impressions, and temporary crown fabrication. To obtain your RDA license in California, you need to:

  • Submit a completed Application
  • Pay a non-refundable application fee of $120
  • Provide documentation of an accepted pathway to licensure
  • Provide documentation required course completion
  • Provide evidence of completing Basic Life Support
  • Submit fingerprints and undergo a background check
  • Pass the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination

Complete a Part-Time Dental Assisting Program in 2 Years

Part-time dental assisting programs allow you the flexibility to fit your program into your busy life. The dental assisting courses you take are the same, but you take fewer classes at once so you can balance school with a job and other responsibilities. Part-time programs take longer to complete but allow you to juggle multiple duties at once.

Complete an Associate Degree Program in 2 Years

Adding an associate degree in allied health to your dental assisting training can also increase your training time. You can complete the full program in two years and then enter the workforce. Or you can become a Dental Assistant and choose an online degree program that you can complete in as few as five months as a supplement to your dental assisting certificate.

Dental Assistant Externship: 180 Hours

As part of your training, you can expect to complete a 180-hour externship that allows you to put the skills you’ve gained into practice at a real dentist’s office in your community. In this setting, you gain hands-on experience under the supervision of a dentist. You observe the dentist and other dental staff as they work, and you build your skills in chairside assistance, x-rays, and office management.

Dental Assistant State Licensure: 3 months

You do not need a license to become a Dental Assistant in California, so upon graduation from your training program, you can begin to look for work right away. But if you want to stand out from the competition and position yourself for more responsibility in the workplace, you can pursue a Registered Dental Assistant license. This license allows you to apply pit and fissure sealants and perform ultrasonic scaling on patients. After completing a training program that includes state-approved courses in subjects such as pit and fissure sealant, radiation safety, basic life support and more, you can choose this option and apply for certification.

Once you submit your application, you will receive the outline of the exam. At that point, you can register for an appointment with the testing vendor and sit for your exam. Processing of your application can take up to a month, and the exam process can take additional time, depending on how you study and when you schedule your test.

Are you ready to become a Dental Assistant in California? Charter College offers a Certificate in Dental Assisting that can be completed in as few as 10 months. Our instructors have years of experience in the field, and the program is offered in a blended learning format, which provides both in-person instruction and online courses for convenience. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.