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Turn your passion to help others into your career and train to become a Dental Assistant! Ongoing research links oral health to general health, and the demand for preventative dental services continues to increase. Earning your diploma to be a Dental Assistant will give you the chance to help and care for others in a rewarding industry.
Looking for the right dental assistant school near you? ACC’s dental assistant program emphasizes hands-on learning. Emphasis is placed on the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) practical and written examinations, which you are encouraged to sit for once you have successfully completed the school’s program.
Find a dental assistant program near you. Our program is available at our three Southern California campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County.
Jump on the fast-track to success! Our accelerated Dental Assisting training program allows you to earn your diploma in as little as 10 months.
If you’re ready to help patients, young and old, feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair, consider training to become a Dental Assistant at American Career College. At ACC, our Dental Assisting courses are designed to help you quickly gain proficiency in dental procedures and techniques as you prepare for a satisfying career. Our program is also RDA approved!
This program is taught in a blended format combining online classes and only 2 days a week of in-person instruction.
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"I went from being a receptionist to working full time as a Dental Assistant, and it's all because of American Career College. My ultimate goal is to become an Orthodontist, but for now, I really enjoy what I'm doing."
It only takes a minute to take the next step towards a satisfying career! We've streamlined our online application. See for yourself!
Do you enjoy helping others and have an interest in the field of healthcare? Working as a Dental Assistant can help you, help others by establishing working relationships with your patients and enabling them to realize the importance of oral health.
The American Career College Dental Assisting program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to qualify for a position as a Dental Assistant.
Today's Dental Assistants play many of these important roles1:
The class curriculum at ACC can prepare you for Coronal Polish Certification,* Pit and Fissure Certification,* and the requirements necessary to earn a California Radiation Safety Certificate (limited to dental X-ray).
Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the dental assistant school cost and help you explore financial aid options.
To learn more about ACC’s Dental Assisting program cost, access our tuition info.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
The goal of our College is to help you graduate with the confidence and qualifications you will need to begin your career as a Dental Assistant and qualify as a RDA.
Our faculty members care about their communities and are passionate about teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals.
ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
ABHES 6116 Executive Blvd. Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Phone (301) 291-7550
Fax (703) 917-4109
www.abhes.org
*The Coronal Polish Certificate and Pit and Fissure Certification are awarded by the State of California upon successful completion of the RDA exams and completion of a state approved course. Students must successfully complete coronal polish, pit and fissure, and radiation safety written and practical examinations with a minimum score of 75 percent.
1California Employment Development OCC Guides, Dental Assistants in California
Find a dental assistant school near you! Our accredited Dental Assisting training program is available at our three Southern California campuses:
Dental Assistants are primarily found in dental offices, but there are many other dental career options for you to consider. No matter the setting, you will assist and care for others by performing a wide range of clinical, laboratory, and patient procedures. At American Career College, we are focused on providing you with real-world skills and hands-on experience. You will practice a variety of procedures and techniques in a dental laboratory, comparable to a modern dental facility, while learning in a collaborative and open classroom environment.
Upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting program, you will be prepared to provide quality care to patients, and can expect to qualify for entry-level positions in the following healthcare facilities.
A few interesting facts* about Dental Assistant careers:
Many area employers are very familiar with the quality of ACC's health care training programs and our school's track record for preparing confident, qualified professionals for rewarding careers.
*California Employment Development OCC Guides, Dental Assistants in California
The Dental Assisting curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, the ACC curriculum then provides you with hands-on experience through a 180-hour externship that will be arranged for you at an appropriate dental facility.
Class Modules for the American Career College Dental Assisting program include:
For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.
Once you have completed your American Career College training, you will be ready to pursue exciting career opportunities as an entry-level Dental Assistant. From patient care to record keeping, you will become an important part of the dental health care community.
As a Dental Assistant, day-to-day responsibilities may include1:
During and after your program, our dedicated Career Services team helps you find the right job for you. Even after you start your career, our Career Services team will continue to provide you with the resources, support and assistance you may need to keep your career on track.*
1California Employment Development Department, Dental Assistants in California
*American Career College cannot guarantee employment.
Dental assistants support dentists with patient procedures, sterilize and prepare instruments,
manage patient records and advise patients on proper dental hygiene.
Here are some things a dentist assistant is trained to do:
Here are some things you may do:
1 California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Dental Assistants in California
A dental assistant primarily supports dentists by performing various administrative and clinical tasks, such as sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for procedures, and taking x-rays.1
Whereas, a dental hygienist focuses more on preventive oral care, conducts cleanings, examines patients for oral health issues, and educates them on proper oral hygiene practices.2
1 California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Dental Assistants
2 California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
If you love working with people and you’re good at making them feel at ease, you might enjoy
being a dental assistant.
Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great dental assistant:
Active listening – Dental assistants need to be able to communicate with both patients and dentists, understanding what is being said and asking the right questions.
Instructing – Dental assistants should be able to educate patients on oral health, delivering information in a way that’s easy to understand and easy to remember.
Service orientation – A great dental assistant is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.
Social perceptiveness – Dental assistants should be aware and understanding of patients’ reactions in order to provide the best possible patient-centered care.
Critical thinking – A dental assistants’ ability to make sound decisions can help them provide optimal care for each individual patient.
Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including:
1California Employment Development Department, Occupational Guides, Dental Assistants
The Dental Assisting curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, the ACC curriculum then provides you with hands-on experience through a 180-hour externship that will be arranged for you at an appropriate dental facility.
Class modules for the American Career College Dental Assisting program include:
For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.
Students can earn their dental assisting diploma in as little as 10 months.
Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the dental assistant school cost and help you explore financial aid. To learn more about ACC’s Dental Assistant program cost, access our tuition info.
Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Yes! ACC's Dental Assisting program includes a 180-hour externship which gives students the
opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning
hands-on throughout the training program
Ontario Campus: Voted Best Trade School in the 2021 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards
LA Campus: Voted Favorite Career College in the 2021 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.
OC Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2021 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.
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