Dental Assistant Program
The Hesperia Adult School Registered Dental Assistant program offers a 12-month pathway to a career as an RDA, with free tuition for Hesperia Unified School District high school students and a $6,250 fee for adults. The program covers essential skills like coronal polishing, radiology, and infection control in a state-of-the-art practice lab, helping students prepare for real-world dental assisting roles.
Curriculum & Hands-On Experience
The program provides in-depth training in practical and clinical skills. Students will gain proficiency in coronal polishing, radiology, pit and fissure sealants, and ultrasonic scaling, among other core skills. Practical training is supported by a new, modern lab, where students practice essential tasks such as infection control, CPR, and dental law compliance, setting them up for the range of responsibilities required as an RDA.
Class Schedules & Duration
Classes are held Monday through Friday, with schedules adjusted based on student type. High school students attend in the afternoons from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, while adult students attend in the mornings from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. The program starts once a year, with high school sessions beginning in July and adult sessions starting in February.
Prerequisites
High School Students:
- Minimum age of 16 or junior status
- Orientation attendance and counselor recommendation
Adult Students:
- Minimum age of 18
- Completion of interest form and orientation attendance
Additional Requirements
All students must adhere to guidelines regarding personal appearance and conduct, including restrictions on visible tattoos, piercings, and acrylic nails. Health requirements include vaccinations for Hepatitis B, a TB test, and health clearance if pregnant.
Cost & Financial Support
For high school students within Hesperia Unified School District, the program is tuition-free. For adult students, the cost is $6,250, which can be broken down into an initial payment of $1,975 followed by nine monthly payments of $475. Uniforms, vaccination, and basic supplies are additional expenses.
Instructional Staff
Hesperia Adult School’s instructors bring decades of experience in the dental field. Kelly Schoffstall, an RDA turned educator, and Susan Dahn, an industry veteran and award-winning teacher, lead the program. Their combined experience enhances the learning environment, providing students with seasoned guidance throughout the program.
Why Hesperia Adult School?
This program stands out for its affordability—especially for local high school students—and the real-world experience it offers through a state-of-the-art lab. The curriculum includes critical certifications and hands-on training, which prepares students thoroughly for RDA roles. For adult students, the tuition can be a financial consideration, but the structured payment plan helps manage costs.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | Free for Hesperia Unified School District HS students; $6,250 for adults |
| Program Duration | 12 Months |
| Class Schedules | Monday-Friday: 1:30pm – 5:30pm (HS); 7:30am – 11:30am (Adults) |
| Classes Offered | Registered Dental Assistant program with certifications in coronal polishing, radiology, infection control, and more |
| Admission Requirements | Minimum age of 16 for HS students; 18 for adults. HS counselor recommendation for HS students; orientation attendance for all |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Not specified |
| Financial Aid Options | Not specified |
| Location | 16527 Lemon St, Hesperia, CA 92345 |
| Phone | (760) 244-1771 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.careeradulteducation.com/registered-dental-assistant |