Most Affordable Dental Assistant Programs in Los Angeles

The Registered Dental Assistant program at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education offers sponsored training for eligible students who meet specific criteria, including:

• Individuals aged 18-24
• Unemployed persons
• Veterans
• Other qualifying low-income residents

 Interested applicants should contact the Workforce Development Center to confirm eligibility. For students who do not meet the criteria, tuition is set at $2,510, with additional costs for uniforms, books, and necessary health prerequisites.

This 945-hour program covers all essential dental assisting skills over multiple modules. Classes take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Willow Center. Core modules include dental sciences, radiology, coronal polishing, and pit and fissure sealants, providing students with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills.

Students also participate in a clinical practice module at the San Gabriel Valley Foundation Dental Health Clinic, completing a minimum of 110 on-site hours. An externship at an off-site dental office follows, requiring 222 additional hours under the supervision of licensed professionals.

To enroll, applicants must attend an orientation and meet prerequisites, including high school completion or equivalent and current CPR and health clearances. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the California RDA exam.

SoCal ROC’s Dental Assisting program provides funded classes for high school students in participating districts, including Inglewood, Torrance, and Redondo Beach. High school students interested in this training must contact their counselor to confirm eligibility. Adult students can also enroll in this program but should contact SoCal ROC as eligibility varies on an individual basis for adults.

This program includes 216 hours of classroom instruction covering essential dental assisting skills such as chairside techniques, sterilization, radiology, and dental office protocols. Classes are held in the evening, Monday through Thursday, from either 4:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., allowing flexibility for working students.

Upon completion, students earn certifications in Dental Radiology Safety Compliance, the Dental Practice Act, and Infection Control. Graduates who complete an additional 15 months and 1,280 hours of work experience in a dental office may qualify to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam.

The Hesperia Adult School Dental Assistant Program is available for high school students enrolled in the Hesperia Unified School District. Eligible high school students must be at least 16 years old or a junior in high school, obtain a recommendation from their school counselor, and attend an orientation. For adult learners, tuition is $6,250, and they must be 18 or older to apply. All students must meet additional eligibility requirements, including no visible tattoos, no tongue or face piercings, and passing a health screening if pregnant.

The program spans 12 months and includes a state-of-the-art skills practice lab along with a clinical externship component. Classes cover core dental assisting skills such as radiology, coronal polishing, ultrasonic scaling, infection control, and California law. High school students attend classes Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., while adult learners follow a morning schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Both cohorts must complete mandatory orientations before enrollment, which are held virtually through Zoom.

Upon completion, students earn necessary certifications, including Health Care Provider CPR, Infection Control, and California Law, to meet the standards of the California Dental Board. This program’s combination of hands-on and classroom training aims to prepare students for dental assisting roles in various professional settings.

The Baldy View ROP Dental Assistant Program is designed for high school students within the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Chino Valley, Claremont, and Upland Unified School Districts. Students from outside these districts may need to pay a program fee. To qualify, high school students must be in their senior year, while adults enrolling in the program must meet additional requirements, including a high school diploma or equivalent.

Classes are held on-campus and span a total of 825 hours. Topics include dental terminology, chairside assisting, radiology, and infection control, preparing students for entry-level roles in dentistry. Clinical internships are part of the curriculum, offering hands-on experience in dental practices and laboratories.

Students who complete the program earn multiple certificates, such as Radiology Safety Compliance, Infection Control, and CPR. After gaining required work hours and completing additional state-approved courses, graduates may qualify to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam.