Programs
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Complete the interest form, and an Admissions Representative will reach out to help you learn more about the Dental Assisting program and your next steps.
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Dental Assisting program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online classroom theory with hands-on training in on-campus dental labs and real-world experience through a clinical externship.
Program Length
- 34 weeks – morning/afternoon
- 42 weeks – evening
Program Details
- 620 classroom/lab hours
- 160 clinical externship hours
- 780 total clock hours
- 34 semester credits
Morning/afternoon and evening schedules are available depending on campus and class availability.
High Desert Medical College offers its Dental Assisting program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Dental Assisting curriculum combines dental knowledge, clinical procedures and front-office skills to prepare students to support dentists, hygienists and patients in a professional dental setting.
Coursework and training include:
- Introduction to Dental Assisting
- Dental Anatomy & Infection Control
- Dental Assisting Procedures
- Chairside Assisting
- Dental Radiography & Imaging
- Restorative Techniques
- Dental Specialties
- Dental Practice Office Management
- Career Development
- Clinical Externship
Students learn how to prepare patients for treatment, assist during dental procedures, take dental X-rays and impressions, follow infection control procedures and support everyday dental office operations.
Applicants must meet HDMC’s general admissions requirements, including having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
Don’t have your high school diploma yet? HDMC offers high school completion options that may help eligible students get started.
An Admissions Representative can review the requirements with you and help determine your next steps.
For the most current Dental Assisting tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
HDMC is also approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Graduates of the Dental Assisting program receive X-ray certification and are prepared to test for relevant industry certifications, such as through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Dental Assisting program combines dental theory with hands-on training to help you develop the clinical, patient care, and administrative skills used in a dental office.
Is a Career in Dental Assisting Right For You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Build your skills and prepare for certification.
Dental Assisting
Certificate
Graduate with a Certificate of Completion in Dental Assisting from HDMC.
X-Ray
Certification
Receive X-ray certification as part of completing the Dental Assisting program.
Real-World
Experience
Complete a 160-hour clinical externship where you can apply your dental assisting skills in a professional environment.
Where you could work
Dental Assistants can support patients and dental teams in a variety of professional settings. Picture yourself working in:
General Dental Offices
Support everyday dental procedures
Dental Clinics
Assist patients and dental teams
Orthodontic Offices
Support orthodontic patient care
Pediatric Dental Offices
Assist with children’s dental care
Oral Surgery Offices
Support dental surgical procedures
Specialty Dental Practices
Assist with specialized dental care
Potential Careers
A Dental Assisting certification could lead to jobs with titles like:
Dental Assistant
Front Office Assistant
Billing/Insurance Specialist
Dental X-Ray Technician
Sterilization Assistant
Potential Careers
A Dental Assisting certification could lead to jobs with titles like:
Dental Assistant
Front Office Assistant
Billing/Insurance Specialist
Dental X-Ray Technician
Sterilization Assistant
Real Students.
Real Stories.
Bianca R.
Dental Assisting
”I chose High Desert Medical College because of the welcoming feeling HDMC made me feel. It didn’t matter how scared or confused I was about this new chapter in my life; they were there all the way to help me and guide me in whatever I needed. As a full-time mother, wife, and employee, I needed something that would fit into my busy schedule HDMC has been everything I expected and more.”
Moriah H.
Dental Assisting
“Out of all of the schools that I had looked into, I chose HDMC because of the professionalism and friendly nature of the staff. It felt like the perfect fit as soon as I walked through the doors. I was lucky enough to have an amazing instructor, and with her guidance and support, I feel like she has fully prepared me for success in the dental field. Through this program, I have truly found my passion, and I can’t wait to see how far I’ll go.”
Alexus L.
Dental Assistant
‘’I chose HDMC because when I first started researching the dental assisting program, one of the first perks of the program was that it was a short program. Once I started learning as much as I could from Mrs. Adriana, I could say for the first time in my life that I enjoyed going to school. I’m so proud of myself for making the decision to join the Dental assisting program, but I am more grateful than ever to be learning from the best, and I cannot wait to grow within the dental field.’’
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether our Dental Assisting program is right for you.
Dental Assistants support dentists and hygienists while helping patients throughout their appointments. Responsibilities may include preparing patients and treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays and impressions, assisting during procedures, scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
HDMC’s Dental Assisting program can be completed in as few as 34 weeks with the morning/afternoon schedule or 42 weeks with the evening schedule. The program includes 780 total clock hours and 34 semester credits, including a 160-hour clinical externship.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. Students complete classroom theory online while gaining hands-on experience in dental labs on campus. Students also complete a clinical externship in a professional dental environment.
No prior dental or healthcare experience is required. The program is designed to teach students the foundational dental knowledge, clinical procedures and administrative skills needed to prepare for entry-level opportunities.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
