Dental Assistant Diploma Program

San Diego, CA

Prepare for a new career sooner than you think

Dental Assistants are often the first person a patient interacts with when they visit the dentist's office. They play key roles in delivering quality care. Dental assistants support both the Dentist and Dental Hygienist in running their practice, as well as aid in caring for patients. A special and diverse health care career choice.

Train to Assist Chairside During Dental Procedures

  • Learn the foundations of dental care in this diploma program.
  • Curriculum includes an externship so you gain real-world experience.
  • Complete your diploma in as few as 10-months of study.*

San Diego Dental Assistant Program Overview

With Concorde, you can learn the skills needed to be the person dental practices rely on to keep things running smoothly. The hands-on training from taking x-rays to dental impressions, will help prepare you for a career in the dental field.

As part of your training you will prepare to obtain your CPR and radiation safety certificates.

This Dental Board of California-approved program prepares you to sit for the written and practical California State Board Examination to become a Registered Dental Assistant after graduation.‡

Now Enrolling

Concorde's San Diego campus is seeking dedicated students who want to:

  • Learn to help dentists and dental hygienists deliver quality care and maintain office operations
  • Prepare for career opportunities in private practices, clinics, cosmetic dentistry, and more
  • Complete the diploma in as few as 10-months*

Get started by scheduling an in-person or virtual Career Planning Session to explore if the dental assistant program is right for you!

*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for dental assistants 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

‡Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

ᶛ Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, who's length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes. 

10

Months

8%

National Employment Demand (2021-2031)

30.5

Credit Hours

320

Lab Hours

160

Externship Hoursᶛ

Get Started

Curriculum

Garden Grove Campus Dental Assistant Curriculum

Concorde San Diego’s dental assistant diploma teaches foundational concepts of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology and the different dental specialties. You’ll learn to take impressions, assist during procedures, and how to keep the front office operating efficiently.

  • Introduction to Dental Assisting & Dental Terminology
  • Dental Specialties
  • Materials & Procedures
  • Patient Care & Management
  • Diagnostics & Orthodontics
  • Dental Radiology
  • Infection Control
  • Coronal Polishing
  • Pit & Fissure Sealant

10

Months*

In Less Than-a-Year

The dental assistant diploma program can be completed in as few as ten-months.

160

Externship Hoursᶛ 

Dental Assisting Hands-on Experience

The dental assistant program includes an externship where you will gain hands-on experience working along side dentists, hygienists and other healthcare professionals.ᶛ 

*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

‡Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

ᶛ Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, who's length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes. 

Career Outlook

Dental Assisting is a Career with Smiles

Dental assistants do a little of everything in the dental office. From updating patient records to sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures, their role is versatile, fast-paced, and can make a real difference in the lives of patients.

  • Work Alongside Dentists & Hygienists
  • Assist Chairside During Patient Exams & Procedures
  • Prepare & Take Patient X-Rays
  • Manage and Schedule Patient Appointments
  • Collect and Record Patient Records
  • Prepare & Sanitize Instruments & Care Spaces

8%

Projected national job demand for dental assistants 2021-2031**

Dental Assisting Growth

Job demand for dental assistants is projected to grow as more patients seek dental care and clinics expand.

      **Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for dental assistants 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

      Address and Hours

      San Diego Campus

      4393 Imperial Ave.
      San Diego, California 92113

      PH: (619) 908-1963
      FX: (619) 220-4177

      Campus Hours of Operation

      Monday8 am - 7 pm
      Tuesday8 am - 7 pm
      Wednesday8 am - 7 pm
      Thursday8 am - 7 pm
      Friday8 am - 5 pm
      SaturdayBy Appointment
      SundayClosed
      Schedule A Tour

      Financial Aid

      As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.

        

      Pacific Dental Services Foundation

       

       

      The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is proud to offer the "Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship”. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal and her heart for service, the scholarship aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted, dental assistant leaders. This scholarship provides need-based financial aid, mentorship and on the job training.

      Scholarships are awarded based on application excellence, financial need and a heart for service. Need-based financial aid, covered by the scholarship will be awarded not to exceed $5,000.

      To apply for consideration please ask your financial aid office or DA program director for more information.

      Award Amount:  $5,000

      Scholarship Deadlines:

      • February 1st
      • May 1st
      • August 1st
      • November 1st

      Scholarship Eligibility Requirements: 

      • Currently Enrolled in a Concorde Assistant Diploma Program.
      • See application for full eligibility requirements
      • For additional consideration, create a short video answering the essay questions, upload to Instagram™ with #pdsfscholarship and tag @pdsfoundation. State full name and school in video.
      • Click here to see "how-to apply" video
      ***Scholarship selection is through a third-party, Concorde does not guarantee award or eligibility. Application for scholarship does not guarantee enrollment or graduation into Concorde, nor employment and subsequent salary by any party including Pacific Dental.
      Scholarship Application

      Accreditation

      Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation. Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.

      Flordia State Board of Dentistry: Approved

      The Dental Assistant program is approved by the Florida State Board of Dentistry to certify dental assisting students in expanded duties and radiology. Department of Health, Board of Dentistry: 4052 Bald Cypress Way; Bin C-08, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258; 850-488-0595.

      Flordia State Board of Dentistry logo

      TN Dentistry Board: Approved

      The Dental Assisting (Diploma) program is approved by the Dental Board, State of Tennessee Health Related Boards, 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243; 615-532-5073; 1-800-778-4123.

      You may also be interested in the following programs

      Dental Hygiene

      Medical Assistant

      Medical Office Administration

      1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

      2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

      3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

      4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

      5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.