Dental Assistant Program
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Dental Assistant Training Program
Launch your career in dentistry in just 9 months with affordable, hands-on training at Stellar Career College in Modesto.
Start Your Career in Dentistry — Apply Today!
Are you ready to step into a rewarding career in healthcare? As a Dental Assistant, you will play a vital role in patient care, assisting licensed dentists during clinical procedures, taking diagnostic images, and keeping dental offices running smoothly.
At Stellar Career College Modesto, our Dental Assistant training program prepares you with the practical, hands-on skills needed to work confidently in modern dental practices across California.
State Certifications & Industry Skills Included
Our curriculum includes key certifications and hands-on software training to make you immediately competitive in the job market:
- ✓ Radiation (X-Ray) Safety: Earn California Dental Board Certification to operate dental X-ray equipment safely.
- ✓ Infection & Disease Control: Master sterile processing and infection prevention standards.
- ✓ Dentrix Dental Software: Learn the industry's leading software for patient records, scheduling, and billing.
- ✓ CPR Certification: Earn Basic Life Support certification for emergency response.
Program Details & Schedule
• Program Length: 36 Weeks (9 Months)
• Class Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. (Fridays Off)
• Format: In-person on-campus training (Modesto, CA)
• Class Sizes: Small classes for personalized, one-on-one instruction
• Tuition: $14,000.00 (Financial Aid available for those who qualify)
• Clinical Training: 200 Hours hands-on externship in a local dental office
• Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED (No prior college required)
• Support: Free tutoring & dedicated career placement assistance
What You Will Learn
Our practical curriculum gives you comprehensive clinical and front-office skills:
Chairside & Clinical Assisting
- Chairside assisting during restorative and surgical procedures
- Preparing and organizing sterile instrument trays
- Recording preliminary vital signs and medical history
- Creating laboratory molds and dental impressions
- Assisting with patient comfort and workflow management
Radiography & Technical Skills
- Safely exposing, processing, and evaluating dental X-rays
- Radiation protection protocols for patients and staff
- Dental anatomy, tooth morphology, and charting techniques
- Infection prevention, sanitation, and autoclave sterilization
- Identifying and properly handling specialized dental instruments
Office Management & Patient Care
- Dentrix software training for charting, billing, and scheduling
- Dental insurance verification and patient record-keeping
- Educating patients on post-op care and preventive oral health
- Professional ethics, terminology, and teamwork dynamics
- Preparing for advanced credentials like the RDA exam
Career Outcomes & California Job Growth
According to State of California employment projections (2022–2032), dental assisting employment is projected to grow by 15% with over 9,000 annual job openings statewide.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions including:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental assistants perform a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. Clinical duties include sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for treatment, taking X-rays, and assisting the dentist during procedures. Administrative duties involve scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records, and handling patient insurance.
Is there room for career advancement?
Yes! Working as a dental assistant is a proven pathway to advanced roles. Graduates can gain experience and go on to become Registered Dental Assistants (RDA), Registered Dental Assistants in Extended Functions (RDAEF), Dental Hygienists, or Practice Managers.
What is the differences between a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist?
Dental assistants focus on preparing patients, assisting dentists chairside during procedures, taking diagnostic X-rays, and managing office operations. Dental hygienists focus primarily on performing teeth cleanings and assessing oral health for hygiene issues. Starting as a Dental Assistant is a great foundational step toward hygiene school.
Take the First Step Toward Your Dental Career
Class sizes are kept small to ensure hands-on instruction. Schedule a campus visit with our Admissions team today!
📍 Campus Location: 4300 Sisk Road, Modesto, CA 95356