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Foundations in Dental Assisting

About the Program

Get ready to kickstart a thriving dental career with JVS’s Foundations in Dental Assisting program. We have curated a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on key skills needed to jumpstart your dental career. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to put their learning into practice during a paid internship at a dental office.

Program Details

  • This program runs from January 6 through March 20 with mandatory orientations on December 16 and 17
  • This is an 11-week training including 5 weeks (up to 160 hours) of paid internship
  • This is a hybrid training model with 10 hours of self-study and 20 hours of live or virtual in-person training per week
  • Certificates included: Radiation Safety, Infection Control, BLS, Dental Practice Act

Eligibility

  • Must be a resident of San Francisco, Alameda, or Contra Costa Counties
  • Must be 18 years of age or older and interested in securing meaningful employment with opportunities for economic growth
  • Must be able to provide a U.S. high school diploma, GED, or equivalency with translation
  • Should have a valid authorization to work in the United States, such as U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or an employment authorization card
  • Must be available and present for the entire duration of the program
  • Must provide 3 volunteer patients for x-ray licensure exam
  • Must provide updated immunization record
  • Must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a current booster
  • Prior to applying, please review JVS’s full program eligibility requirements and FAQ

What You’ll Learn

What You’ll Learn
  • Fundamentals of oral anatomy, dental procedures, and dental diseases
  • Essential skills for chairside dental assisting
  • How to properly handle and maintain dental equipment and materials
  • Best practices to prevent and control infections
  • Clinical skills through hands-on experience at a dental clinic
  • X-rays and radiation safety training, including full mouth exposure on three patients, to be eligible for your x-ray licensure
  • Interpersonal and customer service best practices to foster positive patient interactions
  • Best practices in job searching, interview preparation, and crafting a high impact resume

Career Snapshot

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As of 2023, the average wage range for Dental Assistants in CA is $19.30 – $28.75 per hour, with a 2023-2028 job growth projection of 6%.

Some possible career pathways for this occupation include:

  • Registered Dental Assistant
  • Orthodontic Assistant
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Laboratory Technician
  • Surgical Assistant
  • Medical Equipment Preparer

Hiromi Alternate JVS Dental Assistant Headshot

JVS will provide you with a very professional education from the beginning to the end.

~ Hiromi, Registered Dental Assistant

Take the Next Step

We are not currently accepting applications for this program. Sign-up for our newsletter below to be alerted when application opens.

The tuition and fees of this program is $10,278 per person, but are no charge for participants thanks to our generous supporters. We invest heavily in our training programs to help you advance your career without financial barriers. Whether you’re starting out or looking to change careers, our training can open new doors and empower you to take the next step in your professional life, all at no cost to you.

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