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 through March with mandatory orientations on December 15 and December 16
- This is a 13-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, Coronal Polishing
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
Tentative Timeline and Key Dates
Note: Dates and times are subject to change and will be confirmed by program team.
*Training site is in Berkeley/North Oakland on Telegraph Avenue near Ashby BART
| Mandatory Sessions | Projected Date/s | Tentative Start Time | Approximate Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Orientation (Online) | December 15 | 1pm | 3-4 hours | Online on Zoom |
| Second Orientation (Online) | December 16 | 9am | 8 hours | Online on Zoom |
| Job Search Essentials | January 12 through February 11 Various days | 1pm | 2 hours | Online on Zoom |
| Career Labs & Mock Interview | February 26 through March 19, 2026 Monday through Friday | Varies, generally 9am | Up to 32 hours per week | In Person (local dental office or clinic) |
| Completion Ceremony | March 26, 2026 | 10am | 1 hour | Online on Zoom |
The purpose of this document is to inform applicants of the tentative training timeline so that an informed decision can be made regarding time commitment and readiness to participate and commit. It is meant to help applicants see how they would need to organize their schedule and prepare to participate.
Accepted participants will be informed if any changes have occurred.
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
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, 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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