About the Program
JVS delivers an accelerated Dental Assistant training program designed to prepare participants for entry‑level employment while addressing regional dental workforce shortages. The program combines classroom instruction, hands‑on clinical skills training, required certifications, professional skills development, and a paid externship.
Program Details
- Receive up to $500 per week during training
- This program will run from August 25 through December 10
- Participants complete over 130 hours of occupation‑specific classroom and hands‑on training
- Following classroom instruction, participants complete a 160‑hour paid externship at a local dental employer
- As part of training, participants earn industry‑required certifications, including Infection Control, Radiation Safety, and Basic Life Support (BLS), which are embedded into the program at no cost and completed prior to entering clinical settings
- Participants will receive soft skill training (EQ Suite) and job search essentials skills training (JSE) as well
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 and 2 volunteer patients for the Coronal Polishing certification
- Must provide updated immunization record
- Must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a current booster
- Please refer to the Opportunity Fund FAQ for common questions about the paid training
- 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.
| Mandatory Sessions | Projected Dates | Tentative Start Time | Approximate Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | August 25 | 9am-1pm | 3-4 hours | Online on Zoom |
| Soft Skills Training | September 8 through September 14 | 1:30pm | 2 hours | Online on Zoom |
| Job Search Essentials | September 8 through October 13 Tuesdays and Thursdays | Self-study, 9am-12pm On Zoom, 1pm-3pm | 3 hours 2 hours | Online on Zoom |
| Foundations in Dental Assisting Training | September 21 through October 28 Mondays and Wednesdays | 9am-2pm | 5 hours | In-person at SFSU |
| Foundations in Dental Assisting Training | Early October through November Pod 1 - Saturdays Pod 2 - Sundays | 9am-5pm | 8 hours | In-person at Tooth Fairy Systems Walnut Creek or San Ramon |
| 6-week Paid Internship | Early November through Mid-December Monday through Friday | Varies | Up to 32 hours per week | In-person at a local dental office or clinic |
| Completion Ceremony | December 2026 Date TBD | 10am | 1 hour | Online on Zoom |
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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