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
- 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
Jobseekers