How to Become a Dental Assistant in Anaheim, California

Anaheim is the tenth largest city in California, with a population of over 350,000. Located in the heart of Orange County, Anaheim is well known for its tourist attractions and amenities. As a dental assistant in Anaheim, you can catch a Dodger’s game, enjoy a concert at the Anaheim Ducks hockey arena or spend the day at an amusement park. Anaheim is one of the most exciting places to live in Southern California, and it is within an easy driving distance of both the mountains and the coast. (Also in Orange County, see Santa Ana and Irvine)

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Dental Assistant Schools in Anaheim

Dental assistants in California can train on the job, but to become a registered dental assistant (RDA) you will have to pass the licensing examinations. Taking a dental assisting course is recommended to give you the skills and knowledge needed to successfully sit for your exams. Here are a few educational options to choose from in Anaheim and the surrounding area:

Fullerton Dental Assistant School (FDAS). Located in the neighboring city of Fullerton, the FDAS has a 13-week program that prepares you to start working as an entry-level dental assistant. The course is a mix of classwork and practical experience. The campus is easy to access and offers instruction in both English and Spanish. FDAS also has job placement services and boasts a 90 percent job placement rate for graduates.
North-West College (NWC). NWC has a new satellite campus located right in in the heart of Anaheim, just a block from the I-5 freeway. Their extensive 40-week program gives you over 900 hours of instruction and practical experience and will prepare you for an entry-level position in a dental clinic. You will also be able to sit for your RDA exams upon completion of the program.
UEI College. Located just north of La Palma Park, the UEI campus was updated in 2010 and boasts more than 32,000 square feet of amenities. The campus includes 21 classrooms, two dental laboratories, break rooms and a computer center and library. Their 10-month program will give you the experience and skills needed to start working as a dental assistant, and will help prepare you for the RDA exams.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that dental assistants in Anaheim typically start at $17.75 an hour, or approximately $36,910 a year.

There were more than 17,000 dental assistants in the Anaheim area in 2017, and the field is expected to grow another 16.5 percent by 2026.

Working as a Dental Assistant in Anaheim

Anaheim is a great place to live and work. Over 25 million people visit Anaheim every year, and there are close to 24,000 businesses located in the city. Popular attractions include Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Anaheim Convention Center, which is the largest convention center on the West Coast.

Working as a dental assistant in Anaheim offers a lot of opportunities for advancement, and you will have no problem finding exciting things to do in your off-time.