Becoming a Dental Assistant in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield sits at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in central California, and is a major hub for the local agriculture and oil industries. As the 9^th most-populous city in California and the 52^nd most-populous city in the country, Bakersfield is a mix of dense urban neighborhoods and rural countryside. As a dental assistant in Bakersfield, you can enjoy being in a high-demand field while living in one of the most affordable cities in California.

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Dental Assistant Schools in Bakersfield

You may train on the job as a dental assistant in California, but to qualify as a registered dental assistant (RDA), you need to pass the certification exams. To increase your chances of becoming a RDA, consider these dental assisting courses offered in Bakersfield:

UEI College.Located in downtown Bakersfield, the UEI campus offers over 32,000 square feet of classrooms, break rooms, laboratories, computer centers and a library. Their 10-month dental assisting program covers everything you need to secure entry-level employment. The program includes a mix of classroom and real-world experience, and culminates in a 170-hour externship with a local dentist.https://www.uei.edu/trade-school/california/bakersfield/
High Desert Medical College (HDMC). If you would like to transition to a career as a dental assistant, then this variable program through HDMC might be the best one for you. You have the option of taking weekday classes and completing the program in 34 weeks, or you can sign-up for their evening classes and finish your degree in 42 weeks. Their program aims to prepare you for entry-level work in a dentist’s office and qualifies you to take the RDA exams upon graduation.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there were 900 dental assistants in Bakersfield in 2017, and the field is expected to grow another 16.5 percent by 2026.

Dental assistants in Bakersfield make an average of $19.64 per hour, or approximately $40,860 annually for full-time employment.

Working as a Dental Assistant in Bakersfield

If you prefer a mix of city living and outdoor fun, you may really enjoy working as a dental assistant in Bakersfield. It is an easy two-hour drive from Southern California, and even the Bay Area is only about four hours away by car. The city is expanding rapidly, and there is a high demand for dental assistants and other healthcare workers. Bakersfield has long, dry summers and mild winters, perfect for taking hikes at the Panorama Bluffs in north Bakersfield or enjoying a picnic at Hart Memorial Park.