Dental Assistant Schools
Dental Assistant Programs in Long Beach, California
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Becoming a Dental Assistant in Long Beach, California
Are you considering a career as a Dental Assistant in Long Beach, California? This guide will walk you through the steps and requirements to embark on this rewarding career path. Dental Assistants play a crucial role in dental offices, providing support to dentists and ensuring patient comfort. There are various educational paths to becoming a Dental Assistant, including formal training programs and work experience routes.
About Long Beach
Long Beach, California, is a bustling coastal city known for its beautiful waterfront attractions, such as the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. With a diverse community and a thriving economy, Long Beach offers numerous opportunities for aspiring Dental Assistants. For more information about the city, visit the official Long Beach website.
Dental Assistant Training Programs in Long Beach, California
In Long Beach, several schools offer Dental Assistant programs that are approved by the Dental Board of California. Here are some options:
- Cerritos College
Located in nearby Norwalk, Cerritos College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program that includes both theoretical and practical training. The program is designed to meet the requirements set by the Dental Board of California. For more details, visit the Cerritos College Dental Assisting Program page. American Career College (ACC)
Situated in the heart of Long Beach, ACC provides a Dental Assisting program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. The program prepares students for various certifications required in California. Learn more on the ACC Dental Assisting Program page.The Valley School for Dental Assisting (VSDA)
Although located a bit further in Encino, VSDA offers a Dental Assisting program that focuses on practical skills and certification preparation. Explore their offerings on the VSDA website.
Dental Assistant Employment Opportunities in Long Beach
Long Beach is home to several prominent dental offices and clinics where Dental Assistants can find employment opportunities:
- Long Beach Dental Group
Located in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, Long Beach Dental Group offers comprehensive dental services and frequently seeks qualified Dental Assistants. Visit their employment opportunities page. Pacific Dental Services
Situated in the East Village Arts District, Pacific Dental Services provides a modern work environment and opportunities for career growth. Check out their careers page.Gentle Dental Long Beach
Found in the Belmont Shore area, Gentle Dental is known for its patient-centered care and supportive work environment. Explore job openings on their careers page.
Prerequisites for Dental Assistant Programs
To enroll in a Dental Assistant program in Long Beach, you typically need to meet the following prerequisites:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum age of 18
- Completion of a background check
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Dental Assistant Certification Requirements in California
In California, several certifications are required to work as a Dental Assistant:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
- Infection Control Certification: 8-hour board-approved course
- Radiation Safety Certification: Board-approved course
- Coronal Polishing Certification: Board-approved course
- California Dental Practice Act Course: 2-hour course within 5 years
For more information, visit the Dental Board of California.
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Licensing
To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in California, you must:
- Submit an application to the Dental Board of California with a $120 fee
- Pass the RDA General and Law and Ethics Written Examination
- Obtain fingerprint clearance from the DOJ and FBI
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Dental Assistant in Long Beach, California, is a promising choice with numerous educational and employment opportunities. Take the first step by contacting a local school to learn more about their programs and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in dental assisting.
For more information on the job outlook for Dental Assistants, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page.