Top Dental Assistant Schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Updated January 11, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental assistant programs in Rancho Santa Margarita, California can help you start a career in about two years. Look for schools offering classroom learning, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations with local dental offices.

California Paralegal Salary Snapshot

California
California Median Pay $72,960$35.08 per hour National median: $61,010($29.33/hr)
Employment 45,740BLS OEWS, May 2024

Dental Assistant Schools in Rancho Santa Margarita

#1

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA 18.1 miles away

Located in Costa Mesa, CA Orange Coast College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

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#2

American College of Healthcare and Technology

Riverside, CA 19.6 miles away

Located in Riverside, CA American College of Healthcare and Technology is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, HVAC Technician, and HVAC Technician. The campus serves roughly 321 learners.

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#3

North-West College-Riverside

Riverside, CA 20.6 miles away

Located in Riverside, CA North-West College-Riverside is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Practical Nursing (LPN).

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#4

California Career Institute

Anaheim, CA 21 miles away

Located in Anaheim, CA California Career Institute is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Practical Nursing (LPN). The campus serves roughly 517 learners.

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#5

West Coast University-Orange County

Anaheim, CA 21.8 miles away

Located in Anaheim, CA West Coast University-Orange County is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, and Facilities Management.

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Certification and Licensing in California

  • Check with the California Board of Dentistry for updated requirements on X-ray and expanded function certification.
  • Track your clinical hours to meet on-the-job experience requirements.
  • Maintain valid CPR/BLS, OSHA, and HIPAA certifications as required by most dental offices.

Questions to Ask Local Schools

  • What percentage of graduates pass certification exams?
  • Do externships or clinical rotations partner with local dental offices?
  • Are flexible class options available for working students?
  • What costs are included in tuition versus separate fees?

California Paralegal Salary & Job Outlook

BLS OEWS, May 2024

California median pay $72,960$35.08 per hour
Employment 45,740

Average pay

$76,920per year $36.98 per hour

Median pay

$72,960per year $35.08 per hour

Next Steps