Top Dental Assistant Schools in Ridgecrest, California

Updated January 11, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental assistant programs in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest

#1

High Desert Medical College

Lancaster, CA 71.4 miles away

Located in Lancaster, CA High Desert Medical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assistant, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

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#2

Career Care Institute

Lancaster, CA 71.5 miles away

Located in Lancaster, CA Career Care Institute 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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#3

UEI College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 79.9 miles away

Located in Bakersfield, CA UEI College-Bakersfield is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Dental Assistant.

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#4

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 81 miles away

Located in Bakersfield, CA San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Dental Assistant, and Electrical Systems Installation.

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#5

San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia

Hesperia, CA 85.1 miles away

Located in Hesperia, CA San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Dental Assistant, and Electrical Systems Installation.

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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