Dental Assistant Schools in Atascadero, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Atascadero, California can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Dental assistant Schools Near Atascadero, California

#1

Central California School of Continuing Education

San Luis Obispo, CA 15.4 miles away

Central California School of Continuing Education is a Private for-profit, 2-year in San Luis Obispo, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, CA 40.1 miles away

Allan Hancock College is a Public, 2-year in Santa Maria, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#3

Taft College

Taft, CA 73 miles away

Taft College is a Public, 2-year in Taft, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#4

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 91.9 miles away

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Bakersfield, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#5

UEI College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 92.4 miles away

UEI College-Bakersfield is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Bakersfield, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#6

Milan Institute-Visalia

Visalia, CA 94.3 miles away

Milan Institute-Visalia is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Visalia, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#7

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, CA 95.5 miles away

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Visalia, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#8

Fresno City College

Fresno, CA 101.7 miles away

Fresno City College is a Public, 2-year in Fresno, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#9

Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey, CA 101.8 miles away

Monterey Peninsula College is a Public, 2-year in Monterey, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#10

UEI College-Fresno

Fresno, CA 102.8 miles away

UEI College-Fresno is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Fresno, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Atascadero

There are 10 schools within 103 miles of Atascadero.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Central California School of Continuing Education15.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Allan Hancock College40.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Taft College73 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield91.9 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
UEI College-Bakersfield92.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Milan Institute-Visalia94.3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia95.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Fresno City College101.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Monterey Peninsula College101.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
UEI College-Fresno102.8 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Dental Assistant Salary in California

Entry-level dental assistants in California earn around $38,770 per year. The median salary is $48,910, which is 3.4% above the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $72,060 per year.

California vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricCaliforniaNational
Median salary$48,910$47,300
Average salary$53,570$48,860
25th percentile$45,630$39,520
75th percentile$59,960$56,910
90th percentile$72,060$61,780

California employs approximately 54,580 dental assistants (3.0 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.24).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Dental Assistant Job Outlook

6.4% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 381,900 to 406,300 jobs nationwide. About 52,900 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In California, the concentration of dental assistants is higher than the national average (location quotient: 1.24), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in California?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in California is $48,910. Wages range from $38,770 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $72,060 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Atascadero?

There are 85 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Atascadero. The closest is Central California School of Continuing Education, approximately 15.4 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for dental assistants?

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034. About 52,900 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does dental assistant training cost near Atascadero?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Atascadero ranges from $1,180 to $1,334. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a dental assistant in demand in California?

Demand for dental assistants in California is higher than average compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.24. The state employs 3.0 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.