Dental Assistant Schools in Lakewood, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, California

#1

PCI College

Cerritos, CA 2.3 miles away

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

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA 3.1 miles away

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

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#3

Healthcare Career College

Paramount, CA 3.3 miles away

Healthcare Career College is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Paramount, CA serving about 381 students and accredited by Council on Occupational Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#4

ABC Adult School

Cerritos, CA 3.7 miles away

ABC Adult School is a Public, <2-year in Cerritos, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#5

Downey Adult School

Downey, CA 5 miles away

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

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#6

Cypress College

Cypress, CA 5.7 miles away

Cypress College is a Public, 4-year in Cypress, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#7

American Career College-Anaheim

Anaheim, CA 8.4 miles away

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

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#8

North-West College-Anaheim

Anaheim, CA 9.4 miles away

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

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#9

UEI College-Gardena

Gardena, CA 9.5 miles away

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

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#10

UEI College-Garden Grove

Garden Grove, CA 10.6 miles away

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

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Lakewood

There are 10 schools within 11 miles of Lakewood.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
PCI College2.3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Cerritos College3.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Healthcare Career College3.3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
ABC Adult School3.7 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Downey Adult School5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Cypress College5.7 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
American Career College-Anaheim8.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
North-West College-Anaheim9.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
UEI College-Gardena9.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
UEI College-Garden Grove10.6 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 Lakewood?

There are 72 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Lakewood. The closest is PCI College, approximately 2.3 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 Lakewood?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Lakewood ranges from $1,126 to $1,354. 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.