Dental Assistant Schools in Palo Alto, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, California

#1

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, CA 2.3 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Jose, CA 11.6 miles away

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a Private for-profit, 4-year in San Jose, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

San Jose City College

San Jose, CA 13.2 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Unitek College

Fremont, CA 13.4 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

College of San Mateo

San Mateo, CA 14.3 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Chabot College

Hayward, CA 17.5 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Carrington College-San Leandro Campus

San Leandro, CA 21.3 miles away

Carrington College-San Leandro Campus is a Private for-profit, 2-year in San Leandro, CA serving about 400 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Carrington College-San Jose

San Jose, CA 22.6 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

College of Alameda

Alameda, CA 28 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 28.5 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Palo Alto

There are 10 schools within 28 miles of Palo Alto.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Foothill College2.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts11.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
San Jose City College13.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Unitek College13.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
College of San Mateo14.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Chabot College17.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Carrington College-San Leandro Campus21.3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Carrington College-San Jose22.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
College of Alameda28 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
City College of San Francisco28.5 miN/AN/APublic, 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 Palo Alto?

There are 44 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Palo Alto. The closest is Foothill 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 Palo Alto?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Palo Alto ranges from $1,288 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.