Dental Assistant programs in San Diego, 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 San Diego, California
#1
San Diego Mesa College
📍
San Diego, CA
•3.2 miles away
San Diego Mesa College is a Public, 4-year in San Diego, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Concorde Career College-San Diego is a Private for-profit, 2-year in San Diego, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Tuition
Contact school for pricing
Contact
4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92113-1964
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Chula Vista, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
UEI College-Chula Vista is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Chula Vista, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Tuition
Contact school for pricing
Contact
1261 Third Avenue, Suite A Chula Vista, CA 91911-3262
Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos is a Private for-profit, 2-year in San Marcos, CA serving about 630 students and accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Palomar College is a Public, 2-year in San Marcos, CA serving about 16,167 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.
San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Temecula, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
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
Metric
California
National
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).
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.
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 San Diego?
There are 59 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of San Diego. The closest is San Diego Mesa College, approximately 3.2 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 San Diego?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near San Diego 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.
