Dental Assistant Schools in Santee, California

Dental Assistant programs in Santee, 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 Santee, California

#1

San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA 11.2 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.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Concorde Career College-San Diego

San Diego, CA 12.6 miles away

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.

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  • 4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92113-1964
  • (619) 688-0800

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Southwestern College

Chula Vista, CA 14.9 miles away

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

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista

Chula Vista, CA 17.2 miles away

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.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

UEI College-Chula Vista

Chula Vista, CA 17.7 miles away

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.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA 21.9 miles away

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.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Palomar College

San Marcos, CA 23.4 miles away

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.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,354
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,650
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

UEI College-Oceanside

Oceanside, CA 32.6 miles away

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

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula

Temecula, CA 47.5 miles away

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.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Milan Institute-Palm Desert

Palm Desert, CA 69.6 miles away

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

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  • 75-030 Gerald Ford Drive, Suite 203 Palm Desert, CA 92211
  • (760) 469-4545

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Santee

There are 10 schools within 70 miles of Santee.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
San Diego Mesa College11.2 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Concorde Career College-San Diego12.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Southwestern College14.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista17.2 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
UEI College-Chula Vista17.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos21.9 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Palomar College23.4 mi$1,354N/APublic, 2-year
UEI College-Oceanside32.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula47.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Milan Institute-Palm Desert69.6 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 Santee?

There are 61 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Santee. The closest is San Diego Mesa College, approximately 11.2 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 Santee?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Santee 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.