Dental Assistant Schools in South San Francisco, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, California

#1

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 5.3 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.

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#2

University of California-San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 7.9 miles away

University of California-San Francisco is a Public, 4-year in San Francisco, CA and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#3

College of San Mateo

San Mateo, CA 9.4 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.

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#4

College of Alameda

Alameda, CA 11.7 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.

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#5

Carrington College-San Leandro Campus

San Leandro, CA 16.3 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.

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#6

Chabot College

Hayward, CA 17.3 miles away

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

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#7

College of Marin

Kentfield, CA 22.1 miles away

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

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#8

Contra Costa College

San Pablo, CA 22.3 miles away

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

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#9

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, CA 25.7 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.

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#10

Unitek College

Fremont, CA 27.3 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.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near South San Francisco

There are 10 schools within 27 miles of South San Francisco.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
City College of San Francisco5.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of California-San Francisco7.9 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
College of San Mateo9.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
College of Alameda11.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Carrington College-San Leandro Campus16.3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Chabot College17.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
College of Marin22.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Contra Costa College22.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Foothill College25.7 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Unitek College27.3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-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 South San Francisco?

There are 45 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of South San Francisco. The closest is City College of San Francisco, approximately 5.3 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 South San Francisco?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near South San Francisco ranges from $1,147 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.