Start a rewarding career as a dental assistant.
Join Smile Crew CA!
Find all of the information and resources you need to decide if a career as a Dental Assistant is right for you and how to get started.
On the Job Training
No prior experience or training is required to start. Many dental assistants start their career in a dental office, gaining valuable on the job training. As your career advances you will want to seek out additional education to increase your skills and pay.
Education
Dental assistant programs for entry-level assisting and to become a registered dental assistant are an affordable alternative to four-year universities. You can find programs at local schools, community or private colleges and you can complete your education in anywhere from 6-15 months. Many dentists provide the education and training you need in their office while you work.
Is a career as a Dental Assistant right for you?
- Fast, affordable training programs
- A secure and stable career with upward mobility in the healthcare field
- Long term job security and jobs are available in every community
- Competitive pay - many DAs start at more than $23 per hour (Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Flexible hours and 4-5 day work weeks
- Positive, team-based office environments
- Ability to help and interact with patients
- Make a difference in people’s health
- Every day is different
- Benefits, including time off
What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental assistants support dentists and their patients as well as helping in the back office or lab.
- Work alongside dentists during procedures
- Collect patient data
- Process X-rays
- Educate patients about oral health
- Provide office support
Smile Crew CA Dental Assisting Bootcamp
“The instructors were incredibly supportive, offering valuable insights and real-world scenarios that truly prepared me for the fast-paced environment of a dental office. The doctor gave me the opportunity to start a career that I never imagined enjoying as I do now."
- Kenny Herrera-Leon, 2024 Smile Crew CA graduate
Want to sign up for a bootcamp?
Career Outlook
Becoming a Dental Assistant is just the beginning. Joining Smile Crew CA opens numerous ways to advance your career. Pursuing additional education or certification can open dental assistants up to more professional opportunities and responsibilities.
Dental Assistant (DA)
An entry-level dental assistant working under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist and is permitted to perform specific tasks under state law.
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
A dental assistant who has received licensure through the state upon completing specific educational/licensure requirements, enabling them to perform more complex tasks than an unlicensed DA.
Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)
A dental assistant that has completed additional educational/licensure requirements, which allows them to carry out more skilled duties.
Orthodontic and Dental Sedation Assistants
A dental assistant that has received permits after successfully completing specialized training.
Job Openings
Dentists are hiring Dental Assistants and office staff now. Find a job near you!
Visit our Career Center today.
Top 10 reasons to Become a Dental Assistant
Jobs are available now!
The demand for dental assistants is outpacing qualified candidates, and the career is projected to grow 11% through 2028, which is much faster than the average growth rate across all occupations. See for yourself by visiting careers.cda.org.
Career stability
The California dental profession needs more dental assistants, and in this time of economic uncertainty, the profession is recession resistant. People need dental care regardless of the economy, so they always need access to qualified professionals who can help.
Competitive starting salary and growth potential
The amount you earn depends on where you work but the earning potential is comparative to other entry-level positions in retail and hospitality. Dental assisting can be a lifelong career, and while some people use it as a stepping stone toward other dental careers, others gain valuable on the job training, increasing their skills and pay.
Dynamic workplace
You’ll never be bored! There are a variety of responsibilities, so no day is the same as the one before. You can manage appointments and medical records one day and assist the dentist with exams the next. Eventually, you might help with X-rays and other functions. Working in a dental practice is a fast-paced and exciting work environment – there’s never a dull moment!
Low college debt
A college degree isn’t required to start working as a dental assistant, though some dentist offices may want candidates from a one-year certification program. In some cases, dentists will let you learn on the job, and many will invest in your education and growth as a benefit to the entire office. Either way, you can start your career right away without accruing debt associated with four-year college.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Most dental offices are calm, professional environments. While there may be stressful moments, the dental assistant is there to keep the team and the office running smoothly, providing support in a variety of capacities to assure the best experience for patients.
Nights and weekends free
Dental assisting jobs come in both full- and part-time positions and most dental offices have traditional hours during the week. Most dental assistants love the consistent schedule.
Perfect for a people person
Dental assistants meet and work with lots of different people, from all cultures and backgrounds. They are also surrounded by a team that often feels like a family.
You're there to help!
If helping others gives you satisfaction, being a dental assistant will give you all the feels. You’re there to put patients at ease, help your team and make a positive impact on everyone from patients to co-workers. The dental community also provides many opportunities to give back – through community dental clinics, philanthropic efforts and more.
Making people smile!
At the end of the day, dental professionals take pride in putting patients first and giving them a reason to smile – the best reward of all. Ask any dental assistant about the best part of their job and chances are you’ll hear a wonderful story about making a positive impact on patients’ lives.
About Us
About
The Smile Crew CA is a dental assistant recruitment campaign powered by the California Dental Association. The goal of the campaign is to bring awareness to the dental assisting profession and job opportunities throughout California.
