Oakland students have several dental assisting options nearby, including public college programs, private career schools, short-term training, and Bay Area workforce programs.
Costs range from very low-cost community college tuition to private programs that can run more than $15,000.
Dental Assistants annual average salary in California is $45,584 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 College of Alameda
College of Alameda is one of the closest and strongest dental assisting options for Oakland students.
The campus is only a short drive from downtown Oakland and is part of the Peralta Community College District.
Programs Offered
College of Alameda offers a Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement and an Associate of Science in Dental Assisting.
The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and field experience.
Students train for clinical dental assisting work and may be prepared for RDA and CDA pathways.
Tuition and Cost
California resident tuition is about $46 per unit.
A realistic student budget may include:
- Tuition: about $1,500 to $2,500, depending on units
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,000
- Uniforms: about $100 to $300
- Health requirements, background check, and CPR: about $150 to $400
- Exam or licensing-related costs: about $300 to $700
A practical total estimate is about $2,500 to $5,000 for many local students.
Program Length
The program takes about 2 semesters of full-time study.
The associate degree path may take longer because it includes general education courses.
Why It Stands Out
College of Alameda is one of the best local values for Oakland students.
It offers a college-based dental assisting program without the much higher price tag of many private schools.
Address: 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501
#2 Carrington College, San Leandro
Carrington College has a San Leandro campus, making it a convenient private-school option for students in Oakland, Alameda, Hayward, and nearby East Bay cities.
Programs Offered
Carrington offers a Dental Assisting certificate program.
Students learn chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, patient care, dental office procedures, and basic clinical skills.
Tuition and Cost
Dental assisting costs at Carrington vary by campus and year, so students should request the current San Leandro cost sheet.
A reasonable estimate for a private dental assisting program is:
- Tuition and fees: about $16,000 to $21,000
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,500
- Uniforms and lab materials: may be included or extra
- Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
- Transportation and personal costs: vary
Program Length
The program is usually about 9 to 10 months.
Why It Stands Out
Carrington is a good fit for students who want a structured private career-school format with hands-on lab practice and a clear training schedule.
Address: 15555 East 14th Street, Suite 500, San Leandro, CA 94578
#3 Diablo Valley College
Diablo Valley College is located in Pleasant Hill, about 25 to 30 miles from Oakland, depending on the route.
It is a public community college and a strong option for East Bay students who want lower tuition.
Programs Offered
DVC offers a Dental Assisting program with a Certificate of Achievement and an associate degree option.
The program includes clinical training, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, chairside assisting, and patient care.
Tuition and Cost
California resident tuition is about $46 per unit.
A practical estimated cost may include:
- Tuition: about $1,500 to $2,500
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,000
- Uniforms and equipment: about $150 to $400
- CPR, health clearance, and background check: about $150 to $400
- Exam or licensing costs: about $300 to $700
A realistic total estimate is about $2,500 to $5,000 for many in-state students.
Program Length
The program can be completed in about 10 months.
The associate degree path may take closer to 2 years with general education courses.
Why It Stands Out
DVC is a good public college alternative for Oakland students who are willing to commute.
The cost is much lower than many private dental assistant programs.
Address: 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
#4 Contra Costa Medical Career College
Contra Costa Medical Career College is located in Antioch, northeast of Oakland.
It is farther than Alameda or San Leandro, but it may still be worth considering for East Bay students who want a private career-school option.
Programs Offered
The school offers a Dental Assisting program that prepares students for entry-level dental office work.
Training includes chairside assisting, patient preparation, dental records, insurance forms, X-rays, dental impressions, and clinical support skills.
Tuition and Cost
The school’s healthcare programs commonly fall in the private career-school price range.
Students should ask for a current dental assisting tuition sheet, but a realistic budget may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $10,000 to $16,000
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,000
- Uniforms and lab materials: about $100 to $500
- Background check and health requirements: about $100 to $300
- Exam or certification costs: about $200 to $700
Program Length
The dental assisting program can be completed in about 43 weeks.
Why It Stands Out
This school may appeal to students who want a career-school program with hands-on training and career services.
It is not the closest option to Oakland, so commute time should be part of the decision.
Address: 4041 Lone Tree Way, Suite 101, Antioch, California 94531
#5 Mt. Diablo Adult Education
Mt. Diablo Adult Education is located in Concord and offers career training for adult students in the East Bay.
It is a good fit for students who want adult education pricing instead of a more expensive private college.
Programs Offered
The Dental Assistant program includes a Dental Assistant Program Certificate and training related to radiology, infection control, California Dental Practice Act, coronal polish, and pit and fissure sealants.
Tuition and Cost
The program cost is listed at around $7,200.
Students should also budget for:
- Uniforms: about $50 to $150
- Books and supplies: ask if included
- Transportation: varies
- Health requirements: about $75 to $250
- Exam or state-related fees: about $200 to $700
Program Length
The program takes about 8 months.
Why It Stands Out
Mt. Diablo Adult Education is a practical mid-priced option.
It costs more than community college but is usually less than many private dental assistant schools.
Address: 1266 San Carlos Ave, Concord, CA 94518
#6 JVS Bay Area Foundations in Dental Assisting
JVS Bay Area offers workforce training programs for job seekers in the Bay Area.
The dental assisting program is a good option for eligible students who want career training but need help with tuition.
Programs Offered
The Foundations in Dental Assisting program prepares students for entry-level dental assisting work.
Training focuses on basic dental office skills, patient care, workplace readiness, and career preparation.
Tuition and Cost
The program value is listed at about $10,278 per person, but eligible participants may attend at no charge through supporter-funded training.
Students should ask about:
- Eligibility requirements
- Books and supplies
- Transportation support
- CPR or certification costs
- Job placement help
- Required attendance schedule
Program Length
Program length can vary by cohort, so students should confirm the current schedule before applying.
Why It Stands Out
This can be one of the most affordable options near Oakland for eligible students.
The biggest advantage is the possibility of no tuition cost.
Address: 225 Bush Street, Suite 400 - West Lobby, San Francisco, CA 94104
#7 California Dental Assistant Program, Oakland Area
California Dental Assistant Program serves students looking for fast dental assistant training in California, including the Oakland area.
It is best for students who want a shorter program and financing options.
Programs Offered
The program focuses on entry-level dental assisting skills, including chairside assisting, dental terminology, patient care, dental office procedures, and basic clinical preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Exact tuition can vary by location and enrollment period.
A reasonable short-program estimate is:
- Tuition: about $2,500 to $6,500
- Books and supplies: about $200 to $600
- Uniforms: about $50 to $150
- CPR or exam fees: about $100 to $500
- Registration or deposit: varies
Program Length
Many short dental assisting programs take about 10 to 12 weeks, but students should confirm the exact Oakland-area schedule before enrolling.
Why It Stands Out
This may be useful for students who want a faster route than a 9 or 10-month program.
It is best to confirm the exact location, hands-on hours, included certifications, and total tuition before signing up.
Address: 915 Highland Pointe Dr Suite 250 Roseville, CA 95678
Schools Summary Table
California Salary by Metro Area
This table provides a breakdown of average salaries by metro area, showing how wages differ across regions within the state using recent BLS data.
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 960 | $51,560 | $24.79 | $77,030 | $37,700 |
| Chico, CA | 250 | $50,890 | $24.46 | $62,090 | $36,440 |
| El Centro, CA | 120 | $55,560 | $26.71 | $81,100 | $38,530 |
| Fresno, CA | 1,450 | $51,520 | $24.77 | $62,550 | $38,190 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 200 | $56,070 | $26.96 | $84,340 | $37,320 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 19,300 | $47,960 | $23.06 | $57,960 | $38,460 |
| Merced, CA | 180 | $51,440 | $24.73 | $60,370 | $36,390 |
| Modesto, CA | 860 | $49,980 | $24.03 | $65,150 | $37,340 |
| Napa, CA | 180 | $57,600 | $27.69 | $74,320 | $39,890 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 930 | $53,790 | $25.86 | $63,440 | $38,790 |
| Redding, CA | 200 | $49,920 | $24.00 | $60,100 | $36,480 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 6,210 | $50,090 | $24.08 | $56,960 | $39,080 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 3,450 | $58,200 | $27.98 | $77,200 | $41,890 |
| Salinas, CA | 510 | $55,460 | $26.66 | $75,270 | $38,660 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 4,230 | $49,290 | $23.70 | $61,570 | $37,460 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 7,100 | $65,070 | $31.29 | $79,350 | $45,440 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 2,840 | $69,810 | $33.56 | $103,860 | $50,340 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 390 | $55,080 | $26.48 | $73,010 | $40,720 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 410 | $53,240 | $25.59 | $62,420 | $43,230 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 590 | $54,650 | $26.27 | $71,770 | $43,980 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 680 | $63,760 | $30.66 | $75,490 | $48,170 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 810 | $51,740 | $24.88 | $68,580 | $39,520 |
| Vallejo, CA | 550 | $58,960 | $28.35 | $74,240 | $45,750 |
| Visalia, CA | 440 | $49,900 | $23.99 | $58,250 | $37,540 |
| Yuba City, CA | 250 | $50,360 | $24.21 | $60,570 | $38,120 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Schools by City in California
- Bakersfield, CA5 Schools
- Fresno, CA8 Schools
- Los Angeles, CA8 Schools
- Oakland, CA7 Schools
- Riverside, CA6 Schools
- Sacramento, CA7 Schools
- San Diego, CA8 Schools
- San Jose, CA6 Schools
