6 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Riverside, CA

Moreno Valley College is part of the Riverside Community College District and is one of the best nearby public college options for Riverside students.

It is a good fit for students who want lower tuition and a more traditional college setting.

Programs Offered

Moreno Valley College offers a Dental Assistant program designed to prepare students for dental office work and Registered Dental Assistant exam preparation.

Training may include chairside assisting, dental materials, infection control, dental radiography, clinical procedures, patient care, and dental office skills.

Tuition and Cost

California resident tuition is about $46 per unit.

A practical student budget may include:

• Tuition: about $1,500 to $2,500
• Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,000
• Uniforms and shoes: about $100 to $300
• Health requirements and CPR: about $150 to $400
• Exam or credentialing costs: about $300 to $700

A realistic total estimate is about $2,500 to $5,000 for many local students.

Program Length

The program can usually be completed in about 1 year, depending on course scheduling.

Why It Stands Out

Moreno Valley College is one of the most affordable dental assistant school options near Riverside.

It is especially useful for students who want public college tuition instead of private-school pricing.

Riverside County Office of Education offers adult career training at its Riverside location on County Farm Road.

This is a strong option for students who want a local program with a clear classroom schedule.

Programs Offered

The school offers a Dental Assistant program that prepares students for entry-level dental assisting and RDA-related training.

Students can expect instruction in chairside assisting, dental office procedures, infection control, radiology, clinical skills, and patient care.

Tuition and Cost

The program cost is about $16,900.

Students should also budget for possible extra expenses such as:

• Scrubs or uniforms: about $50 to $150
• Books and supplies: ask if included
• CPR or health requirements: about $75 to $250
• Exam or state-related fees: about $200 to $700
• Transportation: varies

Financial aid may be available for students who qualify.

Program Length

The program takes about 34 weeks.

Why It Stands Out

This program stands out because it is local to Riverside and has a structured weekday schedule.

It may work well for students who want a career-school style program but prefer a county education provider instead of a private college.

American College of Healthcare and Technology has a Riverside campus and focuses on healthcare career programs.

It is a good fit for students who want a private school with a blended format and a set training timeline.

Programs Offered

The school offers a Dental Assistant diploma program.

The program includes classroom learning, lab training, clinical preparation, and an externship.

Training covers dental office procedures, chairside assisting, radiography, infection control, dental materials, and patient care.

Tuition and Cost

The total program cost is listed as $18,515.

That estimate may include:

• Tuition and fees: about $16,000 to $18,000
• Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,500
• Uniforms and lab materials: may be included or extra
• Exam and credentialing costs: vary
• Transportation to externship: varies

Program Length

The program takes about 36 weeks and includes about 840 clock hours.

Why It Stands Out

ACHT stands out for students who want a private healthcare training program with a clear 8 to 9-month timeline.

The externship is also useful because dental assisting is a hands-on job.

UEI College is a private career school with a Riverside campus.

It is a good fit for students who want a structured dental assistant diploma program with hands-on labs and career-focused support.

Programs Offered

UEI offers a Dental Assistant program that includes clinical, radiographic, and preventive dental assisting skills.

Students study dental terminology, dental equipment, patient care, sterilization, dental office procedures, and chairside assisting.

The program uses a hybrid format with online coursework and in-person training.

Tuition and Cost

Estimated tuition and fees are about $19,900.

Students should ask for a current cost sheet covering:

• Tuition and fees: about $19,900
• Books and supplies: may be included or separate
• Uniforms: ask if included
• Lab and technology fees: vary
• Transportation to externship: varies
• Exam or certification fees: about $100 to $700

Program Length

The program can be completed in about 10 months.

Why It Stands Out

UEI is a good option for students who want a private school with a predictable schedule and a faster timeline than a 2-year degree.

The hybrid format may also help students balance school with work.

North-West College has a Riverside campus and offers healthcare career programs.

It is a private school option for students who want hands-on dental assistant training in a career-college setting.

Programs Offered

North-West College offers a Dental Assistant program.

The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and a clinical externship.

Students learn chairside assisting, dental radiography, dental office procedures, infection control, patient care, and dental materials.

Tuition and Cost

Estimated dental assisting costs are around $16,300 to $18,500, depending on the reporting year and current campus pricing.

A practical budget may include:

• Tuition and fees: about $16,000 to $18,300
• Books and supplies: about $250 to $600
• Uniforms and lab materials: ask if included
• Exam or certification costs: about $200 to $700
• Transportation and personal costs: vary

Program Length

The program is commonly listed at about 9 months and around 940 hours.

Why It Stands Out

North-West College is a solid option for students who want a private career-school program with day or evening scheduling options.

The externship can help students get real dental office experience before graduation.

California Dental Certifications offers short dental assistant-related training in Southern California and may be useful for Riverside-area students who want a faster, certificate-focused option.

Programs Offered

The school offers dental assistant training and dental certification courses.

Course topics may include infection control, California Dental Practice Act, radiology, coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, CPR, and other dental board-related training.

Tuition and Cost

A short dental assistant program is commonly listed at around $2,500.

Students should ask what is included, such as:

• Tuition: about $2,500
• Books and materials: ask if included
• Dental certification courses: ask which are included
• CPR: about $75 to $150 if separate
• Scrubs or supplies: about $50 to $200
• Exam or application fees: about $100 to $500

Program Length

Some short programs may take about 4 weeks, while individual certification courses may be shorter.

Why It Stands Out

This is one of the faster and lower-cost options for students who want dental assistant-related certificates.

It is best for students who already know they want a short training route and are comfortable asking detailed questions about hands-on hours and included certifications.