6 Best Dental Assistant Schools in San Jose, CA

San Jose City College is one of the best dental assistant school options in San Jose, especially for students who want public college tuition and a program approved for California dental assisting pathways.

Programs Offered

SJCC offers a Registered Dental Assisting program with certificate and associate degree options.

Students train in general dentistry, specialty dentistry, chairside assisting, dental X-rays, coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, infection control, and patient care.

Tuition and Cost

The total program investment is about $1,500 to $2,000 over 11 months.

Estimated costs include:

• About $800 due near the start of the program
• Tuition and college fees
• Uniforms
• Books
• Safety items
• Dental supplies

This is one of the lowest-cost dental assisting programs in the San Jose area.

Program Length

The program takes about 11 months.

The schedule is full-time:

• Monday to Thursday: about 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Friday: about 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Why It Stands Out

San Jose City College stands out because it offers a full dental assisting education for a very low cost compared with private schools.

It is a strong choice for students who can handle a full-time weekday schedule.

Carrington College is a private career college with a San Jose campus.

It is a good fit for students who want a structured private-school program with labs, equipment, and a clear career training schedule.

Programs Offered

Carrington offers a Dental Assisting certificate program.

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

Tuition and Cost

Estimated tuition and fees are around $21,800 to $22,400, depending on the reporting year.

Students should ask for a current campus cost sheet covering:

• Tuition and fees: about $21,800 to $22,400
• Books and supplies: ask if included
• Uniforms and lab materials: may be included or separate
• Exam or certification costs: about $200 to $700
• Transportation and personal costs: vary

Program Length

The program can usually be completed in about 9 to 11 months.

Why It Stands Out

Carrington is a practical option for students who want a private career-school setting and do not want to wait for a community college start date.

It is much more expensive than SJCC, so students should compare financial aid and total debt carefully.

Silicon Valley Career Technical Education is located in San Jose and serves high school students from participating districts.

It is a good option for students who want to start dental assisting training before graduating.

Programs Offered

SVCTE offers a Dental Assisting program for students interested in dental assisting, dental hygiene, or dentistry.

The program includes chairside assisting, laboratory skills, X-ray capabilities, infection control, and internship preparation.

Qualified students may be able to earn state certification in radiation safety and infection control.

Tuition and Cost

For eligible high school students, the program is usually low-cost or no-cost through participating districts.

Possible student expenses may include:

• Uniforms or scrubs: about $50 to $150
• Supplies: about $25 to $100
• Transportation: varies
• Certification or testing fees: about $50 to $300 if not covered

Program Length

The program usually follows the school-year calendar.

Some students may also complete an internship experience during the second semester.

Why It Stands Out

SVCTE is one of the best early-start options for high school students in San Jose.

It can help students explore dental careers before paying for an adult program.

Almaden Valley Dental Assistant Academy is a short-program dental assisting school in the San Jose area.

It is a good fit for students who want smaller classes and a faster schedule.

Programs Offered

The school offers dental assistant training with hands-on instruction, CPR certification, and job placement assistance.

The school promotes small class sizes, with a student-to-instructor ratio of around 6:1.

Tuition and Cost

Students should request the current tuition sheet before enrolling.

A realistic short-program budget may include:

• Tuition: about $2,500 to $6,500
• Books and materials: about $200 to $600
• Uniforms: about $50 to $150
• CPR certification: may be included
• Exam or application fees: about $100 to $500
• Registration or deposit: varies

Program Length

New classes may start about every 12 weeks.

Students should confirm the exact class length before enrolling.

Why It Stands Out

Almaden Valley Dental Assistant Academy stands out for its small class size and local San Jose focus.

It may work well for students who want a shorter program instead of a full-time college schedule.

A&K Dental Assistant Academy offers dental assistant and certification training in the Bay Area.

It may be useful for San Jose students who want a shorter, flexible training option.

Programs Offered

A&K offers dental assistant training and dental certification courses.

One listed course includes a 32-hour Radiation Safety program delivered over 2 weekends or 4 days.

Course topics may include dental radiography, California dental laws, radiation safety, infection control, and hands-on lab practice.

Tuition and Cost

Students should confirm current pricing directly with the school.

A practical budget may include:

• Dental assistant training: about $2,500 to $6,500
• Radiation Safety course: separate cost if not included
• Books and supplies: about $100 to $500
• Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150
• CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300
• Application or exam fees: about $100 to $500

Program Length

Some certification courses may take 2 weekends or 4 days.

Full dental assistant training may take about 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the class format.

Why It Stands Out

A&K may be a good option for students who need specific dental assistant certifications or want a shorter training route.

Students should ask exactly which certifications are included in the tuition.

Silicon Valley Adult Education serves adult learners in the South Bay and offers career training courses.

It may be a good fit for students who want a lower-cost introduction to dental assisting.

Programs Offered

The school offers a Fundamentals of Dental Assisting course.

The course introduces students to the responsibilities, principles, and basic skills used in dental assisting.

Students should ask whether the course includes hands-on lab training, CPR, radiography, infection control, externship support, or preparation for California dental assistant requirements.

Tuition and Cost

Students should confirm the current fee before enrolling.

A practical estimate may include:

• Course tuition: about $300 to $1,500
• Books and supplies: about $50 to $300
• Uniforms: about $50 to $150 if required
• CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300 if separate
• Transportation: varies

Program Length

Program length can vary by session, so students should check the current adult education schedule.

Why It Stands Out

This is a useful option for students who want to explore dental assisting before committing to a longer or more expensive program.

It may also work well for adults looking for a basic entry point into the field.