How to Become a Dental Assistant in California (2026)
California employs about 56,220 dental assistants earning a median $50,110 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Dental Assistant here means completing a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires, then applying through Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California.
Compare Dental Assistant Schools in California
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central California School of Continuing Education | 68.8 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | Not reported | — | 65 mi |
| 2 | Allan Hancock College | 55.3 | Contact school for pricing | $55,202 | 27% | Yes* | 61 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 3 | Oxnard College | 54.5 | Contact school for pricing | $49,137 | 33% | — | 90 mi |
| 4 | Taft College | 46.3 | Contact school for pricing | $44,555 | 28% | Yes* | 20 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 5 | Career Care Institute | 45.6 | Contact school for pricing | $44,045 | 72% | — | 93 mi |
| 6 | San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | 45.3 | Contact school for pricing | $42,211 | 35% | Yes* | 63 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 7 | Reedley College | 41.6 | $1,334 - $16,881 | $42,644 | 42% | — | 81 mi |
| 8 | Fresno City College | 41.3 | Contact school for pricing | $46,885 | 24% | — | 94 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 9 | San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield | 39.0 | Contact school for pricing | $42,211 | 52% | — | 26 mi |
| 10 | High Desert Medical College | 38.6 | Contact school for pricing | $35,943 | 67% | — | 94 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
California employs approximately 56,220 dental assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $50,110 1. The state’s concentration of dental assistant jobs is 1.24x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 52,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Dental Assistant in California, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: dental assisting program or on-the-job training where the state allows it (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires
- Licensing authority: Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California
- Exam: DANB CDA and/or state RDA or radiography permit
- Median wage (California): $50,110 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Dental Assistant in California
How to become a Dental Assistant in California? Complete a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires. Apply through Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California.
How long does it take? Most people finish a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California.
Do I need a license in California? Yes. California credentials this role through Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California 3. See the licensing section below.
What do dental assistants earn in California? The median annual wage for dental assistants in California is $50,110 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,790 and experienced professionals can earn $73,700 or more 1.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in California
- Meet basic requirements. Most California dental assisting programs expect a high school diploma or GED. Confirm age and background rules with Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California.
- Complete a dental assisting program or on-the-job training if the state allows it. Finish a certificate (often under a year) or associate program in California. Prefer a CODA-accredited program. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Earn CDA and any state assistant credential. DANB CDA is the national exam. Some states also require RDA, a radiography permit, or expanded-functions (EFDA). Confirm current permits with Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California.
- Apply to the state dental board when registration is required. Some states register assistants; others only permit X-ray or expanded duties; some allow OJT with no statewide license. Do not treat a hygienist or dentist license as the assistant path.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Dental Assistant License Requirements in California
Dental assistants in California typically complete a short program or on-the-job training where allowed, then earn DANB CDA and any RDA or radiography permit Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California requires. See Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a dental assisting program or OJT if the state allows it.
Earn DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit.
Apply to Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California when registration or licensure is required.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California before you enroll.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in California
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), dental assistants wages in California vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 21,090 | $46,900 | $49,040 | $38,050 | $58,900 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | 7,530 | $64,390 | $64,900 | $47,800 | $80,660 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 5,240 | $48,500 | $51,460 | $40,210 | $58,590 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 4,260 | $58,120 | $53,990 | $38,700 | $63,070 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | 3,100 | $58,580 | $57,840 | $45,830 | $70,630 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 2,870 | $74,600 | $71,150 | $55,670 | $81,710 |
| Fresno | 1,360 | $50,040 | $52,950 | $45,160 | $60,190 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 1,250 | $58,930 | $55,210 | $37,000 | $62,000 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | 990 | $48,100 | $51,190 | $37,110 | $69,640 |
| Modesto | 890 | $50,170 | $53,130 | $38,400 | $62,460 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 780 | $49,090 | $53,570 | $40,690 | $66,460 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | 680 | $60,590 | $62,500 | $46,160 | $78,240 |
| Vallejo | 630 | $59,000 | $61,120 | $45,400 | $77,300 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 610 | $51,310 | $54,120 | $44,410 | $64,250 |
| Salinas | 570 | $56,790 | $55,700 | $42,770 | $70,920 |
| Visalia | 480 | $46,630 | $49,960 | $43,680 | $59,910 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | 440 | $57,150 | $55,320 | $44,510 | $63,500 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | 370 | $58,580 | $58,970 | $49,170 | $72,800 |
| Chico | 290 | $48,170 | $52,260 | $38,560 | $60,960 |
| Merced | 250 | $48,520 | $52,050 | $45,270 | $60,320 |
| Redding | 240 | $48,490 | $51,890 | $40,390 | $60,580 |
| Yuba City | 240 | $50,030 | $52,640 | $39,230 | $61,710 |
| Napa | 230 | $60,270 | $59,570 | $47,280 | $74,760 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | 200 | $49,980 | $57,500 | $44,250 | $86,870 |
| El Centro | 130 | $56,050 | $56,840 | $43,120 | $79,620 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dental assistants in California? California currently employs approximately 56,220 dental assistants 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a dental assistant in California with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in California? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in California.
How much do dental assistants earn in California compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dental assistants in California is $50,110, which is $2,810 above the national median of $47,300 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In California
Top local programs
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Adelanto, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Agoura Hills, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Alameda, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Alhambra, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Aliso Viejo, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in American Canyon, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Anaheim, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Antioch, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Apple Valley, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Arcadia, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Arroyo Grande, California (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Arvin, California (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in California (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in California
- Best HVAC Schools in California (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in California
- Best Plumbing Schools in California (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in California
Explore More Trades in California
- Electrician in California
- Plumber in California
- HVAC Technician in California
- Welder in California
- Carpenter in California
- Solar Installation Technician in California
- Auto Mechanic in California
- CNC Machinist in California
- Certified Nursing Assistant in California
- Medical Assistant in California
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Consumer Affairs - Dental Board of California - Licensing Information: https://www.dbc.ca.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |