Dental Assisting Program
Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Embedded Files
Start Your Journey in Dental Assisting with CALS!
Start Your Journey in Dental Assisting with CALS!
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education proudly offers a career pathway into dental assisting through the CALS Dental Assisting Program. For over 20 years, our program has equipped students with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and clinical experience needed to begin a successful career as a Dental Assistant.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education proudly offers a career pathway into dental assisting through the CALS Dental Assisting Program. For over 20 years, our program has equipped students with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and clinical experience needed to begin a successful career as a Dental Assistant.
As an essential member of the dental healthcare team, dental assistants play a crucial role in patient care and chairside support. Our program emphasizes clinical training in chairside assisting, infection control, and patient interaction, with minimal focus on front-office administration. Through a combination of comprehensive instruction, hands-on technical training, and industry-recognized certifications, the CALS Dental Assisting Program prepares students to thrive in the dental field.
As an essential member of the dental healthcare team, dental assistants play a crucial role in patient care and chairside support. Our program emphasizes clinical training in chairside assisting, infection control, and patient interaction, with minimal focus on front-office administration. Through a combination of comprehensive instruction, hands-on technical training, and industry-recognized certifications, the CALS Dental Assisting Program prepares students to thrive in the dental field.
Pathways to Certification
Pathways to Certification
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is thrilled to provide applicants with two pathways to certification in the dental industry: a full-time, paid apprenticeship or a part-time, fee-based traditional option. Read below and click through the following links to learn more.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is thrilled to provide applicants with two pathways to certification in the dental industry: a full-time, paid apprenticeship or a part-time, fee-based traditional option. Read below and click through the following links to learn more.
Apprenticeship Pathway
Apprenticeship Pathway
The apprenticeship pathway provides an "earn while you learn" model, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This full-time program bridges the gap between education and employment, ensuring a smooth transition into a fulfilling career in dental assisting.
Traditional Pathway
Traditional Pathway
The traditional training pathway offers a flexible route to becoming a dental assistant. This part-time program allows you to manage your studies alongside other commitments while receiving thorough classroom instruction.
About Us — Career and Adult Learning Services
About Us — Career and Adult Learning Services
The Santa Cruz County Career and Adult Learning Services (CALS) provides students with the opportunity to acquire academic, career, and technical skills and to prepare for life-long learning and success in the changing workplace. CALS provides high-quality career and technical education for Santa Cruz County. Our CTE program is a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited program. To learn more about CALS, our mission, and our family of programs, visit the following link.
Page updated
Report abuse