The apprenticeship pathway offers a “earn as you learn” approach, integrating paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This full-time program is designed to remove the barriers between education and employment, providing a seamless transition from training to a rewarding career in dental assisting.

Apprentices engage in classroom instruction designed to provide the apprentice with knowledge including the theoretical and technical subjects related and supplemental to the skill(s) involved. All related and supplemental instruction for the program is provided by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Apprentices accepted into the program will not be paid for the hours spent in the classroom, however, they will not incur any tuition fees for the program. 

Dental offices employ apprentices for on-the-job training (OJT), where they work 32 hours per week. These offices ensure that apprentices are supervised by a qualified professional and receive the necessary training to become skilled workers.

Apprentices will earn $18.45 per hour for their on-the-job training, with periodic increases tied to their training progress. Upon successful completion of the program and mastering all required competencies, apprentices have the opportunity to be hired at a journey-level wage of at least $22 per hour with their training organization.