Kern County's growing population needs dental care at every level — and Bakersfield's general practices, pediatric offices, orthodontists, and oral surgery groups all depend on trained dental assistants to keep patient flow moving.
Dental assisting offers something rare in Bakersfield's healthcare market: fast training, weekday hours, and a hands-on clinical role without years of school.
For students who want patient-facing healthcare work with a predictable schedule, dental assisting is one of the county's most practical career entries.
Imagine America has partnered with High Desert Medical College (HDMC) at its Bakersfield campus — 26,000+ square feet of medical education space downtown, open since 2008. HDMC's Dental Assisting program includes X-ray certification and prepares graduates for industry certification testing.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Dental Assisting Career with High Desert Medical College
HDMC's Dental Assisting program runs 34 weeks (42 weeks evening) — 780 clock hours including a 160-hour externship in a working dental practice. Graduates earn X-ray certification and are prepared to test for industry certifications such as those through the AMCA.
- 34 weeks (day) or 42 weeks (evening) — 780 clock hours
- X-ray certification included
- 160-hour externship at a working dental practice
- Hybrid format with day and evening schedules
What You'll Learn
Training covers chairside assisting, dental instruments and materials, sterilization and infection control, dental radiography, and impressions — combining online theory with hands-on labs before the externship puts skills to work with real patients.
Certifications and Credentials
Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion plus X-ray certification, and are prepared to test for industry certifications such as those offered through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
Beyond the Core Program
HDMC also offers standalone dental continuing education courses — Coronal Polishing, Radiation Safety, Infection Control, Pit & Fissure Sealant, and the California Dental Practice Act — so assistants can keep adding credentials after graduation.
Career Outlook in Kern County
Dental practices across Bakersfield and Kern County consistently hire trained assistants, and California's dental assisting workforce is among the largest and best-paid in the nation. Certified, X-ray-qualified assistants are the most competitive candidates.
Training Services
- Chairside Dental Assisting
- Dental Instruments & Materials
- Sterilization & Infection Control
- Dental Radiography & X-Ray Certification
- Impressions & Laboratory Procedures
- Dental Office Fundamentals
- Dental Practice Externship (160 hours)
- AMCA Certification Test Preparation
Specialized Training
- Dental CE courses available: Coronal Polishing, Radiation Safety, Infection Control, Pit & Fissure Sealant
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Dental Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Dental Assisting program at HDMC Bakersfield?
34 weeks for morning/afternoon schedules or 42 weeks for evening — 780 total clock hours including a 160-hour externship.
Is X-ray certification included?
Yes. Graduates earn X-ray certification as part of the program, plus preparation to test for industry certifications such as those through the AMCA.
Can I attend while working?
Yes. The hybrid format delivers theory online with labs on campus, and evening schedules are available for working students.
Are scholarships available for HDMC dental students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending High Desert Medical College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
