The Temecula–Murrieta corridor is one of Southern California's fastest-growing family communities — and family communities keep dental practices busy. General dentistry, pediatric, and orthodontic offices continue opening across Southwest Riverside County to serve the region's growth.
Dental assistants are the backbone of those practices, handling chairside support, radiography, sterilization, and patient care in a role with steady weekday hours.
For Temecula-area students, dental assisting offers an under-a-year path into stable healthcare employment right in the corridor.
Imagine America has partnered with High Desert Medical College (HDMC) at its Temecula campus — open since 2018, just steps from Temecula Valley Hospital. The Dental Assisting program includes X-ray certification and a real-practice externship.
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 in Temecula 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 prepare for industry certification testing such as 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 for working students
What You'll Learn
The curriculum covers chairside assisting, dental instruments and materials, sterilization and infection control, dental radiography, and impressions — theory online, labs on campus, then an externship applying everything 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 through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
Room to Grow
HDMC's standalone dental courses — Coronal Polishing, Radiation Safety, Infection Control, Pit & Fissure Sealant, and the California Dental Practice Act — let graduates keep expanding their credentials and chairside scope over time.
Career Outlook in Southwest Riverside County
Population growth keeps the corridor's dental practices expanding, and X-ray-certified assistants with externship experience are the candidates offices compete for — in a state with one of the nation's largest dental assisting workforces.
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 Temecula?
34 weeks for day schedules or 42 weeks for evening — 780 total clock hours including a 160-hour externship.
Is X-ray certification part of the program?
Yes. Graduates earn X-ray certification during the program, plus preparation for industry certification testing through organizations like the AMCA.
Where is HDMC's Temecula campus?
The campus is just steps from Temecula Valley Hospital in the heart of Southwest Riverside County's healthcare corridor, convenient to Murrieta, Menifee, and surrounding communities.
Are scholarships available for HDMC Temecula 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.
