San Diego Launches Academy to Train Dental Assistants and Fill Gaps

The San Diego County Dental Society has introduced a new initiative aimed at addressing staffing shortages in dental practices. A 15-week pilot program at the Academy of Learning in Golden Hill has enrolled its first class of ten future dental assistants, with graduation scheduled for December 13, 2025. This program is designed to equip participants with practical certifications that local employers can implement immediately.

The program is funded by the San Diego County Dental Society, with support from the California Dental Association and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson. Organizers emphasize the program’s goal: to facilitate a smoother transition for graduates into local dental practices, thereby enhancing the recruitment pipeline for clinics.

Addressing a National Staffing Challenge

The need for trained dental assistants extends beyond San Diego. According to the ADA Health Policy Institute, many dental offices across the United States are grappling with a significant staffing crunch. Their Q3 2025 survey revealed that approximately 40% of dental practices have had assistant positions unfilled for over three months, with many describing the recruitment process as extremely challenging. This national trend underscores the importance of local training initiatives like the Academy.

Curriculum Tailored for Immediate Employment

The Academy’s curriculum is designed to ensure graduates are job-ready from day one. It includes training in radiation safety, X-ray certification, coronal polishing, pit-and-fissure sealant procedures, and infection control. This approach allows local dentists to confidently integrate new hires into their practices immediately following graduation.

Dr. Joanne Young, who oversees the Academy, noted the program’s promising outcomes. She stated, “Our graduates will be ready to excel in dental offices in the new year.” The Academy is currently recruiting a second cohort of approximately 20 students for a start date in February 2026. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED to qualify.

One of the current students, Phennapha Rozelle, a resident of Carmel Valley, expressed her enthusiasm about transitioning from a decade in the restaurant industry to dental care after gaining hands-on experience. Her eagerness reflects the potential for career shifts facilitated by the program.

Benefits for Local Practices

Local dental practices anticipate that a consistent supply of certified assistants could significantly improve operational efficiency. The ADA Health Policy Institute report highlights that many offices have experienced prolonged vacancies in assistant roles. This shortage can limit patient capacity and increase wait times, making reliable recruitment essential for practice sustainability.

The Academy’s structured training program aims to alleviate these challenges by preparing graduates to step into roles that are critically needed in the community. As the Academy continues to develop its offerings, it plans to maintain regular cohorts throughout the coming year and is collaborating with local dentists to facilitate employment opportunities for graduates.

The establishment of this program marks a proactive step toward addressing workforce shortages in the dental sector, ensuring that both aspiring professionals and local practices benefit from a well-trained and readily available workforce.