Almaden Valley Dental Assistant Academy logo Almaden ValleyDental Assistant Academy
,  ·  Now Accepting Applications for the Summer Term

Become a Certified Dental Assistant in Just 10 Weeks

A hybrid program built for busy schedules — complete your coursework online and train hands-on just one Saturday a week. Small classes, real clinical training, and no prior experience required.

99% student pass rate Max 12 students per class No experience needed

Applications are FREE and take just a few minutes

Dental assistant students training hands-on in a real dental practice
6:1 Student to
instructor ratio
Why Choose AVDAA

A Program Designed to Get You Career-Ready — Fast

Taught by practicing dental professionals in San Jose, our program blends flexible online learning with real hands-on clinical training.

10-Week Hybrid Program

Complete coursework online on your own schedule, with in-person training just one Saturday a week — perfect if you're working or in school.

Small Classes, Real Attention

Classes are capped at 12 students with a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio, so you get individualized guidance every step of the way.

99% Student Pass Rate

Our students succeed. With expert instruction and multiple quiz and test attempts, we help you master the material with confidence.

Real Hands-On Training

Train in a real dental practice with real dental technologies, taught by experienced dental professionals — not just textbooks and slides.

CPR Certification Included

Graduate with your CPR certification included as part of the program — one less thing to arrange before starting your new career.

New Classes Every 12 Weeks

Missed this cohort? Another one is always around the corner. New classes start every 12 weeks, so you can begin when it works for you.

Program Details

What You'll Learn

Our curriculum was developed by practicing dentists to prepare you for the realities of working chairside — not just to pass a test.

  • Chairside Assisting — work alongside the dentist during procedures, learning instruments, workflows, and patient care.
  • Dental Radiology — learn to safely capture and position dental X-rays under professional instruction.
  • Infection Control — master the sterilization and safety protocols every dental office depends on.
  • Patient Communication — build the people skills that make patients comfortable and offices run smoothly.
~25 hrs
Online coursework, self-paced with real-time grading
~80 hrs
In-person, hands-on training in a real dental practice
Hands-on dental assistant training with real dental technology

Your Path Through the Program

Step 1

Orientation & Foundations

Start with a short orientation session, then begin your online coursework — self-paced, with real-time grading.

Step 2

Hands-On Clinical Skills

Saturday sessions in a real dental practice: chairside assisting and infection control with real dental technologies.

Step 3

Radiology & Patient Care

Dental radiology training plus the patient communication skills that set great assistants apart.

Step 4

Graduation & Career Support

Complete your final assessments and graduate in 10 weeks — with CPR certification and career support behind you.

Dr. Clara Andirious, DDS, founder and instructor at Almaden Valley Dental Assistant Academy
Meet Your Instructor

Learn From Dr. Clara Andirious, DDS

Dr. Andirious founded AVDAA after seeing dental assistants graduate from other schools unprepared for the realities of the job. Her vision: a school that goes beyond basic knowledge and truly prepares you for the dental field.

You'll be taught by practicing dental professionals in the San Jose area, backed by a support team of dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants with over 32 years of collective experience.

Practicing dentist & founder Real-world curriculum 6:1 student ratio
Career Support

We Support You Beyond Graduation

Our job application support program is designed to equip you with the tools and skills to stand out in the job market.

Support 01

Resume Templates & Coaching

Professional resume templates and one-on-one coaching to help your application stand out in a competitive market.

Support 02

Mock Interviews

Practice real interview scenarios with experienced professionals so you can walk into the real thing with confidence.

Support 03

Salary Negotiation Techniques

Learn practical negotiation strategies to help you pursue the best possible compensation package.

Local partnerships that open doors. We've partnered with dental offices in the San Jose area to help you gain your shadowing hours — valuable real-world connections as you begin your career.
Student Stories

What Our Students Have to Say

★★★★★
"Just graduated from the 10-week course, and it was definitely an unforgettable experience. Dr. Andirious was an incredible instructor. I truly recommend this school to anyone wanting a jumpstart on their dental assisting career."
ST
Sashanta TaylorGraduate
★★★★★
"I love it! Very hands-on and teaches you a lot by actually doing and seeing the stuff we are learning."
IS
Inna SvrydaStudent
★★★★★
"Almaden Valley Dental Assistant Academy is such a great vocational school and with 100% certainty would recommend it."
ZV
Zoey VaughanGraduate
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to apply?+
No — no prior dental experience is required. You should generally be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have access to a computer or smartphone. Bring the drive and passion to learn, and our instructors will handle the rest.
How long is the program?+
The program is 10 weeks long, with new classes starting every 12 weeks.
What does the schedule look like?+
The program is hybrid: coursework is completed online at your own pace, and in-person hands-on training takes place one Saturday a week, from 8 AM to 5 PM. You'll also attend a short orientation session before the first day of class. This schedule is designed so you can keep your current job while you complete the program.
What certifications will I receive?+
CPR certification is included as part of the program. Upon completion, you'll also receive a certificate of completion from the academy.
Is financial assistance or a payment plan available?+
Contact our admissions team at to discuss current payment options — we're happy to walk you through what's available.
What state board oversees this program?+
Our program operates under California oversight. Graduates pursue dental assistant credentials through the California Board of Dentistry, and the academy is authorized by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Your New Career in Dental Assisting Starts in Just 10 Weeks

Small classes. Real hands-on training. A schedule built for busy lives.

✓ Applications are FREE and take just a few minutes