San Diego, CA – Local dentists are taking matters into their own hands to tackle a growing staffing shortage. The San Diego County Dental Society has launched a 15-week pilot program at its Academy of Learning in Golden Hill, enrolling an inaugural class of 10 aspiring dental assistants set to graduate in mid-December. The curriculum focuses on practical certifications that local practices can immediately put to use.
Funded by the society and supported by the California Dental Association and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, the program aims to create a steady, local pipeline of trained dental assistants. Graduates can enter nearby practices quickly, helping clinics reduce appointment delays caused by staffing gaps.
The shortage of dental assistants is a nationwide issue. According to the ADA Health Policy Institute’s Q3 2025 survey, roughly 40% of practices had assistant positions vacant for over three months, and nearly the same number called recruiting extremely challenging. This shortage has prompted renewed interest in hands-on, local training programs.
The Academy’s 15-week course equips students with certifications in radiation safety, X-rays, coronal polishing, pit-and-fissure sealants, and infection control. Local dentists say these skills allow graduates to start work chairside immediately.
The pilot class graduates on December 13, and a February cohort of approximately 20 students is now being recruited. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. Dr. Joanne Young, overseeing the program, said, “The program has shown promising results, and our graduates will be ready to excel in dental offices in the new year.”
Student Phennapha Rozelle, a Carmel Valley resident who spent a decade in the restaurant industry, expressed excitement about transitioning into dental care.
Dental offices stand to gain from a consistent flow of trained assistants, potentially reducing patient wait times and easing daily operations. With assistant roles often remaining unfilled for months, a reliable talent pipeline could allow practices to serve more patients efficiently.
The Academy plans to continue running cohorts through next year and is working closely with San Diego area dentists to place graduates as they complete the program.
