High Schoolers Train as Dental Assistants

Fresno program helps students gain real-world skills and experience before graduation.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:32pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a dental mirror tool repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the hands-on medical training provided to high school students in Fresno.A high school dental assistant training program in Fresno is helping students gain valuable skills and certifications before graduation.Fresno Today

A unique program in Fresno, California is giving high school students the opportunity to train as dental assistants, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and certifications in the medical field before they even graduate. The program, run through a partnership between local schools and dental offices, provides students with the chance to learn essential skills like taking x-rays, sterilizing equipment, and assisting dentists during procedures.

Why it matters

This innovative program helps address the nationwide shortage of qualified dental assistants by getting young people interested in the field and providing them with the training they need to enter the workforce immediately after high school. It also gives students a valuable head start on their careers, allowing them to explore the medical industry and gain real-world experience that will benefit them long after graduation.

The details

The dental assistant training program is open to high school juniors and seniors in the Fresno area. Students spend part of their school day at local dental offices, where they receive hands-on instruction and the opportunity to assist dentists with various procedures. Upon completion of the program, students earn their dental assistant certification, making them immediately employable in the field.

  • The program was launched in the 2024-2025 school year.
  • Students typically participate in the program during their junior or senior year of high school.

The players

Fresno Unified School District

The public school district in Fresno, California that partners with local dental offices to offer the dental assistant training program to high school students.

Fresno City College

A community college in Fresno that provides additional training and support for students in the dental assistant program.

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What they’re saying

“This program is a game-changer for our students. They're gaining real-world skills and certifications that will give them a huge advantage in the job market.”

— Dr. Samantha Nguyen, Principal, Fresno High School

“I never thought I'd be working in a dental office before I even graduated high school. This experience has been so valuable and has really helped me figure out what I want to do with my future.”

— Jada Hernandez, Senior, Fresno High School

What’s next

The program is expected to continue expanding to more high schools in the Fresno area, with plans to potentially offer similar initiatives in other regions facing dental assistant shortages.

The takeaway

The dental assistant training program in Fresno is a innovative model that is helping high school students gain valuable skills and certifications in the medical field, while also addressing a critical workforce need. This type of hands-on, career-focused education could serve as a blueprint for other communities looking to better prepare their young people for in-demand jobs.