What Is It Known For?
The Central California Dental Academy was born after Dr. Perry Jue, a Boston University Dental School graduate, saw the need to grow the dental community. With his more than 20 years of experience, he co-owns CCDA with Mashell Hannah, Program Director, and Amanda Saling, RDAEF II, the Director of Education. The team brings more than a decade of teaching experience.
The academy creates a learning space where dental professionals can deepen their knowledge and get the skills to provide quality care. Enrollment numbers aren’t publicly available, so reach out to the school directly.
Degrees & Certifications
The Central California Dental Academy offers certificates for various programs, with timeframes varying from 8 hours to 32 hours:
- Dental Assisting
- RDAEF2 program
- Sealant course
- 8 Hour Infection Control
- Coronal Polish
- Radiation course
- CPR course
Class Schedules
Classes at Central California Dental Academy run on weekends only, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. There are no evening classes.
The programs focus on advanced hands-on training paired with a thorough internship process. Externships also give you real clinical experience.
The school offers some online options. You can take the Dental Practice Act online with CEUs, or join the RDA Review course with a live instructor on Zoom.
Is It a Good School?
Information about Central California Dental Academy’s accreditation isn’t available publicly. Contact the school to ask about official affiliations and certifications.
Acceptance Rate
CCDA hasn’t published its acceptance rate. The school limits how many students can enroll in each program at one time and maintains specific minimum requirements for admission.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Program costs at Central California Dental Academy range from $435 to $3,800 based on which certification you pursue.
The school currently has no net price calculator available. Contact them directly to learn about tuition costs andpayment plan options that might work for your situation.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- Radiology
- CPR
Campus Locations
Bakersfield 2540 G Street Bakersfield, CA 93301
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Central California Dental Academy in Bakersfield maintains an exceptional reputation among dental professionals. It is frequently cited as a premier destination for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and Extended Function (RDAEF) certifications, with reviewers consistently noting that the academy provides a professional yet welcoming “dental family” atmosphere.
Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Expert and Engaging Instruction: The instructors are the most praised aspect of the school. Students describe them as highly knowledgeable, friendly, and capable of making complex or “dry” subjects, such as infection control, both interesting and fun.
Confidence in Board Preparation: Many students highlight that the curriculum effectively balances technical book knowledge with intensive hands-on practice. This comprehensive approach leads many reviewers to state they felt “100% confident” going into their state board exams.
Supportive Environment for Diverse Learners: Students for whom English is a second language have noted that the staff is incredibly patient and accommodating, helping to reduce the stress of technical training.
Immediate Workplace Application: Even seasoned dental assistants who attend for continuing education report learning new protocols and improved techniques that they were able to implement at their offices the very next day.
Streamlined Certification Courses: Programs like Coronal Polish, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Radiation Safety are frequently described as well-organized, informative, and easy to navigate.
Common Criticisms
Fast-Paced Learning: While not a direct criticism of quality, some students mention the courses are information-dense and move quickly. Students are encouraged to stay highly engaged and ask questions to keep up with the rigorous technical standards.
Limited Public Critiques: Because the school holds a perfect 5-star rating, there is a lack of critical feedback regarding administrative or facility issues, which may make it difficult for prospective students to find “cons” or areas for improvement.
Momentum
The momentum for Central California Dental Academy is exceptionally strong as it enters 2026. The school has successfully maintained a perfect rating while growing its course catalog to meet the increasing demand for RDAEF2 practitioners in the Central Valley. Throughout 2025, the academy solidified its role as a key workforce partner for local dental offices, with many practices now sending their entire staff to the academy for updated infection control and safety protocols. As of January 2026, the academy continues to see record enrollment for its specialized certification tracks, reinforcing its status as the leading private dental training hub in Bakersfield.