About our Program

Credentialed

Our program is a beacon of excellence and quality in dental assistant education. Rest assured, your educational journey is supported by a strong foundation of credibility and excellence. Exempt postsecondary educational institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Program Structure

Unlock the doors to a comprehensive and blended curriculum that seamlessly integrates online learning with invaluable in-person sessions. Your pathway consists of:

15-20 Remarkable Weeks: A fast-tracked, intensive program designed to catapult you into your new career.
Flexible Scheduling: Classes convene once a week, on Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, accommodating your unique needs and schedule.
Hands-on Experience: Dive deep into real-world dental assisting practices with engaging laboratory and operatory exercises.

Blended Learning Experience

Harness the power of online and offline worlds:

Online Convenience: Each week will require 4-6 hours of online self-study and 2 hours of remote module reviews. Curriculum is accessible anytime, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
In-Person Mastery: We provide you with 88 immersive in-person hours, providing a supportive space for practical mastery and enriched learning experiences.

Admission Criteria

Our doors are open to passionate individuals ready to soar. Here are the only requirements:

Age: students must be 18 years of age or older.
Educational Qualifications: a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Career-Ready Certifications

SDCDS Academy of Learning prepares students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to begin a successful career in dental assisting. Graduates will be ready for employment in dental offices and equipped to pursue advanced opportunities in the dental field—opening doors to lifelong professional growth in a vital, science-driven industry.

Robust Support System

We stand by you, not just as educators, but as unwavering supporters of your dream:

Job Application Assistance: Benefit from personalized coaching, resume crafting, and remarkable interview preparation.
Salary Negotiation Skills: Arm yourself with essential negotiation strategies to secure rewarding compensation packages.

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Meet The Team

Dr. Joanne Young

Dr. Joanne Young has been a general dentist for over 38 years. She has over 33 years of private practice experience, with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Young was raised in the San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles. She attended UCLA, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychobiology. After graduation from UCLA, Dr. Young attended the USC School of Dentistry (now known as the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry,) where she received her D.D.S. degree in 1987. After a successful career as owner of her own practice in the Santa Clarita Valley, Dr, Young retired and moved to the San Diego area.

Dr. Young has remained active in local organized dentistry, with membership in the San Diego County Dental Society, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. She has served on the CE Committee and Legislative Committee for the SDCDS, as well as the Gala Committee for the San Diego County Dental Foundation. She is currently a delegate to the CDA House of Delegates.

Volunteering and giving back to the community are important tenets for Dr. Young. She has supported organizations such as the Children’s Dental Health
Foundation and Healing California by contributing her time and skills to help underserved children and Veterans. She continues to strive to improve all aspects of dentistry, including quality of care, access to care, and education of the next generation of providers.

Angela Landsberg

Angela Landsberg is the Executive Director of the San Diego County Dental Society and a respected leader in community-based nonprofits and professional associations. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to every initiative.

Angela has been instrumental in launching the Academy of Learning, helping shape its mission and direction. She is dedicated to expanding access to education, supporting professional growth, and ensuring that SDCDS continues to provide meaningful value to its members and the broader dental community.

Katherine Hobday

Katherine Hobday is the Administrative Project Coordinator for the San Diego County Dental Society. She plays a key role in supporting projects across the organization, with a focus on logistics, communication, and marketing. Katherine has been closely involved in the development of the Academy of Learning, helping to manage program operations, support student communications, and contribute to the growth of the school.