SLO Partners Launches Dental Assistant Bootcamp to Address Urgent Workforce Needs in SLO County

Five scholarships are available to locals interested in securing a new career path

SLO Partners, a leading provider of apprenticeship programs in California, today announced the launch of its Dental Assistant Bootcamp, a comprehensive training program designed to meet the immediate demand for Dental Assistants (DAs) in San Luis Obispo County.

With 31 current openings for Dental Assistants in SLO County and a significant gap in local educational programs, the need for skilled Dental Assistants is critical. 

The three-week program aims to equip participants with the skills required for immediate employment. Upon completion of the bootcamp, participants have the opportunity to kickstart their careers by continuing their education as Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) through on-the-job training under the supervision of local dentists. RDA wages are an average of $25-$30 an hour. 

For SLO County residents seeking a fulfilling career path, the Dental Assistant Bootcamp represents an appealing opportunity. With its local focus, immediate job prospects, and commitment to financial support, this program is set to make a significant impact on the professional landscape of SLO County.

Paul Piette, Director of SLO Partners, said: "We believe in empowering our community by providing accessible pathways to fulfilling careers. The Dental Assistant Bootcamp directly addresses the urgent workforce needs identified by our local dental community, offering a unique chance for locals to launch rewarding careers in a high-demand field."

The bootcamp offers flexibility to accommodate various schedules. A mix of in-person and online instruction ensures accessibility. Those who register by January 15, 2024, benefit from a reduced fee of $99. It will then increase to $149.

Recognizing the financial challenges some may face, SLO Partners is offering five scholarships, each valued at $300, to assist with bootcamp expenses, including childcare and gas. 

SLO Partners' Dental Assistant Bootcamp is a three-week intensive program tailored to the specific needs identified by local dentists. It covers essential courses such as Welcome to Dentistry, Customer Service, Dental Practice Act, CPR/Basic Life Support, and Infection Control.

The Dental Assistant Bootcamp will take place from February 1 - February 22, 2024, in a mix of in-person and online classes. The in-person classes will take place at the SLO County Office of Education. 

For more information about the Dental Assistant Bootcamp, including scholarship applications, please visit https://slopartners.org/dental-assistant or contact info@slopartners.org.

###

About SLO Partners (www.slopartners.org)

SLO Partners is a leading provider of career upskilling and modern apprenticeship programs in California and a winner of the 2020 CA Partnership for Industry and Education award. Formed in 2018 as an initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, its mission is to create accelerated career pathways allowing residents to earn head-of-household incomes, while simultaneously solving a skilled talent shortage for local, growing businesses. The nonprofit has produced several intensive upskilling programs: FullStack Software Developer, Software Testing, IT Networking, Precision Manufacturing, and Digital Marketing. Together, these have produced over 150 career opportunities in SLO County in tech and manufacturing roles creating a $5M local annual economic impact.  SLO Partners was named as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion® awardee by Bank of America for its work providing career upskilling and re-skilling for under and unemployed San Luis Obispo County residents. For more information watch the ‘SLO Partners: How it Works’ video and visit www.slopartners.org.