Are you considering a job as a dental assistant? You’re not by yourself!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for dental assistants will increase by 19% by 2026. Dental assistants have high job prospects and can be very rewarding.
This article has a wealth of important information about being a dental assistant, so save it for future reference!
How to Become a Dental Assistant
A dental assistant is someone who assists in the operation of a dentist’s office. This job could involve everything from patient care to administrative obligations.
Dentists and dental hygienists collaborate with dental assistants. The majority of dental assistants work in dental offices, aiding ordinary dentists and specialists. Oral health departments, government offices, dentistry schools, and doctor’s offices do occasionally have openings.
Dental assistants typically work full-time, while certain offices may provide part-time opportunities. According to the BLS, approximately one-third of dental assistants work part-time.
The steps below can help you prepare for a job as a dental assistant:
#1. Attend a Dental Assistance Program.
Dental assistant programs are typically provided through a local trade school or community college. Look for one that is CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Although a high school diploma or GED is required, extra education and training requirements vary by state.
Depending on whether you receive a certificate or an associate degree, the dental assistant program will take one to two years to complete. Classroom and laboratory work are required to learn about teeth, gums, dental equipment, CPR, and other relevant topics.
You should also consider doing an internship before entering the workforce. Further, it can be included in your dental assistant curriculum or done independently.
#2. Obtain Certification and/or Licensure
After you complete your studies, you can apply for a state license to work as a dental assistant. Check with your state’s dental board or the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to determine the prerequisites for certification.
In some areas, you’ll be required to take a DANB-administered Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam with 320 questions covering three topics: basic chairside assistance, radiation health, and infection control
#3. Get a Job
Apply for entry-level dental assistant jobs, emphasizing your educational background as well as any externships or volunteer work. Create a resume that demonstrates your knowledge of the professional environment, terminology, tools, patient interactions, and workflows.
#4. Consider Pursuing a Graduate Degree.
After a few years as a dental assistant, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene to increase your chances of greater compensation or promotion. You should be able to transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or another related field of your choice.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Florida
If you want to become a dental assistant, consider enrolling in Florida Career College’s Dental Assistant Program. The Dental Assistant Program is a short-term program that allows you to achieve a Dental Assistant Diploma in as little as 10 months.
This Complete Dental Assistant guide will walk you through the stages necessary to become a dental assistant in the state of Florida.
Becoming a dental assistant is a fantastic initial step toward a career in the dentistry sector. The training is brief and provides an excellent overview of the many jobs within a dental clinic. In fact, Florida Career College can train you for entry-level employment as a dental assistant in as little as ten months.
Step 1: Get Your High School Diploma.
The first step toward becoming a dental assistant is to complete high school. This is because many dental assistant programs require students to have a high school diploma. However, if you do not have a high school graduation, you do have possibilities. You can acquire your high school diploma while training to be a dental assistant through FCC’s Dental Assistant Program.
Step 2: Look at Dental Assistant Programs
Finding and enrolling in a dental assistant program is the second step in becoming a dental assistant. Numerous schools provide dental assistant training. Choosing the correct program will increase your chances of success. Choose an accredited program with a track record of reaching those standards. Don’t be hesitant to visit multiple colleges before making a decision.
Choosing the proper school is an investment in your future, so make an informed decision. It is possible to get work as a dental assistant without finishing a training program, but very few dentists in Florida are willing to provide the on-the-job training that is required.
Step 3: Finish Your Dental Assistance Training
Thirdly, the next step toward becoming a dental assistant is completing your dental assistant training and graduating from the dental assistant program. Depending on the institution, training to become a dental assistant might take anywhere from 10 to 24 months. Make the most of this time by practicing your skills as much as possible.
Note: Florida Career College's Dental Assistant Program provides students with hands-on lab experience that allows them to practice skills and acquire confidence. The curriculum also concludes with an externship, which allows students to apply their abilities in the real world and build valuable relationships that will be useful in the next stage.Step 4: Begin Looking for a Job as a Dental Assistant.
The fourth stage of becoming a dental assistant is to look for available opportunities. Dental assistants must meet varying criteria in each state. There are no formal certificates or licenses required in Florida to become a dental assistant; however, the activities a dental assistant may perform are based on their degree of training. For a detailed list of what a dental assistant may and may not perform, visit the DANDB website.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas
Dental assistants must meet varying criteria in each state. View the many dental assisting levels and the prerequisites for each. You can also see the permissible duties at each level.
A dental assistant in Texas can become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) by enrolling with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). To be eligible, one must:
1. Have graduated from an approved high school or have a GED,
2. Complete a current hands-on basic life support course.
3. Pass a necessary TSBDE training course that includes techniques for positioning and exposing dental x-rays, jurisprudence, and infection control, or equally obtain national DANB CDA certification and pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment,
4. Pass a human trafficking prevention course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s executive commissioner
5. Apply for registration with the TSBDE
6. Submit fingerprints for criminal record information retrieval.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in California
In California, becoming a dental assistant needs formal education, training, and certification. To become a registered dental assistant (RDA) licensed by the Dental Board of California, complete the following steps:
1. Get formal education or training in one of the following ways:
- Complete a board-approved RDA program.
- Complete a minimum of 15 months of dental assistant work experience in the United States under the supervision of a qualified dentist.
- Complete a 4-month curriculum approved by the California Department of Education and 11 months of work experience in the United States under the supervision of a certified dentist.
2. Complete board-approved courses in coronal polishing and radiation safety.
3. Complete a board-approved course on the Dental Practice Act within five years of application.
4. Complete an eight-hour infection control course within five years of applying.
5. Complete a basic life support course from an American Red Cross or American Heart Association-approved instructor.
6. Provide fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
7. Pass the RDA General and Law and Ethics Written Exams.
Tip: “Anyone interested in becoming a dental assistant can learn the ropes on the job, but those who are serious about getting their license should look into certificate programs. A major benefit is that certificate programs frequently include courses in radiation safety, infection control, basic life support, and coronal polishing—all of which are required by the Board.
Who is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a trained worker who works under the supervision of a certified dentist to ensure the smooth operation of a dental clinic. They assist with front-office operations as well as some clinical tasks. Depending on the size of the office, a dental assistant may work at a desk all day, aiding with check-in and scheduling, or she may move from room to room, ensuring tools are stocked and sterilized, patients are comfortable, and the dentist is assisted with operations.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Assistant in NJ?
Obtain at least two years of work experience as a dental assistant (within the last five years), complete a New Jersey Board-approved program in expanded functions, and pass the New Jersey Expanded Duties-General Exam (as administered by DANB), OR.
How Long Is a Dental Assistant Program in Maryland?
The dental assistant must finish a board-approved 35-hour training program and pass the Maryland General Dental Assisting Expanded Functions (MDG) examination. The Board has provided a list of programs.
How Long Does It Take to Be a Dental Assistant in Oklahoma?
Most clinical dental assistant training programs last a year or less. This does not include the time you will spend working in an externship or equivalent role to obtain experience in the field.
The Bottom Line
Unlike many other occupations, dental assistants do not need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree to enter the field. Dental assistant programs typically last either one or two years and require students to have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Similarly, you need to do an externship or volunteer your way through dentistry school to become a dental assistant. Before you enroll in a dental assistant program, find out if an externship is required.
Overall, you’ll learn the skills, education, and qualifications needed to become a dental assistant by assisting the dentist, organizing appointments, and preparing real patients for operations.
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