Dental Assistant Training

Schools by State
for Dental Assistants:

AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK ON OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA WA WI WV

Career Highlights for
Dental Assistants

Training generally required for this career includes: Moderate-term on-the-job training.

Relevant Job Titles

(Supplied by experts and industry contributors for this career category)

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
• Certified Registered Dental Assistant
• Dental Aide
• Dental Assistant
• Dental Nurse
• Dental Office Manager
• Dentist Attendant
• Expanded Dental Assistant
• Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA)
• Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
• Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
• Hygiene Assistant
• Oral And Maxiofacial Surgical Assistant
• Oral Surgery Assistant
• Orthodontic Assistant
• Orthodontist Assistant
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
• Surgical Dental Assistant

Information Sources

BrainTrack's information on colleges and careers is drawn from many sources, including government databases, BrainTrack's own research, and results from original data analysis algorithms.

Dental Assistant Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Dentists rely on dental assistants to take care of many administrative, laboratory and patient care responsibilities. Dental assistants prepare patients for procedures that protect, strengthen, mend, straighten, repair, remove and enhance teeth. They may also assist the dentist in diagnosing and treating gum disease and other oral conditions. Additional tasks for dental assistants include:

• Preparing equipment and tools
• Making the patient comfortable and explaining procedures
• Taking x-ray images
• Providing chair-side assistance to dentists
• Using medical devices to keep patients' mouths clear and dry
• Performing minor procedures such as removing sutures or applying cavity-preventive agents
• Making casts of teeth and temporary crowns
• Maintaining patients' removable dental appliances
• Educating patients on dental hygiene and postoperative instructions
• Scheduling appointments and greeting patients
• Maintaining patient records and protecting health information
• Billing and receiving payments
• Ordering supplies, tracking inventory and stocking

In some states, dental assistants with specific training and experience can perform restorative dentistry functions, coronal polishing, etc. Almost half of dental assistants work part-time or on variable schedules.

Dental Assistant Degrees and Dental Assistant Schools

Although many dental assistants learn on the job, some community colleges and vocational schools offer dental assistant programs that last about one year and award certificates or diplomas. Two-year associate's degree programs are also available through these schools. A high school diploma or equivalent, plus certain pre-requisite courses in science and computers are usually required.

Programs that meet industry standards are accredited through the American Dental Association (ADA)'s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduation from an accredited program is required for certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), which is required for licensure in some states. Employers prefer graduates from accredited programs.

Dental Assistant Classes

Students in dental assistant programs balance classes, lab time and supervised practical experience. Classes usually include:

• dental terminology and basic anatomy
• dental procedures and theory
• nutrition and preventive dentistry
• disease transmission and pathology
• pharmacology and radiology
• names of instruments and use of equipment
• communication and patient interaction
• medical office administration and record keeping

Online Dental Assistant Classes and Programs

There are online dental assistant educational programs, which offer a convenient way to enhance or supplement on-the-job training. It is important to verify that any online program is accredited through the ADA and the Accreditation Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

Dental Assistant Requirements

Educational programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and some pre-requisite courses for admission.

In some states, there are no requirements for dental assistants. Employers often provide on-the-job training, so typically a high school diploma or equivalent is expected. They often prefer to hire dental assistants who are certified through the DANB. This certification is required for licensure in some states, and graduation from an ADA-accredited program is one of the requirements for gaining certification.

How to Evaluate Dental Assistant Schools

Aspiring dental assistants should consider asking the following questions when evaluating educational programs:

• Emphasis and focus - Does the program provide comprehensive training for the different roles dental assistants occupy? Is preparation for the Licensed Registered Dental Assistant exam heavily emphasized?
• Accreditation and location - Is the school in a location where the student plans to work after school? Is it accredited through the ADA, and, if online, the DETC?
• Class structure and practical experience - What is the student-teacher ratio in most classes? Does the program include substantial supervised practical experience?
• Admission requirements - What are the minimum requirements for admission, such as prerequisite courses or a high-school diploma?
• Tuition and financial aid - What resources are available to students seeking student loans, scholarships and grants?
• Graduate success - In previous years, how many graduates tested for and were awarded certification at graduation? How frequently did internships turn into employment?

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