Dental Assistant Training
Schools by State for This Career
Career Highlights
Training generally required for this career includes: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
| Jobs and Salary | |
|---|---|
| Median Salary (2008) | $32,380 |
| Unemployment Vs. Other Jobs | Very Low |
| Jobs (2006) | 280,000 |
| Job Growth (2006-2016) | 29.2% |
| Jobs (2016 forecast) | 362,000 |
| Flexibility | |
|---|---|
| Working Part-Time | 36% |
| Self-Employed | 0% |
| Education of Current Workers | |
|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree or Higher | 9% |
| Some College | 58% |
| High School or Less | 34% |
What Kind of Person Has This Career?
(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)
| Important Natural Abilities | |
|---|---|
| Oral Comprehension |  |
| Oral Expression | |
| Speech Recognition | |
| Work Values | |
|---|---|
| Relationships |  |
| Organizational Support | |
| Pleasant Working Conditions |  |
| Areas of Personal Interest | |
|---|---|
| Following Instructions | |
| Hands-On Physical Work | |
| Working And Communicating With People |  |
| Work Style Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Dependability |  |
| Concern For Others | |
| Cooperation | |
Which Skills and Knowledge are Needed for this Job?
(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)
| Important Personal Skills | |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | |
| Reading Comprehension | |
| Speaking | |
| Important Professional Knowledge | |
|---|---|
| Medicine And Dentistry | |
| Customer And Personal Service | |
| English Language | |
Which Activities and Situations Are Involved in Doing The Job?
(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)
| Common Work Conditions | |
|---|---|
| Wear Common Protective Or Safety Equipment Such As Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, Or Life Jackets |  |
| Physical Proximity | |
| Contact With Others | |
| Common Job Activities | |
|---|---|
| Assisting And Caring For Others | |
| Performing For Or Working Directly With The Public | |
| Communicating With Supervisors, Peers, Or Subordinates | |
Tools and Technologies Used by Some
Dental Assistants
- Accounting Software
- Air Compressors
- Amalgam Carriers
Information Sources
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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.
Degrees and 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.
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 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).
Education and Employment 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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Example Job Titles
(Titles per survey respondents and career experts.)
- 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
Relevant Schools for This Career That Respond Quickly to Info Requests Through This Site
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