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Dental Assisting is a great career for someone who loves working with people and has a passion for oral healthcare! Although the education requirements vary from state to state, most dental assistants complete a one- or two-year dental assisting program and then pass a state-level exam.
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The Dental Assisting Profession
A dental assistant is a vital part of any dental team. They are responsible for patient care and comfort, as well as assisting the dentist in procedures. Dental assistants must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure. If you’re thinking about becoming a dental assistant, you’re probably wondering what education is required. Keep reading to find out.
What is a dental assistant?
A dental assistant is a trained professional who helps a dentist with various tasks related to patient care. Dental assistants typically work in the dental office, but may also work in other settings such as hospitals or clinics.
Dental assistants perform a wide variety of tasks, including taking x-rays, preparing patients for dental procedures, and providing post-operative care. They also may schedule appointments, sterilize instruments, and provide patients with information about dental care. In some states, dental assistants may administer local anesthesia and perform other tasks that require additional training.
Most dental assistants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as an associate’s degree in dental assisting. Many states also require dental assistants to be licensed or certified; requirements vary by state.
What are the duties of a dental assistant?
The duties of a dental assistant are both clinical and administrative. Depending on the state in which they practice, they may participate in the direct provision of dental care. Common clinical duties include taking patient medical histories, exposing and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), pouring and trimming study casts of teeth, applying cavity-preventive agents to teeth, assisting with management of dental emergencies, and providing postoperative instructions. Dental assistants also perform many office tasks such as scheduling appointments, receiving payments, handling insurance claims, and keeping treatment records.HHS.gov
What are the benefits of being a dental assistant?
A dental assistant career offers many benefits. Dental assistants are in high demand and the profession is expected to grow by 19% through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 As a dental assistant, you will have the opportunity to work in a healthcare environment with a flexible schedule and good pay.2 And, as dental practices move towards digital technology, you will have the opportunity to work with new equipment and procedures.
In addition to these general benefits, dental assisting provides specific advantages. Dental assistants:
Have opportunities to work in a variety of settings. Dental assistants can find employment in private dental offices, clinics, HMOs, hospitals, academia and research facilities.
Enjoy a wide range of duties. The duties of dental assistants are both clinical and administrative. Clinical duties may include taking x-rays, charting teeth, preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments and while administrative duties include scheduling appointments and maintaining records. Many dental assistants also teach patients how to care for their teeth.
Work as part of a team. Dental assistants work closely with dentists and other members of the dental team to provide quality care to patients.
Receive on-the-job training. Most dental assistants receive their training on the job from experienced dentists and dental assistants. Some states require that dental assistants complete an accredited training program before they can be licensed or registered.
Education and Training Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to work as a dental assistant. Some states require dental assistants to complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a state-recognized exam, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. Some states have no formal education requirements, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed a dental assisting program.
What education is required to be a dental assistant?
The majority of dental assistants have completed a formal education program. According to the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), about 75% of dental assistants hold at least some postsecondary education, with almost 60% holding an Associate’s degree or certificate. dental assisting programs are offered through community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. Some universities also offer degree programs in dental assisting.
A small number of states require dental assistants to be licensed, but most states do not. In states that do require licensing, licensure is usually administered by a state board of dentistry. requirements for licensure vary from state to state but generally include completion of an accredited dental assisting program and passing a written examination. Dental assistants who are not licensed may still perform certain duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
What training is required to be a dental assistant?
Training to become a dental assistant usually takes one to two years, although some states require licensure. Most dental assisting programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools. Some programs award an associates degree upon completion, while others offer a certificate or diploma.
Dental assistants must complete a hands-on training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Classroom instruction covers topics such as dental anatomy, infection control, radiation safety, and dental materials. Clinical experience gives students the opportunity to practice dental assisting skills under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
After completing a training program, dental assistants can pursue voluntary certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To be eligible for certification, candidates must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam and the DANB Infection Control (IC) Exam. Certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking additional exams or completing continuing education courses.
What are the certification and licensure requirements for dental assistants?
Dental assistants in the United States must be licensed in order to work. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but most states require completion of an accredited dental assisting program and passing of a written examination. Some states also require passing a practical examination.
The Dental Assisting Job Market
Dental Assisting is a career that has been growing in popularity in the United States. The job market for Dental Assistants is expected to grow by 19% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This guide will outline what education is required to be a Dental Assistant, in addition to highlighting job outlook and potential earnings in this career field.
What is the job outlook for dental assistants?
The job outlook for dental assistants is favorable. Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 Dental assistants with formal education and certification will have the best job prospects in this occupation.2
As the population continues to age, there will be an increased demand for preventive dental services, which are often provided by dental assistants. In addition, as dentists expand their practices to include more cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, they will require more assistants to complete these procedures.3
Dental assistants held about 375,500 jobs in 2019. Most of these workers were employed in private dental offices or clinics.4
While most dental assistant jobs require only on-the-job training or a postsecondary nondegree award, some states require workers to have completed an accredited dental assisting program and/or passed a state-level examination before they can perform certain tasks, such as applying sealants or taking X-rays.5
Completing a formal training program and earning voluntary credentialing can improve job prospects for applicants.6
What are the average salaries for dental assistants?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as of May 2018, the average salary for dental assistants was $37,630 per year. The median salary (meaning the salary at which half of all dental assistants earned more and half earned less) was $36,940 per year. The lowest 10 percent of dental assistants earned less than $27,190 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,110 per year.
What are the top industries for dental assistants?
Dental assistants work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, hospitals, clinics, and public health facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 38 percent of dental assistants worked in dentists’ offices as of 2017. The next largest employing industries were as follows:
Offices of other health practitioners: 17 percent
Outpatient care centers: 11 percent
Offices of physicians: 4 percent
Elementary and secondary schools: 4 percent
Federal government: 3 percent
