Dental Assistant

The Dental Assisting Program Career Path

Dental assistants are responsible for patient care in the office and laboratory. By completing an accredited dental assistant program, future dental assistants are prepared for how to sterilize and disinfect dental equipment, obtain patient dental records, and make appointments for clients and future dental work.

Dental assisting colleges also train dental assistants by preparing them for dentist’s treatment and generally ensuring a patients comfort. The dental assistant works alongside the dentist or orthodontist during treatment, providing aid and amenities; they need to master the use of a range of complex dental instruments to accomplish this. During the final stages of treatment, they ensure the patients continued care by instructing on postoperative and general oral healthcare.

If this sounds like a career choice that you may want to consider, peruse the resources which identify dental assistance programs, typically provided by online and campus colleges which specialize in the field.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage of a dental assistant in 2008 was approximately $32,000. Dental assistants earn between the range of $27,000 to $46,000- depending on experience, education and location. The Dental Assisting National Board has recently reported that 86 percent of Certified Dental Assistants also receive paid vacation and other benefits from their employers.

Training and Qualifications

Dental assistance programs are available from community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, online colleges or the Armed Forces. Dental assisting colleges like Miller Motte provide accredited dental assistance programs that take a year to complete. Dental assistants may choose to acquire a State license or certification to perform more advanced procedures, though there is no formal education or training requirements in most States.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved 281 dental assistance programs in 2009. Laboratory, preclinical instruction and related theory are provided in an accredited dental assistant program. One year programs offer a certificate or diploma and two year programs offer an Associate Degree or equivalent.

Additional certifications as a radiology technician may be required due to the risks involved to the dental assistant and patient. The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, administrated by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), is recognized in 37 States as a formal certification organization. DANB certification is typically from a CODA-accredited dental assistant program with 2 years of full-time, or 4 years of part-time, experience as a dental assistant.

Job Outlook

Employment growth for dental assistants is considered faster than average, with job prospects across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 36% growth rate in the 2008-2018 decade, one of the highest of all occupations in the country. Scholarships are readily available for potential students in the field, owing to increased demand for their services.

Population growth, the retention of natural teeth in middle-aged and older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care in younger generations all contribute to this rapid growth. Older dentists, who were less likely to employ assistants, are leaving the field and will be replaced by recent graduates that are trained to offer services with assistance.

Advancement

Advancement for dental assistants is limited without additional certification. Dental assisting colleges may provide the educational training needed to pursue careers as office managers, dental assistant program instructors, dental product sales representatives, or insurance claim processors for dental insurance agencies. Most dental assistants continue with the same job title and earn increased pay based on years of experience.

Learn More

To learn more about dental assisting colleges and accredited dental assistance programs, fill out the following form for information. You can also check out how dental assistants fit in on the Top 10 In-Demand Healthcare Careers.