Dental Assistant Career - Dental Assistant Schools

Becoming a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants have one of the most diverse and interesting of all positions in a dental office. Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.

Dental assisting involves personal contact, and with this personal interaction come the personal satisfaction of knowing you’ve really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service.

Dental assistants are among the fastest growing healthcare careers with a projected need for 226,000 more dental assistants nationwide through 2016, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. Since many dentists employ two or more dental assistants, Dental assisting is a career that will always be in demand!

The dental assistant takes on a significant responsibility as a member of the dental health care team. Assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team. If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with your hands, and want a career with responsibility, dental assisting is for you.

What Do Dental Assistants Do?

A career as a dental assistant offers many challenges. In addition to assisting the dentist during a variety of procedures, other specific tasks dental assistants may perform include taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), sterilizing instruments and equipment, and taking impressions of patients teeth. Although state regulations vary, some specific tasks dental assistants may perform include:

• assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
• asking about the patient’s medical history and taking their blood pressure and pulse
• serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling)
• teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., toothbrushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling)
• taking impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
• assisting with and helping to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery

Where Do Dental Assistants Work?

Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in which to work. The annual salary for Dental Assistants was $31,550 as of 2007, with higher pay for those with degrees. The types of practice settings available to dental assistants include

• Dental practices of all types
• Public health, schools, and clinics that offer preventative dental services and teaching
• Dental school clinics
• Hospitals, where dental assistants assist in treatment of bedridden patients
• Insurance companies, evaluating and processing dental claims
• Manufacturers, as dental product sales representatives
• Technical institutes, community college dental schools, and universities, teaching others to be dental assistants

Formal Education for Dental Assistants

The best way to become a dental assistant is through formal education. Certificate Dental assisting programs can usually be completed within 9 to 11 months, while Associate degree programs in Dental Assisting generally take about two years. Earning an Associate degree in Dental Assisting opens the door to wider career opportunities, and provides a path towards higher education should you decide to continue your dental education towards a Dental Hygienist degree at a later time. Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting school also assures your eligibility to become nationally certified, and be able to belong to professional associations.

Dental assistants can become certified by passing an exam. The most preferred national certification test is the Dental Assisting National Board`s (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination. Assistants are eligible to take the CDA exam if they have completed a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Train To Become A Dental Assistant

Secure Your Future with a Dental Assisting Career!
Explore accredited Dental Assistant schools and request additional information about requirements, tuition, financial aid, and start dates directly from schools offering programs that match your interests:
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Find Dental Assisting Programs Near You

Illinois School of Health Careers

Campus

Look no further than Illinois School of Health Careers to give you the training you need to excel in Health Care.

Programs:

• Dental Assistant
• Patient Care Technician
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Portland
Concord
Honolulu
Hayward
Stockton
Salida
Fresno
Milpitas
Rancho Cordova
Salinas
Roseville
San Francisco

Daymar Institute

Campus

We Change Lives... One Person At A Time®. We offer certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs for careers in a variety of fields, including medical, criminal justice, computer technology, and business.

Programs:

• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting - Administrative Track

Campus Locations:

Clarksville

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Dental Assisting
• Certificate in Dental Assisting
• AS in Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

San Jose
Antioch
San Leandro
Citrus Heights
Pomona
Stockton
Pleasant Hill
Sacramento
Emeryville

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Dental Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Ontario
Anaheim

American Career Institute

Campus

There's no better time than right now to become a medical professional, and American Career Institute can help launch your career. Free job placement assistance for graduates.

Programs:

• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Woburn
Springfield
Braintree
Cambridge
Framingham
Columbia
Silver Spring

Arizona College of Allied Health

Campus

Arizona College of Allied Health prepares students to work in the 'real world' of medicine. With the use of lecture and laboratory teaching, we provide our students with hands on experience.

Programs:

• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Show Low

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Dental Assisting
• Associate of Applied Science - Medical Assisting
• Diploma - Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Willowbrook
LA Puente
Bedford Park
Springfield
Chesapeake
Los Angeles
Kansas City
Aurora
Melrose Park
Bremerton
Fort Worth
San Bernardino
Milwaukee
Colorado Springs
Gardena
Anaheim
Reseda
Tacoma
Atlanta
San Francisco
Alhambra
Everett
San Jose
Renton
Hayward
Henderson
Salt Lake City
Arlington
Vancouver
Santa Ana
Earth City
Seattle
Newport News
Dallas
Portland
Denver
Torrance
Mc Lean

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Dental Assistant
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• Certificate: Nurse Aide

Campus Locations:

Lubbock
Arlington
Corpus Christi
Midland
Bakersfield
Clovis
Dayton
Fort Worth
Indianapolis
Stockton
Beaumont
Mcallen
El Paso
Charlotte
Las Vegas
San Antonio
Columbus
Phoenix
Laredo

Fortis Institute

Campus

Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs:

• Dental Assisting
• Dental Assistant

Campus Locations:

Pensacola
Orange Park
Mobile
Cuyahoga Falls
Smyrna
Columbia
Richmond
Scranton
Salt Lake City
Cincinnati
Montgomery
Wayne
Hyattsville
Dayton
Winter Park
Birmingham
Miami
Towson
Lawrence Township
Erie
Phoenix
Dothan
Mulberry
Indianapolis
Houston
Windsor Mill
Foley
Cookeville
Kingston
Baton Rouge
Grand Prairie
Houston
Tampa
Ravenna
Westerville
Nashville
Largo

Charter College

Campus

Prepare for a better career and a brighter future with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. Our small class sizes and dedicated instructors ensure a personalized education experience. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find the job that's right for you after graduation.

Programs:

• Dental Assistant
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Lancaster
Oxnard
Pasco
Bellingham
Vancouver
Canyon Country
Wasilla
Anchorage

Advantage Career Institute Inc.

Campus

Earn your certificate and start a new career with Advantage Career Institute. Certification programs include dental assisting with radiology, medical assisting with phlebotomy and EKG, and medical billing and coding with electronic health record.

Programs:

• DENTAL ASSISTANT WITH RADIOLOGY
• MEDICAL ASSISTANT WITH PHLEBOTOMY & EKG

Campus Locations:

Eatontown

Kaplan Career Institute

Campus

ICM School of Business & Medical Careers provides career-based degrees to students wishing to work in the fields of Business & Computers, Medical Services, Fashion, or Tourism.

Programs:

• Diploma: Dental Assistant
• Occupational Associate in Specialized Technology: Medical Assisting
• Diploma: Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Broomall
Nashville
Detroit
Cleveland

Everest Institute

Campus

Take your career to a whole new level with a degree from Everest Institute. Programs available in Accounting, Paralegal, Business Administration and more.

Programs:

• Dental Assistant(Diploma)
• Patient Care Technician (Diploma)
• Medical Assistant (Associate's)

Campus Locations:

Chelsea
Southfield
Dearborn
Grand Rapids
Brighton
Atlanta
Norcross
Bensalem
Austin
Houston
Kalamazoo
Marietta
South Plainfield
Silver Spring
Miami
Pittsburgh
Hialeah
Fort Lauderdale
Portland
Jonesboro
San Antonio
Saint Paul
Rochester
Detroit
charleston

All-State Career - Allied Health

Campus

All-State Career - Healthcare Division is committed to providing quality training for students just like you. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information

Programs:

• Expanded Function Dental Assisting
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Baltimore
Essington