How To Become A Dental Assistant

Step 1: Take Science Courses in High School

High school students who are interested in careers as Dental Assistants should take courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. These science courses are often prerequisites for enrolling in Dental Assisting programs. Along with taking science courses, ensure that you maintain a good GPA. Many programs require you to have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Some high schools also offer Dental Assisting programs. If available, completing a Dental Assisting program in high school can shorten the path needed to become a Dental Assistant.

Step 2: Enroll in a Certificate Program for Dental Assisting

Dental Assistants need at least a certificate in Dental Assisting from an accredited training program. The programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which has accredited about 250 programs in the United States.

Certificate programs are available through various vocational schools, technical schools, and community colleges. The programs typically last one year and lead to a certificate in Dental Assisting.

Step 3: Enroll in an Associate’s Program for Dental Assisting

An Associate’s degree program provides additional training compared to a certificate program. You are also likely to gain more clinical experience when completing an Associate’s program. Instead of one year, an Associate’s in Dental Assisting typically takes two years to complete. The program should also be accredited by the CODA.

Associate’s degrees for Dental Assistants provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for performing basic dental exams and teeth cleanings. They also learn how to maintain patients’ records and schedule appointments. Common courses include oral pathology, preventative dentistry, emergency medicine, radiology for dental assistants, dental materials, anatomy, and dental office management.

Step 4: Complete CPR Training and Certification

Many employers require Dental Assistants to have CPR certification. CPR certification courses are available through a wide range of facilities. You can often find courses at local schools, fire departments, hospitals, and locations maintained by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

Step 5: Look for Entry-Level Work as a Dental Assistant

Start looking for entry-level Dental Assistant positions. Employers typically look for candidates who are detail-oriented and well organized. Most states do not require licenses for entry-level Dental Assistants. In fact, there are no formal educational requirements for Dental Assistants in most states. However, most employers want candidates who have at least earned a certificate or Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting.

Step 6: Review the Licensing Requirements in Your State

While most states do not require licensing for Dental Assistants, the regulations vary. You are most likely to require a license for specialized areas of Dental Assisting, such as Radiology and Infection Control.

For example, New York and Alaska do not require specialized training for operating dental x-ray equipment. However, Dental Assistants in Florida need to become state-certified as Dental Radiographers through the Florida Department of Health. Some states may also require licensing for performing expanded duties, such as polishing. Licenses and certifications for Dental Assistants are typically handled through the Dental Assisting National Board or your state’s Board of Dental Examiners.

The licensing requirements often depend on the job duties of the Dental Assistant. In Texas, Dental Assistants may perform basic supportive procedures under the supervision of a Licensed Dentist. However, they require the completion of a training program approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

Even if there are no requirements in your state for Dental Assistants, becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) may increase your career prospects. The CDA credential is offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The CDA credential requires the completion of a CODA-accredited Dental Assisting program. This does not include high school Dental Assisting programs.

Students who complete a high school program may qualify for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification. The NELDA certification requires the completion of three exams. The exams cover anatomy, morphology, physiology, infection control, and radiation safety.

Step 7: Join a Professional Association

Joining a professional association dedicated to Dental Assistants provides access to a variety of useful resources. Dental Assistants may explore continuing education, job opportunities, networking, and the latest developments in the industry.

Many Dental Assistants join the National Dental Assistant Association (NDAA), which is an auxiliary organization of the National Dental Association (NDA). The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is another major professional association for Dental Assistants.