What Education is Required to Become a Dental Assistant?
A career as a dental assistant requires a high school diploma and either on-the-job training or graduation from a dental assistant training program. In some states, dental assistants must obtain certification. Read this article to learn about required education to become a dental assistant.
<h3 id="section---EducationOptions">Education Options</h3>
<p>Dental assistants work closely with dentists, but they require less training than dental hygienists. Most dental assistants receive on-the-job training; however, an increasing number are completing one-year dental assistant training programs. Even experienced dental assistants constantly receive on-the-job training in order to keep up with the latest dental technology and techniques.
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<p>The Commission on Dental Accreditation (<i>www.ada.org</i>) certifies over 250 education programs in dental assisting. During their training, dental assistants will learn:
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<ul><li>Dental terminology
</li><li>Instrument names
</li><li>Patient interaction
</li><li>How to perform office duties
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> High school diploma/equivalent; placement testing, immunization records, and background checks may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Online coursework available, but in-person internships/practicums are required</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees/Certificates</td><td> Undergraduate certificate or AAS in dental assisting</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Dental Radiography, Dental Office Administration, Chairside Techniques, and Dental Materials</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3>
<p>Some states require dental assistants to become certified through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB, <i>www.danb.org</i>). Certification through DANB requires either 3,500 hours of experience working as a dental assistant and a high school diploma or completion of a one-year dental assistant training program.
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<h3 id="section---SalaryInformationAndJobOutlook">Salary Information and Job Outlook</h3>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>) predicts that demand for dental assistants will grow by 8% between 2021 and 2031. In May 2021, the BLS reported that the median annual wage for dental assistants was $38,660. The majority of dental assistants work full-time; however, the BLS notes that some positions require assistants to work on weekends or evenings.</p>