Required courses in a dental assistant degree program will give you the laboratory, patient-related and office skills you'll need to become a dental assistant. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll in a degree program. Read this article to learn more about the required classes in these programs.
Program Overview
Dental assistant degree programs are available at the associate's level and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The Commission on Dental Accreditation had certified more than 300 dental assistant training programs as of 2017. In these programs, students learn how to prepare patients for surgery and appointments. They also learn how to take and process x-rays. Hands-on training covers how to sterilize and disinfect instruments. You will also learn the basics of dental care, including oral anatomy, instructing patients in oral care, periodontics, pedodontics and endodontics. These programs also prepare you for office duties, including organizing dental records, processing insurance claims and ordering supplies.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutDentalAssistantPrograms">Important Facts About Dental Assistant Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Degree/Certificate Levels </td><td> Postsecondary non-degree award</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> None</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Blended</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Oral surgery assistant, orthodontic technician</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---RequiredCourses">Required Courses</h3><p>In addition to taking courses on dental assisting topics, you may also take general education courses and learn about business. Some courses in these associate's programs may include:
</p><ul><li>Dental terminology
</li><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Radiography
</li><li>Chairside assisting techniques
</li><li>Computer applications
</li><li>Dental materials
</li><li>Practice management
</li></ul><p>These programs usually also include seminars or clinical externships in which you practice your skills and gain hands-on experience.
</p><h3 id="section---LicensingAndCertification">Licensing and Certification</h3><p>The certification required for dental assistants varies by state. Although some states don't require credentialing, several states recognize or require the certification given by the Dental Assisting National Board. Dental assistants must hold CPR certification and have completed a dental assistant degree program or have two years of work experience to be licensed.
</p><h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalary">Career Outlook and Salary</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of jobs for dental assistants to increase 8% from 2021-2031. Many dental assistants are reimbursed for their continuing education and go on to become dental hygienists or dentist office managers. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for dental assistants was $38,660 in 2021. Benefits such as healthcare and retirement funding can add to compensation.</p>
