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Dental Assistant Training and Educational Requirements
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Dental assistants or chairside assistants, as they are sometimes known, are expected to enjoy outstanding job prospects in the future. Job opportunities in the dental assisting field, in fact, are expected to be some of the best during the Bureau of Labor’s 2004-2014 projected job period.
Education
The American Dental Association (ADA) accredits 265 dental assisting programs around the country. These programs are offered by technical institutes, community and junior colleges or trade schools and generally last a year or less. To apply you’ll need a high school diploma or it’s equivalent. Science or computer-related experience is also helpful.
Dental Assistant programs offer you solid educational training as well as practical hands-on experience in clinics or dental offices. Practical experience is emphasized, with a significant amount of hands-on training, to make sure you are ready to begin work with confidence and the skills you need.
Certification
Most states regulate the tasks that dental assistants can do through licensure or registration. The requirements for Dental Assistant registration vary state to state but likely will mean passing a written or practical exam.
Recognized in more than 30 states, certification offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) meets standards required for chairside assistants to perform more complex duties like taking patient x-rays. To qualify for DANB certification you must have graduated from an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited program or meet specific on-the-job experience requirements.
Certification as a Dental assistant is recognition of your training and professional capability and will be of assistance wherever you seek employment.
Next: Employment opportunities for dental assistants
Are you interested in a career as a dental assistant? Click here for a list of schools offering dental assistant training.