Making the first step toward a career in dental assistance can take many forms. For some, it means earning a degree. For others, it may be finding the right job opportunity or simply being in the right place at the right time. There are also those who spend years honing their skills and gaining on-the-job experience before enrolling in a training program. This article will address the steps necessary to prepare for dental assistant school and help you determine what is best for you.
Find the Best Dental Assisting Program for You
The first step in becoming a trained dental assistant is to find the right program. Each state has at least one two-year college/university that offers an associate degree in dental assisting. Some states have more than one institution providing dental assistant education. These two-year programs prepare you to take the National Board Dental Assisting Examination. Upon successfully completing the examination and an internship, you are awarded a certificate and a diploma.
There are three routes you can take to become a registered dental assistant. They are:
- On-the-Job Training
If you live in a state that doesn’t have formal requirements, you could find employment without going into a dental assistant program. In this case, you can get on-the-job training to learn about different terminologies, instrument names, how to accomplish daily tasks, and how to interact with patients.
- Dental Assistant Certification
Certification programs are offered by dental schools, private dental clinics, and dental associations. Typically, these courses are offered in the evenings or on the weekend, and can be completed in a few months. These courses will not offer an associate degree, but you will get the training you need to get your certification.
- Dental Assistant Degree
Dental assistant degrees can be obtained through community colleges, vocational schools, and dental schools. These programs are much more in-depth than certification courses. They incorporate a wide variety of courses, including courses like dental anatomy, dental assisting skills, dental terminology, and dental assisting procedures.
Know the Prerequisites for Dental Assisting School
The steps for becoming a dental assistant can be broken down into several parts. The first step is to check your state’s requirements for becoming a dental assistant.
Each state will have its own regulations and requirements. For example, some states require you to complete a formal training course while others will accept you if you have completed on-the-job training.
Here are some requirements you may need to complete to get into dental assisting school:
- Career planning session and admissions interview
- Proof of high school education or equivalent
- Entrance assessment test
- Admissions application
- Enrollment agreement
- Financing arrangements
There are also steps you will need to take if you plan on attending an institution that offers a degree in dental assisting.
Get a Career in Dental Assisting
Dental assisting is a rewarding career. Between its excellent salary and the fact that the job market is growing, this is a career that is not going away anytime soon. For those passionate about working with people and interested in this career, dental assisting is a great choice.
Northwest Suburban College offers accredited dental assistant programs. We are a college near Schaumburg, IL. Call today for more information about our programs.
