Dental Assistant Degrees
Looking to pursue a dental assistant degree? It’s important to make sure you do your research and decide on a path that’s right for you. Dental assistant positions are one of the fastest-growing positions in the health care industry and provide a challenging and diverse work environment. While most states don’t require formal training (most dental assistants receive on-the-job training), just about all employers require some form of training.
There are several ways to receive dental assistant training. Dental assistant degrees include:
- Certificate/Diploma – As of 2009, the Commission on Dental Accreditation had approved 281 dental assistant programs in the United States. These programs take about a year to complete and consist of general dental education and laboratory and clinical instruction.
- Associate’s – Many community and junior colleges offer a two-year dental assistant degree. The first year will consist of common dental terminology, anatomy, and basic patient care. The second year of the program typically consists of hands-on experience and clinicals. This will be the time to learn how to operate the basic equipment and deal with patients.
- Certification – While most states don’t require dental assistant licensure, some do require it for the assistant to perform expanded functions or radiological procedures. The Certified Dental credential is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and is recognized or required in thirty-seven states. Check your state’s rules for being a dental assistant before applying for certification.