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Dental Assistant Training Summary
In the past it was not uncommon for some dentists to employ someone with no previous job experience and train them to be a dental assistant; however that is fairly uncommon these days. Normally, now, if you want to become an assistant you should apply for a training course in order to secure a high-paying position once your training is over.
There are several different institutions offering training. You can sign up for formal classes at many community and vocational colleges, at dental schools and some universities. It is also possible to do part time studying or to take an online course, however the online courses will not offer any clinical training. A typical course will take anywhere from around nine to twelve months to complete. It is usually recommended that you study with an accredited school or college as that will make it much simpler and easier for you to become certified–something that is fairly essential these days if you are aiming for top paying positions.
Typically, you will study subjects such as basic dental science, office management, first aid and CPR, dental radiology and laboratory procedures and how to assist a dentist while they are working on a patient. There are often other additional courses offered which can be signed up for at the same time, or studied at a later date.
If you are not sure that you can afford to take this course, you do not have to worry unduly–there are several organizations that offer grants and scholarships such as the American Dental Association. It is also possible to apply for federal aid, such as Pell grants, or Stafford loans. In other words, financial restraints do not have to hinder you from pursuing this career as there are funding possibilities available.
You can sign up for a certificate or diploma, or if you are prepared to study for up to two years you can also receive an Associate’s degree. With the associate’s degree you will study subjects other than those pertaining to dentistry and any credits gained can later be used towards your Bachelor’s Degree. Once your training is completed you will be eligible to take a CDA examination providing you studied at an accredited institution. For those who did not study at an accredited college or who received on-the-job training instead, two years work experience is required before being able to take the examination.