Dental Assistant Schools

Last Updated November 27, 2024

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A dental assistant trade school can prepare you to become a valued and skilled professional who goes the extra mile in patient care to make a real difference.

Your education can prepare you for a multifaceted job that involves patient care, office, and lab duties. Successful completion of your program can allow you to become the vital link between the dentist and the patient. You will learn how to help make a patient feel comfortable, prepare them for their treatment, obtain their records, and assist the dentist as they may need it.

Formal training in dental assisting can also lead you to excellent job opportunities. To begin working toward a great career, find a dental assistant training program offered at one of the schools listed below or use our search tool to find a school near you.

How to Become a Dental Assistant

Depending on the state where you work and the duties that you wish to perform, dental assistant training requirements for work may state that you need to:

• Take a state-mandated course in radiology and pass a written or practical exam before you can take X-rays.

• Take other state-mandated courses for different sets of expanded functions.

• Earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation by passing the national exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). One way to become eligible for this exam is to complete a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

• Register with or obtain a license from your state, which sometimes involves an exam.

• Complete ongoing continuing education courses to maintain your dental assistant certification.

Although each state has its own requirements and applies things differently, one designation is recognized in most states: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Here are a few facts about the CDA designation:

• It is earned by successfully passing the national CDA exam that DANB administers.

• The most common pathway to taking the CDA exam involves completing or expecting to complete a CODA accredited dental assistant program.

• You must be certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to qualify for the exam.

• CDA certification requires keeping your education up-to-date, renewing your CPR certification, and paying annual dues.

In some states, being a CDA qualifies you to take X-rays and perform other expanded duties. In other states that recognize the CDA designation, you must also pass one or more state exams before being allowed to perform expanded functions.

How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant

The biggest part of determining how to become a CDA is considering your training options. The most common route to becoming a CDA is to seek formal training through a dental assisting program and prepare for the CDA exam. Depending on your specific program, some work experience may be required.

Benefits of Education

• Upon program completion, you will be eligible to take the CDA exam.
• Hands-on experience and quality training are valuable assets to any employer.
• The opportunity for advancement is readily available if you want to pursue expanded functions in dental assisting.
• You can enter your career field confident in the knowledge and skills you have to offer.

How Long is Dental Assistant Training?

Dental assisting programs tend to range in length, from a few months to one year. In terms of quality instruction, the longer programs generally offer the most comprehensive dental assisting training.

When choosing a dental assistant program, aim for one that incorporates classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, preclinical instruction, and a hands-on externship in an actual dental practice.

Many programs, such as those accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), are typically designed to take about nine to 11 months to complete.

Dental Assistant School Cost

School costs vary greatly depending on where you live and the program you choose. Total costs typically range from about $1,000 to $8,000. Look into what that cost includes, since it may include certification exam fees, uniforms, supplies, and more.

If you qualify, some programs can help you pay for school. The federal government offers several forms of financial aid (loans and grants). Many state governments also have programs designed to assist people who need to retrain for a new career.

In addition, some professional organizations offer dental assisting scholarships to qualified members.

Dental Assistant Training Program Curricula

Dental assistant programs can vary significantly in their curricula. The best programs typically include courses in theoretical dental knowledge, laboratory skills, and chairside skills. They also usually include at least one clinical externship (sometimes called an internship) for real-world practice and assessment.

Many programs offer classes in:

• Dental science
• Prevention and nutrition in dentistry
• Dental materials
• Dental office management
• Medical emergencies
• Infection control
• Chairside procedures
• Dental radiography
• DANB exam preparation and review

Benefits of a Dental Assisting Career

Here are a few of the positives associated with this job that you may not have even considered yet:

• Varied work: A wide variety of duties keeps the work interesting. Many dental assistants find their tasks both fun and challenging.

• Social interaction: Meeting new patients and different types of people can be entertaining.

• Abundant opportunities: Since there is high demand in this field, those with experience don't often have to worry about being out of a job.

• Flexible working options: Many people, especially those with families or other interests, find the flexibility of working part-time advantageous.

• Rewarding role: It can be gratifying to help people improve or maintain their oral health because it often significantly impacts their overall well-being.

Dental Assistant Earnings

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), in 2023, dental assistants earned the following annual salary:

• Entry-level: $35,470
• Median: $46,540
• Top: $61,060 or more

Typical hourly wages in private dental practices vary widely from state to state. This disparity is due, in large part, to differences in the cost of living. Employee benefits like paid vacation and health insurance also vary but are typically offered only to full-time employees.

As a dental assistant, you are likely to receive the best wages if you work in a specialty practice or have the education and certification to perform expanded functions within your state.

Job Outlook for Dental Assistants

The outlook for dental assisting is bright. It is among the fastest-growing occupations in America, and employment is expected to increase by eight percent from 2023 to 2033.

The career outlook for dental assistants is expected to continue to be excellent for a variety of reasons:

• America's population continues to grow
• Older people retain their teeth longer
• There is an increasing focus on preventive dental care
• New dentists are more likely than their predecessors to hire dental assistants with an education

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist: The Difference

A dental appointment rarely involves seeing only the dentist. Today, various professionals make oral healthcare possible, each with a valuable and distinct role. Dental assistants and dental hygienists work within dental practices under the supervision of a dentist. They may interact with many of the same patients, but their job duties differ.

• Dental assistant: A dental assistant is trained to assist a dentist at the chairside of patients and perform other duties related to patient care and office administration within a dental practice. Dental assistants work side by side with dentists, assisting primarily with corrective and restorative dental procedures. They provide support to dentists in duties such as using rinsing and suction tools, passing instruments, and ensuring that sanitary practices are maintained.

• Dental hygienist: A dental hygienist works with patients directly, primarily providing preventive dental care by cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth, and probing the teeth and gums for any signs of disease that need to be checked out by a dentist. Dental hygienists also help educate patients on proper daily dental care. Dental hygienist training typically takes two to three years to complete—longer than it takes to become a dental assistant.

Get Started!

As more people become aware of the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy smile, dental assisting will become even more in demand. Learn how you can prepare to pursue a career as an important part of a dental team. Enter your zip code into the search tool below to find a dental assistant program near you.