How to Become a Dental Assistant: The Complete Guide

How to Become a Dental Assistant: The Complete Guide
Cian
Last updated at September 30, 2021

Being a dental assistant can be rewarding. There is nothing more fulfilling than rendering a valuable service on behalf of others. And to add to people’s comfort and joy by helping to care for their teeth as well as their overall dental hygiene is indeed a joy in itself. For more on how to become a dental assistant, read on.

What is a Dental Assistant? What does their job consist of, and above all, what are the benefits they can reap from this noble profession?

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants are responsible for the clerical and laboratory duties in a dentist’s office. The duties of a DA can vary from state to state.

Dental assistants may, for example, help with adding sealants or fluoride to a patient’s teeth, they may also help with rinsing the patient’s mouth after a dental procedure has been performed. They may also help with removing plaque as well as taking a patient’s x-rays. They usually assist with these procedures in addition to doing the paperwork pertaining to the individual patient.

How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make?

According to Salary.com, the average Dental Assistant salary in the United States is $39,853 as of July 28, 2021, but the range typically falls between $35,342 and $44,219.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

It takes about 4-6 months to become a dental assistant.

How to Become a Dental Assistant

A person interested in learning more about the above profession must get some qualified training first. This means you will have to attend a school that offers a dental assistant program as part of its curriculum.

Usually, the best place to do that is by going to a vocation school that specifically highlights the duties of the above medical professionals, and the specific courses they will need to take in order to achieve their goal of being a DA.

Dental assistants have the option of being either taught offline or as some do, because of their busy schedules, online.

There are many such schools available to choose from, once the choice is made, the prospective DA will study the required courses, and if they successfully pass, they will either earn a Dental certification degree or a Dental degree, depending on the level of their proven skills or merits.

The time one wishes to achieve such degrees can depend on the extent that the student is willing to study and the length of time, which can be from 1 1/2 years or longer.

Sponsored Schools

  • South College , Online

    Location - Knoxville, TN, US 37909

    Since South College was founded in 1882, we have focused on serving students who want hands-on, career-driven education that will have a meaningful impact on their lives and livelihoods.More than a ce... Read More

    Programs
    AS Surgical Technology
    CERT Nuclear Medicine
    CERT Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    AS Health Science (Pre-Nursing)
    AS Health Science
    AS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    CERT Medical Assisting
    AS Medical Assisting
    AS Occupational Therapy Assistant
    AS Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy)
  • Keiser University , Online

    Location - Lakeland, FL, US 33805

    Since 1977, Keiser University has maintained a practical, hands-on approach to career-focused education to help our students achieve their personal and professional goals.  Our student-ce...

    Programs
    Bachelor of Science in Nursing (FastTrack)
    Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    Clinical Nutrition - Coordinated Program MS
    Exercise and Sport Science - Preprofessional Concentration, BS
    Exercise and Sport Science, BS
    Exercise and Sport Science, AS
    Physical Therapist Assistant, AS
    Radiation Therapy, AS
    Radiologic Technology, AS
    Nursing, MSN
  • Sullivan University , Online

    Location - Louisville, KY, US 40205

    Earn your degree from an accredited university by taking all of your classes online. Sullivan University Online delivers high quality online degree programs in an e-Learning environment that allows... Read More

    Programs
    Surgical Technology
    Limited Medical Radiography Diploma
    Nursing
    Practical Nursing Diploma
    Radiologic Technology
  • The College of Westchester , Online

    Location - White Plains, NY, US 10606

    At The College of Westchester Online Division, you'll experience a real-world education that will help you start a new career or enhance your present position.

    Programs
    Medical Assistant Specialist - Certificate
    Healthcare Services Administration - Bachelor's
    Health Information Specialist - Certificate
    Medical Office Specialist - Certificate
    Medical Assistant Management - Associate
  • Southern Careers Institute , Online

    Location - Harlingen, TX, US 78550

    Southern Careers Institute has maintained a tradition of career training for over 50 years.  In that time we have trained students the professional skills necessary to gain employment in their lo... Read More

    Programs
    Medical Assistant
    Medical Office Specialist
    Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
  • Wichita Technical Institute , Online

    Location - Wichita, KS, US 67213

    We've been producing top graduates for more than 50 years! WTI's success and longevity is due to its commitment in providing its students with the latest information and technology. It do... Read More

    Programs
    Pharmacy Technician
    Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
    Medical Assistant
  • Platt College Los Angeles , Online

    Location - Anaheim, CA, US 92806

    Since our opening in 1985, Platt College Los Angeles, LLC has been dedicated to the principle that education is the foundation for personal and professional growth, and that students should have the o... Read More

    Programs
    Medical Assisting
    Medical Administrative Specialist
  • Career College of Northern Nevada , Online

    Location - Sparks, NV, US 89434

    Invest in Your Life with CCNN Career College of Northern Nevada will equip you with the training you need to succeed. Do you want to complete your diploma or degree program quickly? If so, CCNN... Read More

    Programs
    Health Information Management
    Clinical Medical Assistant

What Are The Job Prospects for a Dental Assistant?

The job prospects of a dental assistant are excellent; they are usually in high demand by the dental profession. They are indeed an invaluable aid to dentists as they perform their work.

Find a Program