Becoming a Dental Assistant: Education, Skills, Programs

A Dental Assistant: Education, Skills, Programs & More

Dental assistants serve a variety of roles in a dentist or dental specialist's office, depending on the specific office and the licensing requirements in the state. Job responsibilities vary from taking x-rays and dental molds to billing and ordering supplies.

U.S. News & Reports ranks dental assistant as #7 in a list of Best Jobs Without a College Degree and #12 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs. The median salary is $40,080, but the highest earners can make as much as $52,000. It’s also a fast-growing industry: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow by 19% from 2016 to 2026.

Dental assistant jobs require a combination of technical skill, administrative skill, and people skills. Dental assisting provides a challenging and rewarding career for those who choose to pursue it.

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Dental Assistant Education & Training Requirements

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Skills Required to Be a Dental Assistant

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Dental Assistant Training: Coursework & Clinical Training

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Online Certificate in Dental Assisting

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Top Dental Assisting Programs

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist
- According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.
  
  If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.
  
  If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you've received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.
  
  DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.
  
  The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.
  
  You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

How to Get Into a Dental Assistant Program

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Getting Certified as a Dental Assistant

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

Getting a Dental Assistant Job

According to the American Dental Association, dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination to evaluate their knowledge and expertise in the dental assistant field. Generally, aspiring certified dental assistants take the Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

If your training program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as described above, you can take the exam directly after finishing the program.

If your program is not CODA-accredited, or you’ve received on-the-job training rather than a formal program, you can take the CDA exam after completing two years of full-time work as a dental assistant.

DANB also offers a variety of other certifications, some of which don’t require completing a CODA-accredited program. For instance, the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is for dental assistants just joining the workforce and requires less training than is required for the CDA.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers exam prep materials, as does its affiliate, the DALE foundation. There are many free resources available to help you prepare for your dental assistant exams: look online for free or affordable test prep materials to help you prepare.

You don’t necessarily need to become certified in order to work as a dental assistant: there are a variety of entry-level or assistant positions that require less training. Each state varies in what is required to begin work as a dental assistant, so check your state’s requirements and consider what kind of position is best for you.

More About Careers

New Orthodontic Residency Graduates

you’re a brand-new orthodontist who recently graduated or is about to graduate. You’ve put in the work, passed all the tests, and threw your cap into the sky to finally call yourself an orthodontist. But you’re left with a question that haunts every new graduate – now what? It can be daunting for new orthodontists to try and navigate the confusing landscape of being a standalone professional running their own business, which is why many graduates opt to join group practices.

Dental Office Manager

Orthodontic office managers are responsible for a wide array of tasks in their day-to-day operations. Like office managers in any industry, orthodontic office managers play a pivotal role in many different aspects of an office – but they also have unique duties related to the field of orthodontics.

Orthodontist

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. In fact, orthodontists receive specialized training that makes them uniquely suited to the art of straightening teeth. To become an orthodontist requires 2-3 more years of education before acquiring a certification in orthodontic care.

Dental Assistant Career

Dental assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks in the dental or dental specialist’s office. The job responsibilities vary depending on the office, the certification requirements of the state, and the training and certification level of the individual assistant.

Dental Assistant Interviews

Landed an interview for your dream dental assistant job? Congrats! Now the question is – how do you ace the interview? Luckily, we’ve got answers. This article will teach you everything to expect at an interview for a dental assistant job, and how to answer every question like a pro.

Dental Hygienist Career

Dental hygienists serve a critically important role in the dental office or dental specialist office. Registered dental hygienists support dentists and specialists in a wide variety of daily procedures and patient care, and collaborate with the rest of the dental team to provide excellent care to their patients.

Dental Hygienist Interviews

Looking to stand out at your dental hygienist interview? These tips can help! In the guide below you’ll get specific advice on interviewing for a dental hygienist job – plus, you’ll find example answers and advice for common questions you’re likely to be asked during your interview.

Dentist Career

Interested in a career as a dentist? Great choice! The road to becoming a dentist is a long one, with a great deal of competitive training and expensive education. However, if you make it through dental school, being a dentist is a very enjoyable career: dentists enjoy high salaries, great work-life balance, and a flexible, rewarding job environment.

Dentist Interviews

You’ve made it through dental school, you passed your board exams – now, it’s time to get a job! Acing a job interview definitely isn’t the hardest part of becoming a dentist, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare.

Dental Treatment Coordinator

Treatment coordinators are an important part of the orthodontic or dental care team. They perform a wide variety of roles to support patients and their families through the dental treatment experience and manage communication and cooperation between patients, doctors, and support staff.

Orthodontic Assistant

Orthodontic assistants, like dental assistants, support the orthodontic team in a variety of tasks. They work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with a hard-working team of other dental professionals. If you’re quick on your feet, enjoy a social environment, and like working on a team, then a career in orthodontic assistant may be the right job for you!

Orthodontic Assistant Interviews

Once you’ve completed your dental assistant program and decided on a career in orthodontics, it’s time to start looking for a job! This guide can help you prepare for an interview in the orthodontic assistant industry, whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional.

Orthodontist Career

Becoming an orthodontist takes a great deal of time, money, and effort – but orthodontists consistently rate their career choice highly.

Orthodontist Interviews

It’s important to be prepared before any interview, to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. As Forbes notes, ahead-of-time research can make the difference between getting you the job and leaving you in the discard pile.