Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Dental Assistant

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$40,770

education graphic

EDUCATION

1-2 years post-secondary training

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Health Science cluster Therapeutic Services pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

One to two years post-secondary training

There are several possible paths to becoming a dental assistant. Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. In other states, there are no formal educational requirements and dental assistants learn through on-the-job training.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Dental assistants complete their training through one of two routes. Some are trained on the job. Others attend training programs.

Dental-assisting programs are available through community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes or through the Armed Forces.

Licensed certified dental assistants must meet a continuing education requirement to maintain their licenses.

"It's also important to have CPR skills," says Lois Parento. She's the president of the California Dental Association. Parento advises those interested in a dental assistant career to study science, office practice and computerized bookkeeping.

Dental assistants must be caring and compassionate. They must have good communication skills and a good work ethic. They must be good with their hands.

Computer skills are important. "We work with digital things like digital radiography and digital impressions," said Parento. "Computer skills are a necessity for today's student."

In some locations, speaking a second language is helpful. Parento says Spanish-speaking dental assistants are needed in California.

Marlene Robinson is the executive director of a dental association. She would like to see all dental assistants become credentialed. "It's a public safety issue," she points out. Certified dental assistants practice infection control. They perform tasks that could put both themselves and the public at risk if not done correctly.

Many dental assistant associations are actively lobbying government to make credentialing a requirement.

Extra Requirements

States typically do not require licenses for entry-level dental assistants. Some states require dental assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified for entry or advancement. For example, states may require assistants to meet specific licensing requirements in order to work in radiography (x ray), infection control, or other specialties. For specific requirements, contact your state's Board of Dental Examiners.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.