Dental Assisting Schools and Programs

Employment opportunities in the health care industry should remain strong between 2006 and 2016. Seize the moment and consider pursuing a career as a dental assistant.

How to become a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists. Depending on the dentist and the laws of the state in which you work, you may perform a variety of tasks ranging from greeting patients, to keeping patient records, sterilizing equipment, taking x-rays, performing laboratory tasks, and assisting the dentist chair-side. Note that dental assistant and dental hygienist are two distinct job functions, and in most states, the job positions have different training and licensure requirements. The vast majority of dental assistants work in dental offices, although some work in doctor's offices and for governmental agencies. About 35 percent of dental assistants work part-time, sometimes in more than one office.

Career Outlook for Dental Assistant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the field of dental assisting is projected to expand by 29 percent between 2006 and 2016, making it one of the fasting growing of all occupations. As of May 2008 there were more than 293,000 dental assistants working in the U.S.

Dental Assistant Compensation

The median annual wage for dental assistants as of 2008 was $32,389. The lowest 10 percent of dental assistants earned a median annual wage of $22,270, while the top 10 percent earned a median annual wage of $46,150. States in which dental assistants earn the most are (in order): Alaska, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Connecticut.

Dental Assistant Education

Educational requirements vary from state to state. In a few states no formal degree or certificate is required, with assistants learning on the job. However, most states do have certification, registration, or licensure requirements. Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is recognized or required in more than 30. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer the training required by your state. Before investing in training, be sure to check your state's Web site for requirements specific to where you intend to work.